Chapter Twenty

Finally, the smell of Arbra had been erased from my body. It felt good to be clean once again, but it didn't compare to the feeling of being back home – a place I had never once doubted I'd return to.

And why was that? I should've been afraid. I was in the clutches of a madman, who spoke gibberish to me. Count Dooku had told me that if I were allowed to live, my actions would bring suffering to the entire galaxy. Entire systems would be thrown back to the Pre-Expansion era, where progress toward a better and safer galaxy would come to a disastrous halt.

I had no idea what he was talking about. But then the insane don't usually make much sense. What was worse is that he wasn't alone in his madness. He was in constant contact with a shrouded and angry old man who praised his efforts and promised great rewards.

Listening to everything that was being said and knowing that these two had plans for my demise, I realize now that I should've at least been concerned. But for some reason, I wasn't. I knew that Obi-Wan would find me. It was a fact. Just as sure as the sun would rise on Naboo the next day.

When I heard Dooku cursing and giving orders to his droid pilot and I felt the shimmy of his vessel as a torpedo fired against it, I knew in my heart that Obi-Wan was close by. The muscle in my chest beat calmly and steadily, and that seemed to bother Dooku more than anything. He wanted me to be frightened and I wasn't.

The crash on Arbra wasn't pleasant, and during the topsy-turvy landing, I had been thrown about the cabin, my ankle smashed between the hull and a storage bin.

When my abductor used the Force to free me, I wasn't all that surprised. He and his Master had much bigger plans for me. Apparently, I was to be made an example of. To whom, I had no idea. I wish I could've gotten more information, but the sloop had received heavy damage and the Jedi was coming. We had to evacuate and prepare for his arrival.

My smile of confidence irritated him and his threats did very little to dampen my spirits. I couldn't walk and he left me behind, but close enough to 'witness the destruction of my savior', he'd said.

Things didn't turn out so well for you, did they? I thought as I scrubbed the memory of my captor away. Now your so-called 'Master' would have to find someone else to do his dirty work. Which I was certain he would. Evil was easy to locate in these times. The trouble was, Obi-Wan was encountering far too much of it. I wondered if he regretted taking this position and becoming my Protector. I wondered if he'd had any idea all the trouble I would cause him.

I couldn't imagine what my life would've been like had he not. In fact, I probably wouldn't even have a life. I was grateful he had followed his calling and that his own Master had been wise enough to explain the details of it to me. I'd almost made a terrible decision to deny him, and I was so glad now that I hadn't.

In return, I had to do something for Obi-Wan – to show him how much he means to me.

During our little celebration in the hangar, I had the opportunity to speak privately with Sabé and ask for an important favor. It was up to her now to grant my request. I prayed she would be successful.

I finished my shower and asked for assistance to get dressed in something comfortable. Bed rest is not what I needed to be doing right now, but I trusted my handmaidens to prepare everything for me.

"Yané," I said as she helped me back into bed. "Contact Madame T'sourrié and have her send over some gowns. When Sabé returns, have her come try them on for me."

It was the best I could do under the circumstances. Being my First Handmaiden and Royal Decoy, Sabé and I were the exact same size with the same body measurements. I wouldn't have to stand on my injured foot. She could try everything on for me. I just hoped that by tomorrow evening, my ankle will have healed enough to perform the ceremony. I didn't want to have to sit or lie down during my own wedding.

"How are the preparations coming?" I asked before she had left to do my bidding.

"Everything will be ready, Mi'Lady," the young woman replied. "We are all happy for you and wish you a blessed union."

"Thank you, Yané."

I was once again alone, but actually, I wasn't. There was something moving inside of me. I hadn't mentioned it to Obi-Wan since I wasn't entirely sure what it was. It was as if I had swallowed a hot beverage and every time Obi-Wan was near, it would reheat itself and send a tickle out to my limbs; much like when you rewarm your hands after they had gotten too cold.

Was this the bond he was speaking of? And if it was incomplete, I wondered what it feel like when it wasn't.

Obi-Wan had explained everything he knew about the bond to me, and yet it was still difficult to comprehend. Would I be able to hear his thoughts? Speak to him with my mind? Experience his emotions? If that were possible, I could hardly wait to become one with him. It was going to be an amazing life and I wished to get started with it right away.

Yes, I was giddy with anticipation. And yes, I knew there was only one way to begin that life. I had been suggestive and had dropped several not-so-subtle hints about my willingness, although Obi-Wan had been too much of a gentleman to do anything about it.

I figured an exchange of vows would convince him it was time to move forward; to start on the path that his precious Force had set us both on. There was no better time than now to do it. I was of legal age and I wanted him – so badly I could barely contain my passions. One day, I would most likely be embarrassed by my sudden aggressive nature, but for now, something inside me was motivating me to claim what was mine; to make Obi-Wan a part of my life – permanently.

Tomorrow couldn't get here fast enough to suit me.