Chapter Twenty-Two

Every system in the galaxy has its own traditions of observing wedding ceremonies. This means, there are literally thousands of them. I had witnessed several throughout my career as a Jedi and wasn't sure what to expect on Naboo. I had trusted Padmé in that aspect, as well as what I would wear.

Now, I wasn't so sure. The reflection that was staring back at me was a total stranger. My hair had needed trimming since I'd grown out my Padawan cut and was styled in Naboo tradition of being shorter around the neckline but longer on top. The vest I wore over my undertunic was made of some type of shimmery gray-green fabric and was snapped and buttoned all the way up to my chin. The overcoat was a darker shade of the same color and had poofed sleeves, as well as long tails that nearly reached my knees. The dark leggings were much looser than I was used to wearing. I had insisted on my own boots as well as carrying my lightsaber and nobody could talk me out of either of them. A celebration or not, I was still on duty and had to prepare for any remote possibility of danger.

Qui-Gon stepped into my dressing area where I continued to stare at the odd-looking man in the mirror and smiled.

"You look like a Naboo," he stated succinctly. "You fit in here."

"Do I?" I asked in a surprised tone. "Sometimes I'm not so sure about that," I told him while turning around to look at my backside.

"How are you handling all of this?"

He knew me well enough to know that I didn't like to be the center of attention. "As well as you can imagine," I replied. "Do you have any idea about traditional Naboo weddings?"

"You mean, she didn't explain anything to you?"

"She's been a little busy," I answered. "I trust her, but I would like to know what I'm about to step into."

"Every battle is won or lost before it is even fought, Obi-Wan."

I'd heard that bit of philosophy so many times over the past years, I'd lost count.

A battle, huh? Is that what he was comparing this to? I supposed I could approach it in the same way. Focused, determined, and centered so as not to allow my attention to be diverted from my ultimate goal of winning.

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Indeed, my old Master's advice had helped.

"I was sent in here to tell you it's time," Qui-Gon told me, his words traced with a touch of pride. "Ready?"

"Ready," I claimed with newfound confidence. Just stay focused on the prize, I reminded myself.

I was led through the palace and toward the throne room. Indeed, the flowers that had been arranged for Padmé's naming day celebration had been used and were surrounding the entrance as well as lining the rows of seats that were filled by a variety of Naboo council members, business leaders, and of course, her family - who had apparently arrived late. I hadn't even had a chance to greet them. Everyone seemed pleased except for, of course, Padmé's parents. What I felt radiating from them wasn't pleasant, but I took my place as Qui-Gon directed me and waited.

Within a few seconds, everyone stood and the bride walked in. My heart. My soul. I could block out everything else just by keeping my eyes on this beautiful creature walking toward me. Or could I?

As she passed row after row, my attention was drawn to her left, the second row from the back along the aisle. Chancellor Palpatine stood there grinning like a tusk-cat. I hadn't invited him and Padmé hadn't mentioned inviting him either. What was he doing here? I supposed it made sense. He was, after all, from Naboo and had represented it in the Senate at one time. But having been made Chancellor a few years back, I imagined he was too busy to come all the way out here for a small gathering such as this. And besides, Padmé didn't trust him. She had told me so herself.

I almost missed her hand as she reached for mine, her eyes hunting my face for an explanation. As we turned to face the priest, I whispered to only her.

"Palpatine is here. Did you invite him?"

"No," she whispered back. "I was wondering about that myself. Perhaps my father did."

As the priest announced the purpose for the celebration, my mind kept returning to the reason for the old man's presence, when suddenly chaos erupted and drew my attention immediately back to the present.

"My husband and I object." I heard the words coming from a woman behind us who had been sitting on the front row.

Padmé looked appalled as she spun to face them. "Mother! Not now!"

"Padmé," the older woman scolded her youngest daughter. "You will step outside so that your father and I may speak with you!"

"I'm so sorry," Padmé told me before squeezing my hand and following her parents back into the hallway.

I stood there gaping at the guests like a total imbecile, as everyone murmured about the unusual event and looked at me like I was the most pitiful creature in the galaxy. All I could think of to do was smile. Perhaps it would ease the tension if I told a joke. However, none were coming to mind. At least nothing suitable.

"Thank you all for coming this evening to witness this glorious occasion."

It was my Master who took a step forward and addressed the crowd. I'd seen him negotiate before chiefs and kings, but never in a situation like this.

"As many of you know, Obi-Wan was once my Padawan, but his calling lay elsewhere. I am pleased this young man answered that calling and it led him here, where he met the beautiful and brave Queen of Naboo, who I've been told has really kept him on his toes."

Dying on a stage in front of a rather dismissive crowd is a slow, painful agony. I wanted to close my eyes and wish them all away. Things couldn't get much worse.

"Tell me you've heard this one…" my Master began and I cringed. "Two Correllians walk into a cantina..."

Thank the Force, Padmé walked back into the throne room. It appeared as if she'd been crying and I worried something terrible had happened. Especially when only her father accompanied her. Her mother was nowhere to be seen.

"Proceed," she told the priest while grasping my hand.

"Are you sure?" I asked. Something was obviously wrong.

"Yes," she adamantly told me, determination in her gaze. "Proceed."

The rest of the wedding went without a hitch, but I could tell that she was distracted. Now was not the time to discuss the matter, since all the guests were moving to the banquet hall for the wedding feast. There, we were supposed to eat, drink and be merry, regardless of the sadness in my wife's eyes.

I did my best to keep my mind carefree and put forth an effort to be friendly to each person who wished us well. I had managed to do so until a certain man stepped up. His smile always seemed to be false, somehow – like a stage actor putting on a show for anyone who was watching.

"Congratulations to both of you," Chancellor Palpatine told us. Behind him stood two officers with stern countenances who were armed with electrostaffs. That type of weaponry seemed a tad excessive for a wedding, though I had to keep in mind the man was a potential target no matter where he went.

"Thank you, Chancellor," Padmé said with all the grace of someone in her position. All I could manage was an acknowledging nod of my head.

"I believe even more congratulations are in order. I have the privilege of offering you the position of Senator to represent the Chommell Sector following the end of this quarter. The position will be open by then and I have recommended you to fill it."

He delivered the news as if Padmé didn't have a choice but to accept. The smile she offered was watery, at best. The choice was hers, but of course, I was secretly hoping she respected me enough to discuss the matter with me before she'd made up her mind.

"I appreciate the offer," she told the man. "However, I would need to speak the matter over with my husband before I give you my answer. I hope you won't mind."

Pride isn't a virtue Jedi strive for, but I couldn't help but feel it swell within me when I heard her reply.

"Of course," the Chancellor answered, his grin even more transparent than my wife's. "I will anxiously be awaiting your reply."