Please check out my sister's story, The Sith Who Stole My Heart by ChristyGreen!

Korkie Kryze had never seen such a variety of people all together in his life.

Four Jedi Masters, two Jedi Knights, two Mandalorian soldiers, six female former Death Watch members, a teenage Seperatist senator, three Republican senators, the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic, the Vice Chair of the Republic, ten clone troopers, six Nubian women, a dark skinned Nubian man, a Gungan, and Korkie himself were in the Chancellor's office, come together to discuss the disappearance of his aunt, Master Kenobi, and the Senator Amidala.

The Chancellor steepled his seemingly lifeless fingers on his desk. "Master Jedi, what efforts have been made to find our dear, missing ones?"

Korkie raised an eyebrow, wondering if anyone else bought the false concern that seemed to radiate off of Palpatine.

One of the Jedi Masters, a dark skinned individual with dreadlocks and a yellow line across his nose, crossed his arms. "Both my and General Kenobi's men have been working full time to sweep the potential landing locations in Republic space. As of yet, the Seperatists and Neutral systems have not been cooperative in our efforts."

Senator Bonteri rose to his feet. "Master Jedi, the system of Onderon is willing to provide assistance in your search in Seperatist space. Even though we may be of opposite sides, the Duchess is my aunt, and was a great friend of my mother's. We will stop at nothing to see her returned home."

"A noble sentiment," Palpatine acknowledged. "But…"

"No buts, Chancellor," Night Owl leader Bo-Katan cut in. "My sister could be dying for all we know. Do you honestly think I'm going to sit around on my asteroid while you 'but'? To the seven sith hells with you, then." Seemingly careless that she had just insulted the Chancellor, Korkie's aunt turned to Lux. "You have the Night Owls full cooperation. Satine and I may not always have agreed, but I won't let her die."

Jedi Knight Ferus Olin stepped forward. "I will accompany you. It will be good to have a Jedi among the group, and I will not be easily recognized."

Bonteri nodded. "Thank you, Commander Kryze, Master Jedi. We will gratefully accept your help."

Seemingly miffed, the Chancellor sat back. "Senator…"

"As friends of the Senator Amidala, we have agreed to offer a bounty for the return Padmé and her colleagues alive," Senator Bail Organa interjected. The other two Senators, Senator Mothma and Senator Chuchi, nodded in agreement.

Two female Jedi Masters stepped forward, their faces solemn. "With the Chancellor's permission, we wish to be temporarily relieved of our duties in order to find the Ambassadors. The Republic has come to see them as a signal of hope, and their disappearance has caused a drop in morale. If we could bring them back, it will do much good for the Republic."

"Master Jedi, do you not think it would be more prudent to…"

"Granted," Jedi Master Windu interjected, cutting off the Chancellor. "Knight Eerin shall accompany you as well. She has experience in healing, which may be of service."

One of then Nubian women, who had a striking resemblance to the Senator Amidala, folded her hands together. "The government of the Naboo and the leaders of the Gungans have agreed to further Senator Organa's bounty."

Korkie stood, swallowing the rush of nerves at speaking to such a widely revered group. "On behalf of the New Mandalorians and of the ruling family of Stewjon, the Council of Neutral Systems have granted the Jedi full leave to search their systems to find the Duchess, Master Kenobi, and the Senator. Lady Adira Kiyo of Stewjon also wishes to be informed of all progress in the search for her son, and offers help in any capacity needed." He straightened. "I wish to also be allowed to know of the progress of the search. Both Master Kenobi and the Senator Amidala were close friends of my aunts, and I want to do everything in my power to ensure they are returned home safely."

Was it just him, or had a look of displeasure crossed Palpatine's face? "Very well. Meeting adjourned."

Finally, she was able to make her way from the masses.

A youngling ran past her, sending her thoughts back to the encounter a few days ago, at their fourth stop, in the province of Basra. There had been a woman there that was considered an outcast because she had conducted affairs with several of the married men of the village. The women and many of the men refused to trade with her, causing her family to starve. So she sent them out to beg, and if they couldn't get anything, to steal.

The people had rallied against her, demanding that she be put to death for her crimes. But her argument was simple and true. She had not been the one to commit the crimes, her children had, so she shouldn't be the one blamed. Anyway, if they put her to death, who would take care of the poor children?

She had no relatives, having lost her family in the war, so they were out. None of the townspeople were willing to be shackled with children of disgrace, even though it was undebatable that at least one of the men were their father. But no paternal instinct stirred to take care of the starving children, and every door was slammed in their faces.

The Master had been in favor of putting her to death, but he willingly conformed to Padme's arguments. With a warm kiss to her cheek and a whisper in her ear, he assured her that he trusted her wisdom, allowing her to make the decision that she wanted.

So she had bound the woman onto a Chaka and loaded the eight younglings into a cart, sending them back to the palace under the care of one of the bodyguards. The Master had simply laughed, ruffling her hair fondly.

Now, making her way to the Master, who was talking with the Leaders, she offered them a smile, slipping her arm through his. "I hope I'm not interrupting."

The trio bowed, the usual show of respect for Ami, while the Master simply gave her an amused smile. "Is my pet finished speaking to her loyal subjects?" He teased softly, his breath hot on her ear.

She felt the familiar tug of attraction, which only seemed to have grown since the first night of their journey. Most likely from the constant petting he lavished on her, always followed by a dose of charm and seduction. Not that he ever seemed willing to follow through with his promising gestures and tones.

Trying to ignore the warmth of his lips just mere inches away from her skin, she replied in the same teasing tone, "What, did you miss me, Master?"

A low growl rippled through his throat, catching her off guard. "Careful, my pet," he murmured. "Those who play with fire often get burned."

Heat flooded her as his lips brushed against her ear, his arm wrapping around her waist possesively.

One of the Leaders coughed, bringing their attention back to their audience, who were sharing knowing looks. "Master, Ami, it is late. We will leave you to retire."

The Master said something in a short, clipped tone, and the three quickly scattered to their own respective homes. Then, with his arm still around her waist, he began to lead her back to the dwelling the townspeople had set aside for them.

Padmé watched him, her eyes tracing every inch of the part of him she could see, then dropping to puzzle over all that she couldn't. Even through his robes, he was a mass of lean muscle. His hands, concealed by the black gloves, hid a hand as soft and gentle as her own, and one that could be so firm and strong as if it were made of durasteel.

But nothing hidden intrigued her as much as the face he hid behind the hood. For as long as she could remember, she had read people through their eyes. How adequately had the poet described them as 'windows to the soul'.

And yet, here were a pair hidden from her sight. Everything he said, did, thought, that might have been revealed through his eyes, was hidden from her.

So she focused on the lips.

Ridiculously pink, they were her only key to his emotions, and she fancied she was improving at reading them. The smiles, smirks, frowns, scowls; they all told of his emotions, though they were often so intricate it was impossible for her to decipher them.

It was only when her fingers brushed their velvety softness that she realized she had unconsciously brought her hand up to touch them. But before she could snatch them away, he was kissing the tips of each of her fingers, setting fire to nerve endings she never even knew she had.

"You're tired, my pet," he whispered huskily. "You should rest."

Every fiber in her being cried out for something more, but she resisted, choosing instead to nod obediently.

Silently, he led her to the single bedroom, identical to every other one she had stayed in on their trip. Though the fact that their was only one bed had bothered her initially, he had soon put her at ease by sleeping downstairs.

Now, however, she took her place in the soft bed with more than a little regret. The emptiness and loneliness wasn't new, but it never had been as acute as at that moment when he stepped away from her, leaving her feeling bereft.

In an instant, a decision was made.

"Please," she said softly, "stay."

He paused in his retreat, glancing over his shoulder. "What is it, my pet?"

Padmé swallowed, the full meaning of what she was asking sinking in. "Don't go," she muttered, unable to bring her voice above a whisper. "I'm lonely."

"No."

She looked up at him in surprise. "I'm not asking for sex with you," she elaborated, her cheeks heating. "I just want someone to… to sleep next to. It's chilly, and I sleep better with someone beside me."

"No," he repeated, harsher. Then, so quiet she had to strain her ears to hear him, he added, "not until I know…"

"Master?"

"Hush, my pet, and sleep."

Ahsoka was at her wits end.

Master still had a week before his return, and already so many things were going wrong.

Now, she spent every waking hour in the clinic, making sure the Jedi couldn't escape. Again. He'd already gotten out twice, though never getting farther than the lift.

But even that wasn't the worst part.

Every day, he asked to see the Duchess. And every day, she fed him some excuse, saying that the Duchess had come to see him while he was asleep.

He'd quickly caught on to her game, and had refused to sleep until her next visit.

Ahsoka had made up every excuse she could think of. All to hide the truth.

The Duchess didn't have the slightest idea he was even alive.

That, in and of itself was another weight on her shoulders.

With the Senator gone and nothing to occupy her time, the Duchess had slipped into a full fledged depression. Ahsoka had cursed herself for not noticing the symptoms earlier.

It had started simply enough. She began to take her meals in her rooms, understandably since she was all alone at the dining room table. But it hadn't been until the maid informed her that she hadn't gone for her morning swim in the gardens that Ahsoka had begun to suspect.

Now, for the fifth day in a row, the Duchess hadn't left her room. And according to the maid, she hadn't touched her food for the past three days.

Ahsoka was panicking.

She had told her Master once that the Duchess wasn't in good spirits, but he had merely told her to not worry, that she was probably still mourning Kenobi's death and that she would get over it. Then, he had asked her if he had been wrong, that perhaps she wasn't as capable as he had thought her to be. She had been quick to dissuade that notion.

Though she was regretting it now.

Balancing a tray of delicacies that Chantay, the cook, had prepared, she knocked on the door.

Soft footsteps crossed the room, and the door opened. The duchess's blue eyes widened when she saw Ahsoka, and she stepped aside.

If it hadn't been for the overwhelming grief that filled the room, Ahsoka wouldn't have been able to tell at a glance that the Duchess was mourning. Her skin was a shade paler, and there were dark circles under her eyes, but that was just from being inside all the time.

When she realized that the woman didn't seem inclined to speak to her, Ahsoka set down the platter on the table. "I brought you these. Tera said you hadn't been eating, so I thought I would find out why."

The Duchess ignored the food, settling back on her bed. "It is the custom of my people to fast for the last week of mourning."

Ah, so she was fasting. Ahsoka looked at the woman's slim figure skeptically. "Do you think that's healthy?"

She stiffened, her eyes cold. "Why would you say that?"

"I'm just saying, you haven't been eating much as it is," she explained. "It may not be best to refuse to eat in your… weakened… state."

"I understand exactly what you are saying," Satine said coldly. "Now, if you will excuse me, my lady…"

Surreptitiously, she tried to read the Duchess's mind, only to find nearly impenetrable walls surrounding everything except the anger directed at her.

So, she nodded and left the room.

Darkness had settled, and Padmé was just drifting off to sleep when she heard it.

Same as every night, the sound of the Master moving around quietly roused her. The door opened and closed, and footsteps came through the window.

Quietly, she pulled on her cape and padded barefoot out of the room and down the stairs. Two pallets were laid out on the floor, and the remaining guard occupied one, wearing nothing but his underwear as he snored softly. The Master's pallet, however, was empty,

Careful not to wake the sleeper, Padmé pushed open the door and stepped out onto the porch, closing the door behind her. Already, the Master was out of sight, but she could see the tower like house, beckoning to her.

As she crept through the village, feeling remarkably like a spy, Padmé's thoughts drifted to Anakin. Funny, she had been so preoccupied for the past few days that she hadn't taken a moment out to mourn him like she usually did.

Once again, she tried to picture him in her mind. And couldn't. She remember that he had been tall, with blonde hair and blue eyes, but that was it. His face remained elusive.

She paused as panic overtook her. The dreaded day had come.

She was forgetting Anakin.

Desperately, she tried to remember him calling her angel. But now, it was the Master whispering it against her neck, his warm, velvety lips pressed against her skin. His big hands clamped around her waist, holding her against his firm chest. Unbidden, the familiar heat rose.

Padmé bit back a whimper. For the past week, the Master had been teasing her. Peppering her face and neck with hot kisses. Trailing his fingers down, but not quite far enough. Whispering dirty words in her ear. Yet, whenever she tried to go further, he pushed her away.

She knew he wanted her, or at least she hoped so. His actions seemed to reflect an attraction as strong as her own, and she was certain she had once been able to feel the proof of his need. But whenever her lips came too close to his, or her hands somehow found their way onto him, he always pulled away. Teasing, always teasing.

Perhaps he knew that she would have to see what was beneath the hood, and wasn't ready for it yet. Hadn't that been what Satine had said?

"What are you doing out here, my pet?" Familiar hands clasped her waist as his lips found her neck. "You should be in bed."

Padmé gripped his hand tightly as her senses were flooded with his presence. "You left."

He hummed noncommitally, nuzzling the skin behind her ear. "You shouldn't be alone out here, at night," he murmured softly. "Some man with very little self restraint may decide to have his way with you."

A sound that was suspiciously close to a moan fell from her lips as her breath grew short. "What… what if I… I want him to… have his way with me?" She managed to gasp out as his glove somehow slipped under the him of her tunic, the cold leather only serving to add to the raging flames of desire warring in her.

He swore harshly. "You're intent on stretching my resolve to it's limit, aren't you?"

"No," she rasped, hoping her voice reflected her need. "Only on breaking it."

Before she could blink, he had her pinned to the side of the building she'd been hiding behind. His lips hovered dangerously close to her own, their erratic breaths mingling.

The desire to see his face had never been so strong. Would his eyes have darkened with desire? His face flushed? His hair tousle as she drove her fingers through it?

She whimpered softly as his lips just brushed hers, teasing. "I want to taste you again, pet."

Again? He'd never, to her great dismay, kissed her before. "I want to see your face."

He stiffened. "Will you let me kiss you?"

"Yes!"

A hand beside her head moved, and she resisted the urge to voice her triumph. Finally, finally she was going to see him, and he was going to kiss her. Just…

"Master, Ami is…" the guard drew up short, his eyes focusing on her. "Missing."

The Master growled softly, and he took a step back. "She was with me. But here." he stepped away, leaving her feeling cold and bereft. "take her and put her to bed. I've kept her long enough."

Frustration mixed with the still raging desire. "Master," she whined, taking a step closer to him.

He smiled tightly, kissing her forehead. "Go with him, pet. I'm just going to swim in the lake first."

"But Master, the water's absolutely freezing this time of… oh." The guard looked between the two of them, blinking. "Oh."

She smiled up at him, trailing her fingers down the front of his tunic. "Are you sure you don't want company?"

He shook his head. "Go, before I change my mind."

If only he would.

Ah, I think Padmé's finally breaking him, don't you?

Shoutout to ShatteredNights, black velvet, sunmoonwindandstars, and Saira-Blue for following and favorites, you guys are the best!

MumsieDo: Yep, our little boy's growing up. I think this chapter answered at least some of your questions.

JoieMaris: thank you! I was worrying I was going to quickly, so your review was really appreciated!

stingerfan: Just to let you know, there was an unwritten scene from that morning between them, but I thought it gave away too much. Don't worry, I'll probably go back to it later.

Jadaerys: Thank you!

sunmoonwindandstars: your review was one of my favorites. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and thank you for your extensive support!

Trivia: Origially, Obi never 'died'