Chapter Eighteen

"Let me see if I understand this," Padmé told me, leaning back against the window and carefully lifting her injured foot onto the casing on the opposite side We were two hours out from Naboo and I had explained the bond between a sobati and a Jedi Protector as best I could.

From what I'd read and had been told, the Force created the link between the two to provide ongoing communication and protection. I would know when she was in danger, injured, in pain, or experiencing a variety of emotions. I was responsible for her peace of mind, safety, and happiness. Master Yoda had explained it to me that essentially we would no longer be of two minds, but one.

"I'll be able to feel what you do. Our minds and souls will be united. So if you die, I will die as well."

"And vice versa," I acknowledged. "So, you should really start being more careful."

"That isn't funny," she insisted while I pretended the pinch she had just given me had hurt.

Honestly, I had no idea what her reaction was going to be. I couldn't imagine she would be pleased to discover that her demise would be the result of mine. Seeing I was a Jedi, my life was quite dangerous and I often took risks. I'd have to reconsider the dangers I put myself in from now on. I didn't want to jeopardize her life due to my own recklessness.

I could tell she was weighing all the information I'd shared. Her gaze was unfocused as she stared out at the passing stars.

"Tell me what you're thinking," I urged after a long silence. "You've gotten good at keeping that from me, by the way."

What I told her was true. She had learned quickly how to disguise her thoughts. What once was quite clear was now hidden behind a fogged veil. I didn't mind, actually. Every girl needed some privacy once in a while. But where her safety was concerned, I needed to know everything.

"Thanks. I'm trying to figure it all out," she began slowly. "I'm happy with the thought of spending my life with you. That part's easy. But apparently, someone wants me dead, and I'm not sure now that it's Dooku. Onboard, he kept speaking to someone he called, 'Master.'"

So, he wasn't the Master. That certainly complicated matters.

"Which means my life is still at risk, and if die, I certainly don't want you to die as well. I want you to keep living and grow old and fat."

I appreciated the sentiment, but that's not how it worked. "We're going to grow old and fat together," I assured her. "With lots of grand-younglings playing at our feet."

"Really?"

Her eyes were brightened with the thought and she hugged me tightly. "I've always wanted a big family. When do we get to start?"

I laughed at her enthusiasm. "Let's get you home first and make sure everyone knows you're safe. Then we can think about the appropriate time to complete the bond."

"The bond," she repeated. "It sounds…"

I nervously awaited her description of how she was feeling. Although I was bound by duty through the Force, becoming a saboti was her choice. I hoped she would never regret the decision she'd made.

"Wonderful," she finished as a smile bloomed before me. "Thank you for this. You have no idea what it means to me. I was always set apart from others at school because I was deemed more mature and intelligent than my agemates. As a child, I was nominated to take part in the Youth Legislative Program which alienated me even more. I never had friends until I was nominated Queen and was assigned handmaidens.

Truthfully, most of my early years were lonely times. I spent weeks at a time traveling across the galaxy on mission assignments through the program, and never saw anyone but the others involved. That's when I met Palo. He was tall with dark, wavy hair, and artsy. He was a little older than me and we flirted and played around, but nothing came of it. As soon as my participation with the program was complete, we went our separate ways. Haven't I ever told you about all this?"

She hadn't, although I had suspected she'd had a lonely childhood. Not unhappy, but she was alone quite often for someone so young.

"But now, I'll never be alone again. I'll carry you inside of me everywhere I go. You'll always be there, listening, watching, and loving me. I find that incredible and I'm truly grateful."

I couldn't have asked the Force for a better partner or sobati, although one shadow remained.

I had never mentioned that the Force had chosen her for a reason. Since the reason was unknown to me and not even Master Yoda could tell me what it could possibly be, I'd decided to keep that information to myself. A sobati was always chosen for a specific time with a specific purpose.

Someday, Padmé would do something that would have a significant impact upon the future of the galaxy, the Republic, or both. Without knowing exactly what that purpose was, I'd decided it was better left unsaid. No need to cause her more worry. She had enough on her mind as things were.

"You're incredible," I offered as a compliment. For someone so beautiful, she had chinks in her armor where her self-esteem was concerned, and I found that quite surprising. I considered it my personal duty to bolster her up whenever I had the opportunity.

I gently pulled her toward me to claim another kiss, tamping down on the bond which was threatening to consume us both. A little more time, I warned it. We need just a little more time...

As my callused hands made contact with the smooth skin of her face, a proximity warning chimed out. We were entering the atmosphere of Naboo and Padmé was giddy with excitement. Whether it was for the fact we were home or that we would soon have a chance to consummate the bond, it was hard to tell.