Complicated Love
11.
Location: Naboo palace
Anakin pulled at the collar of his gray uniform one more time and straightened his cap. He was not used to the uniform. It was starchy and it didn't move. It wasn't like his Jedi robes at all. Everything about his new position as Senator Palpatine's new personal guard was different. He had to discard nearly everything. The only one thing he was insistent on keeping was his lightsaber. Obi-Wan told him that he had to guard his lightsaber because it guarded his life. He always used to get angry when he lost one during a mission. He smiled sadly and lowered his eye. He hoped no matter where Master Obi-Wan was he'd be able to make him proud.
"Skywalker," said Senator Palpatine. "The festivities are just beginning. Why don't you mingle?"
Anakin scanned the room. It was full of politicians and dignitaries. Anakin was bored. The room was full of boring people and their boring talk.
"No thank you, Senator."
"Ah, well do try and enjoy yourself."
"I will try, Senator."
Anakin wished the ground would swallow him up. He thought he might see Queen Amidala, but she was so busy. He didn't get to see her at all and when he did see her she was busy working. She had a lot to do while grooming the new queen. She didn't have time to talk, but Anakin was proud of Padme. She had made her dream come true. It was too bad he could not say the same.
Being a guard was not all it was cracked up to be, but at least it was better than being a farmer. He pulled on his collar one more time before looking for a place away from the crowd.
As he walked pass the guests he passed a beautiful woman in a vision of white appeared. She wear a white gown with a long train. Her hair was wrapped in turban of white silk and flowers. Beside her was a man wearing a rich white robe. He had on a large gold turban that covered most of his face. They made a handsome couple.
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"I feel utterly ridiculous," whispered Obi-Wan into Thrice's ear.
"That's not the point, my dear. We got in. Now we can look for Anakin."
Obi-Wan sighed and escorted Thrice around the room. He had to admit her plan did work. They had crashed the party. No one questioned them. They looked like they belonged. She did look rather ravaging in that white gown. It revealed her shoulders ever so slightly. The pale expanse of her throat beckoned him to touch. He realized he could take some liberties with their disguise and moved his hand up to brush the back of his hand against her skin.
"The only person I can see is you, my darling."
Thrice blushed and looked away. "You flatter me, Sir Knight."
Padme noticed the pair and greeted them. "Greetings, I had not had the pleasure of making your acquaintance."
Padme stared at the eccentric pair. She guessed that they were aristocrats from Valoom. The region was known for its trade and wealth. They seemed like a happy pair.
"Charmed, darling," replied Thrice. "I love a good party. Hooray for Naboo!"
Obi-Wan tried not to laugh. He realized that Thrice was over playing her part because she knew next to nothing about Naboo. She was left with nothing but to play the part of a wealthy fool. She was a good actress.
He came to her rescue and said, "Now, dearest control yourself. Please, let me and my wife expend to you only the happiest wishes, your Highness."
Padme smiled and replied, "Thank you, but I don't believe I know your name, sir?"
Obi-Wan was at a lose of words. He didn't have a name planned. He didn't want to say anything wrong and decided to change the subject.
"Would you care to dance, your Highness?"
Padme was surprised. "Oh, all right."
Obi-Wan knew he'd have a better chance of spotting Anakin from the dance floor. He bowed and took Padme's hand. The two then started to waltz. It was awkward with the turban on, but it could not be helped.
Padme did not know who the man was and his lovely wife. They were dressed so strangely, but figured it was their style. Though, after a while she was surprised at how well her partner was dancing. He was silent and graceful with strong shoulders. He didn't have the body of a man who wasted time idling away in wealth. She also noticed he was looking around the room.
"Is something wrong?"
"No, its nothing."
"Your wife seemed to have a lot of admirers."
"What?"
He looked and saw that Thrice was practically surrounded by admirers. They circled around her since he left. They took turns kissing her hand. A brash admirer even dared to touch the bare skin on her shoulders and pawed at the white silk wrap around her head. She turned away like a shy doe, but the admirer was persistent and kissed her palm. He was a handsome man. He wore a long blue coat and had a head full of dark brown hair. He then took her hand and pulled her away from the others. Obi-Wan had seen enough.
"Excuse me, your Highness."
In quick strides, he crossed the room and seized the man's arm.
"Sir, I believe my wife owes me the next dance."
Thrice beamed. She watched as the admirer withdrew. Obi-Wan took her hand and lead her out to the dance floor. As they moved to the music, Obi-Wan tried to regain his composure. He knew what he was feeling. He was jealous. It wasn't like him to blow off royalty and forget himself over his feelings. He felt guilty for so abruptly leaving Padme at the dance floor. For once he was thankful for the disguise. If she knew who he really was he was certain she'd be cross.
Yet, Thrice kept her eyes trained on him. Her ruby orbs shone brightly against her pale make-up. Only her pink lips showed any tint of color and they seemed to draw him in. He couldn't bare the thought of another man touching her. He possessively caressed her back.
He wanted to capture her lips and savor the feel of her in his arms. He wanted to break down the thin barrier between them and feel her through the bond. He wanted to bask in her love. Now that he had it he could not get enough. It hadn't been that long since they left Kaldo, but already he was starved for more.
"I see Anakin."
Her words broke the spell.
"Where?"
"There. By the balcony."
"Shall we, Milady?"
"Of course, Sir Knight."
XXX
Anakin saw the eccentric couple approach him. He finished off his drink and tried to look for a way to escape and headed out the balcony. He did not want to get caught up in a useless conversation.
"Wait, young man."
Anakin tried hard not to groan. He plastered on his best polite smile and turned around. He gave the pair a bow.
"Good evening."
Obi-Wan approached him and herded him away from the doorway. Anakin was confused. He didn't know what the pair was up to.
"Is there something I can help you with, my lord?"
The man pulled off his turban and revealed his face. Anakin was shocked. He saw that it was his master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, back from the dead. Anakin could only stare. He couldn't move. He couldn't speak.
"Obi-Wan?...how?"
"You have Lady Thrice to thank for saving me."
"Lady Thrice?"
Anakin looked at the woman in white and saw her leave the balcony. Obi-Wan was thankful that she left him and Anakin alone. Obi-Wan approached Anakin and gave him a hug. It was all Anakin needed. He cried and clutched him tightly around the shoulders.
"Oh gods, Obi-Wan. I thought you were dead."
Obi-Wan patted Anakin's back until he regained his composure. He wiped away his tears and leaned against the railing. He picked up the ridiculous white hat that Obi-Wan had on his head and grinned.
"You should see yourself. What are you wearing?"
Obi-Wan grinned and said, "A disguise. I had to crash the party somehow. I seemed to have lost my invitation."
"You could have just walked through the door, Master. It's not like you're a criminal."
"Yes, but I'm supposed to be dead."
"Stop," said Anakin. "Don't even joke about it, Master."
Obi-Wan smiled and pulled off Anakin's officer cap off his head. He patted his shoulder and joined him at the rail.
"It's all right, Ani."
Anakin sniffled and said, "Yeah, I suppose I should inform Senator Palpatine. I have to tell him I can't be a part of his personal guard anymore. I'm relieved. I don't know if I'm cut out for being among all these politicians."
XXX
Palpatine smiled as he watched the lady swirl about the room. He sensed something odd about her. In fact, he didn't sense anything at all from her. It was like her Force-signature wasn't even there. He only knew of one other woman with such an ability. The Clan-woman, Shema. He saw it. He saw it in her demon eyes.
He crossed the room and approached her. He had learned that the warriors had tantalizing powers. They were almost Sith-like. They had so much potential. He knew Lady Thrice was more than her lovesick apprentice. He had so enjoyed breaking the apprentice. He could not wait to get his hands on the master.
"Greetings, my lady. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Senator Palpatine."
"I am Lady Greenfire. How charming to make your acquaintance, Senator."
"Yes, very charming, my dear. I must say you look very stunning."
Thrice laughed as bubbly as she could. "You flatter me, Senator."
"Your gentleman is a lucky man. I was wondering if you'd accompany me for a stroll in the garden?"
"I'd rather much enjoy society instead."
"Oh, but I insist. Please, my lady. You will not be disappointed."
Suddenly, Thrice felt a change in the Senator's aura. His normally tempered aura shifted to something more. A glimmer of something Thrice could only describe as dangerous. It felt like she was walking with a predator.
"Yes, you've peeked my curiosity, Senator. I think I will see the gardens."
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TBC
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