II
"You'll be fine."
The words left Amidala's mouth with ease, even as she watched Obi-Wan's eyes narrow slightly. She straightened, irritation flaring.
"It's not me, M'lady. I'm worried about you…"
Dormé was near tears, worry warring with disapproval. She held more than enough emotion for the two of them. Amidala wanted to laugh at the handmaiden's worry, it was so misplaced.
"What if they realize you've left the capital?"
It happened quickly, so fast Amidala was left standing, stunned, her own words echoing in her mind.
"Well, then my Jedi protector will have to prove how good he is."
The smile felt awkward as Amidala pushed Padmé aside. For a moment, she felt Dormé's worry, the reality of it, the veracity of it. She stepped away. Anakin's eyes met hers, piercing and blue.
"Please don't look at me like that."
"Why?"
A piece of resistance broke away, fell into nothing.
Amidala did not notice, busy sliding back behind walls.