Chapter 10

"Kayden, you almost ready?" Padme yelled throughout the apartment.

"Almost, when is Mom getting here?"

"She'll be here any minute, finish packing."

Padme knew that she would tell Kayden the truth in two days time. The question remained about whether he would know his father. He already knows him.

She thought back to the night's events. He was talking about them starting a new relationship. He seemed to disregard all his reasons from before. She sat on the sofa in deep concentration.

The door pager didn't even pull her to the present. Kaliee stood in front of her snapping her fingers.

"Coruscant to Padme, are you there?"

Padme shook her head. "Sorry I was just thinking."

"Well don't hurt yourself, May." Kaliee joked.

Padme stuck her tongue out and reached for the baby Kaliee held. "And how is Ms. Leigh-Ann doing today?"

The baby just cooed and played with the necklace around her neck.

"I know that ball is this weekend, do you want me to keep Kayden for the night?"

"I've got it taken care of. Anakin is going to keep him." Padme could tell she was shocked by the statement.

"Are you sure you want them in your apartment? Why would Anakin and

Obi-wan even want to play babysitter?"

"First off, Anakin is currently grounded at the Temple so Kayden will be staying there. Two, Obi-wan isn't going to be there." Padme wore a smile that told everything.

"He's taking you to the ball?"

"Only for security reasons."

"Yeah right!" Kaliee tried to casually change the subject. "So what did Anakin do to get grounded?"

"Well, all I was told was to ask you." She eyed Kaliee suspiciously. "So what did you do?"

"Nothing!" Kaliee feigned innocence. "Okay so I kissed him, but we had both been drinking."

"Force, Kaliee! Where was Leigh-Ann?" Sometime Padme couldn't understand how she and Kaliee had become best friends, they were so different. She thought that Kaliee would've learned her lesson about guys and bars.

"At her babysitter's, okay? Now stop acting like it's a big deal. All I did was kiss a Jedi."

Padme knew she was being hypocritical especially after the events of last night. Suddenly she hoped Obi-wan hadn't got too mad at Anakin.

"Let's change the subject. How are you and Obi-wan going to get away with him taking you?"

"He's going to ask the Council," Padme said simply.

"Umm, Padme that is just throwing suspicion out there in the open."

"It's better than me kissing him in the back of some bar," Padme mumbled and then wished she hadn't said it.

Kaliee picked up the nearest pillow and chucked it at her. "I heard that!"

"Okay, sorry. If that's too obvious then what do you suggest."

Kaliee sat for a moment and thought about it. "Who's that Chancellor guy?"

Padme rolled her eyes; yes they were very different people, her and Kaliee. "Chancellor Palpatine?"

"Yeah, him; make a formal request for some security. Then just tell him that since Kayden is with you he needs to be protected as well."

"But it would be obvious if I asked for Obi-wan."

"You did it before."

"Yes that was a long time ago and I hadn't seen him for four years, that's why I requested him."

"And he was cute, but that's beside the point." She did take a moment to notice the slight blush that came onto Padme's cheeks. "Tell him you need someone Kayden will feel comfortable around."

"And he has met Master Yoda and he won't be assigned because he's a leading member of the Council and it's a small assignment."

"See, there you go. But you better comm him before he talks to that Council."

"I'm ready!" Kayden announced as he dragged his bag behind him.

Kaliee took Leigh-Ann from Padme and picked up Kayden's bag. "Go call him."

"Call who?" Kayden asked.

"Nobody, Kayden. Give your Aunt Padme a hug and a kiss bye."

He did as he was told. "I'll see you in some days, Aunt Padme."

She walked them to the door and gave her good-byes once again. Padme went and sat down on the sofa. Once the door slid shut she went directly to her comm unit. She accessed the codes for Obi-wan and Anakin's shared quarters.

Padme wasn't at all surprised when she saw Anakin's face appear. She smiled at him. "Hello, Anakin."

"Senator Amidala, how are you?" He stumbled out.

"I'm doing well." She couldn't help herself but pick at the young man. "So kiss nay good friends lately?"

Anakin turned a rather lovely shade of red. "She told you?" He couldn't even look at Padme.

"So what was your punishment?"

"Actually I would've thought more form Obi-wan. I'm to stay at the Temple unless told otherwise by the Council or Obi-wan himself. And the Council wishes me to give a six page report on attachments."

"That's not entirely too bad."

"I guess not." That's what you think.

"Is Master Kenobi there?"

"Yes, he's resting he was out rather late last night."

Padme was a little surprised at how Anakin just shared information with people. That could come in handy. "Well please tell him I seek an audience with him."

"Yes, Milady."

Padme waited a few minutes before Obi-wan appeared.

"Yes, Milady?"

"I need to speak with you about something rather important? Is this a secure line?"

"He's gone Padme."

She immediately dropped all the formality. "Listen, have you talked to the Council yet?"

"No, I was going to tomorrow."

"I'm going to try something first, so don't."

Obi-wan was confused, "Okay, what are going to do?"

"You'll see. Oh, and it may be best if we stay out of contact for the next couple of days."

"Padme, what's going on?" He asked a little worried she might have changed her mind. He then dismissed it he could see it in her eyes that she wasn't trying to make a way to avoid him.

"Don't worry about it Obi-wan. I have to go speak with the Chancellor. Amidala, out," with that her face disappeared.

Obi-wan wasn't sure what was going on but he wasn't pleased Chancellor Palpatine would be involved.