Chapter Twelve

Ever since she was a podling, Padmé had been curious about the land. It was against the law for Mer to interact with humans, and yet she loved the way the dry air felt in her throat, the warmth of the sunshine on her face, and how the wind dried her hair. She had learned early on how to avoid being seen by the palace guards and sneak up to the surface without being caught. Her favorite time was at night when the distant Theed palace would appear to be on fire, each of its many windows glowing and golden in the darkness.

As a young maiden, she had sometimes fantasized what it would be like to be a part of Queen Jamilla's court. To walk, eat, and sleep amongst the other young ladies.

Now that she was beginning to become aware of what had happened, the reality of her situation was nothing like her fantasies. Her throat and lungs burned, her skin felt tight and itchy. Worst of all was the absence of her tail. Even though her mind tried to convince her it was still there, her eyes told her otherwise.

"Please hold still," a metallic being announced before gently pulling the tube from her mouth and throat, causing her to cough with discomfort. The device the droid inserted into her nose was also annoying, but not as much as the one that had been drawn from her throat.

"Your oxygen levels are improving," the sharp voice informed her. "You will recover."

The unfamiliarity of the voice that disappeared back through the door as well as her surroundings caused another unique circumstance. Now, her eyes were stinging, and Padmé suddenly felt moisture upon her face. Was there something wrong with her vision as well?

She had never been prone to feel pity for herself, but was being overcome with a variety of emotions; the most prominent one being anger. The maiden determined that as soon as she had recovered, regardless of being a Mer or not, she would make Sheev pay for what he had done. There was absolutely no way she would allow him to rule Thalladi! He was nothing but a cruel and vindictive, murdering son-of-a-Sando!

"Hello there."

The kind words were spoken from the other side of the room where the metal being had departed. Padmé strained to lift her head to see none other than Obi-Wan entering. He sure was a sight for sore eyes! Literally!

"Here, let me help you."

Without any argument or complaint, she allowed additional pillows to be placed behind her head, and watched with some amazement as the sleeping mat she was lying on transformed into something more like a chair, where she could recline while still able to look around.

When her sight finally settled on the Jedi Knight, she couldn't help but grin slightly. He looked pleased although worried, and had pulled over his own seat, a large grin of his own displayed on his face.

"I'm pleased to see you're doing so well. Your coloring has improved. How do you feel?"

Padmé had never been above the water for this long and didn't trust her voice. When she did manage to speak, it sounded rough and made her throat itch even more.

"As if a Sando has chewed me up and spit me out," she told him honestly.

"I can imagine," he replied. "It may take some time to adjust, but I've been informed you should make a full recovery. And I'll be here to help you if you need me to."

Really? That was hopeful, but why would he do that? Didn't he have responsibilities in Thalladi? What about Sheev?

"You can help me do one thing," she gruffly said. "Rid the Mer Kingdom of Sheev once and for all."

Obi-Wan grinned, which wasn't the response she'd hoped for.

"Already taken care of," he explained. "There are some loose ends to tie up below, but the matter has been resolved."

He hadn't mentioned it, but she needed to know. "Is he dead?"

"Yes," the Knight told her more seriously. "Though not by my hand. He chose to end his own life, actually."

Sheev had always been a coward, so the news wasn't that surprising. Hearing it, however, didn't please her as much as she'd expected it to.

"You look disappointed," he pointed out. "Don't worry about it and save your voice, because I know exactly what you're going to say."

Did he?

"After everything Sheev did to you, your family, and the Merfolk, you wish you could've killed him yourself. I know the feeling, although I'm just a visitor here."

How did he know her so well? He couldn't except for the fact he somehow had been in a similar position before. Of course, he had! Padmé imagined that as a Jedi, he had seen and prevented worse atrocities than those that had occurred in Thalladi.

The thought made her realize one thing: Now that his mission was completed, was he going to leave Naboo?

"How long can you stay?" Padmé forced out although her words felt like knives in her throat.

The young maiden was suddenly very aware of the warmth radiating from Obi-Wan's hand which was placed very near her own. What would he do if she touched him? And how would that feel? Was his skin as dry as her own seemed to be? Or would his hand feel smooth and soft? There was only way to find out and boldly, she reached for him, breathing more easily when he wrapped his fingers around her hand and smiled.

He had rough spots on his palms, but overall his skin was indeed soft and his touch was very warm and very much appreciated.

"As long as I need to," he answered. "At least until you get back on your…feet," he finished with an anxious grin.

That's right. She had feet! It would take some time getting used to, but Padmé was determined to make the best of her situation. She wasn't the first to be Forsaken but she would make sure she was the last!

"Good," she replied so softly that Obi-Wan had to lean forward to hear her, bringing his face very close to her own. She could feel his breath upon her mouth and see the tiny white specks in his eyes.

He was looking at her the same way she had seen mated Mer do before and the intensity of his gaze made her heart begin to throb, which resulted in an increased pace of the constant beeping noise sounding overhead.

"How's the patient doing?"

Blast! the Jedi Knight thought. He was so close! Just a few more centimeters and he would've been able to sample her lips, despite the tubes running out her nostrils. He yearned to kiss her and would've somehow adjusted for it!

Disappointed, he spun to see Queen Jamilla's handmaiden, Sabé, enter the room. Once again, the mood became awkward and he backed away from the bedside and stood.

"She's doing remarkably well," he informed her.

"That's great to hear!" the kind young woman said. "Now, if you'll be on your way, we can get started."

What was she talking about? Started with what?

Sabé quickly sat down in his evacuated seat and adjusted the blankets. "If we're going to become sisters, we should get to know one another."

After he noticed a radiant and welcoming smile appear on Padmé's face, Obi-Wan obliged. He bowed slightly and took his leave, hearing the pleasant ringing sound of female giggling before he'd even made it to the hall.

He smiled himself and began whistling a happy tune as he walked away.