Masquerade

Padmè sighed and stood on one of the palaces many staircases, while she overlooked the party below. It was the first of many gatherings that had been organized to celebrate her recent election as Naboo's new queen. And yet while she was overwhelmingly happy at being able to help the people of her home planet, she couldn't help but wish that she didn't have to attend and host so many social events. It had been Padmè's mother, Jobal, who had suggested the idea of a masquerade ball, and originally Padmè had objected. But after some gentle persuasion, she had reluctantly agreed. Now she was thankful that her mother had interfered in her plans. No one in attendance knew what she was dressed as, and she was free to disappear for short intervals of time. Her heart nearly stopped when she turned to find someone standing near her on the landing. Stepping out of the shadows, she saw a young man standing behind her, grinning. He wore a mask across his eyes, wearing a tuxedo and cape.

"Good evening, Milady," He said bending down to kiss her hand.

Padmè knew she should be afraid and cautious, but her curiosity got the better of her.

"Who are you?" She asked, with a hint of flirtatiousness in her voice.

Her admirer grinned. "You mean you don't know? Now I'll make you guess." Padmè stamped her foot in impatient frustration. She batted her eyes at him sweetly. He laughed.

"Your feminine charms won't work on me. At least, not yet."

"Is that a challenge?" she fired back, desperate to find out who her mystery man was.

"Perhaps, Milady," he replied. He was unprepared for her hands to grab his hair, bringing his lips to hers. They kissed intensely, until she abruptly broke away.

"I…I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that," She said gasping for air. She turned to look at him, trying not to giggle at his swollen lips, covered in her lipstick. He smiled at her.

"It's alright, Milady. I shouldn't have been taunting you." He turned to leave, but she grabbed his hand.

"Milady?" He said, the visible part of his face contorting in confusion. She kissed him again, more forcefully this time.

"Come with me," she whispered breathlessly.

"Won't you be missed?" He asked as his hands roamed around her dress.

She giggled. "You're the only person who's recognized me all night." She reached up to remove his mask, but he stopped her.

"Milady, please," he whispered. She nodded before she kissed him deeply. She took his hand, and led him to one of the palace's many bedrooms…

Royal Palace- The next morning

Padmè opened her eyes, wincing at the harsh sunlight that poured through the window. The night's events raced through her mind, and she blushed furiously. She still didn't know who her lover was, as he had insisted on them both keeping the masks on. She turned her head, hoping to see if his mask had fallen off in the night. But the other side of the bed was empty.

Jedi Starfighter-Same Time

He knew that she didn't have any clue of who he was, but that didn't change the fact that he felt like a slime bag for leaving while she was still asleep. He had been in love with her forever, and now they were one. But for Anakin, it wasn't a one night stand that he wanted. Just making love to her wasn't enough. He wanted her to be his forever. But bound by the Jedi Code, he knew that wasn't an option. Anakin and Obi-Wan had been assigned by the Jedi Council to attend the Queen's party, for security reasons. Obi-Wan had been feeling ill, and had left early with the Council's permission, giving Anakin strict orders to keep an eye on the queen. And he had followed orders. Just not in the way that Obi-Wan would've liked. He couldn't help but grin at the look on Obi-Wan's face if he had ever found out what had occurred after the party. Anakin's thoughts turned to Padmè and he felt his heart ache. Padmè didn't deserve to be walked out on. But Obi-Wan had contacted him telling him that he needed to go back to Coruscant. It had broken his heart, but he knew that if Padmè were in his situation, she would do her duty. It still pleased him that she hadn't known who he was. The moment he stepped onto the Nubian space platform, he could sense her. It had been bliss to come back to the planet where his love lived. Padmè, I only hope you can forgive me. He jumped his fighter into lightspeed and sped away from Naboo.