Perfect

Chapter Five

It was late afternoon before Sabé could convince me to come out of my room. There was a lot on my mind and I had a very important decision to make - One which I wanted to figure out on my own without the advice or interference from my family or friends. They wouldn't understand my willingness to make the sacrifices required to bind myself to a Jedi, or how I would manage all the loneliness and separation ahead of me. I didn't feel the necessity to have to explain everything. And even though I had yet made a decision, I had already determined to keep the proposal a secret.

By the time I had returned to the party, the sun was beginning to dip low and the plaza had been cleared. The orchestra that had been hired was setting up, which meant the evening dance would soon begin. As previously determined, I took my place along with my staff at the far end of the plaza at the base of the steps. Glowlights had been set up about the courtyard and a variety of pots filled with beautiful blue blossoms filled the air with their sweet fragrance. Above the pleasant sights and sounds, the first stars were beginning to reveal themselves and the moon crept out of its hiding place from behind a cloud painted pink by the fading sunlight.

On the opposite end of the plaza stood Obi-Wan and Anakin. He appeared to be speaking with a trio of Gungans. There were others here I needed to pay attention to as well, but I couldn't keep my eyes off him. After what he had just told me, I had to wonder if he'd been serious. Had it just been the alcohol talking? Two days from now would he even recall anything he'd said?

It was one of the reasons I needed to wait and I appreciated the opportunity to do so. He had asked for expediency but had given me the night to think it over. I had the feeling it was going to take majority of that time to consider everything he'd said and make the best decision for both of us.

The biggest problem was figuring out if I loved him as much as he professed to love me. I needed to examine that first and I ran through the list of questions my mother had once advised me to examine on that very subject.

Did I consider him worthy above all other men? Other than my own father, the answer to that was yes. I held Obi-Wan in such high regard; his thoughtfulness, his kindness, his generosity, and his wit were his best features. And I hadn't even included his looks. Although I believed him to be one of the more handsome men I had ever met, such things like that weren't all that important to me. What mattered is what was on the inside, and inside Obi-Wan was a heart of gold.

Had he asked me to change who I was or expected me to alter my life to suit his needs? Actually, Obi-Wan had figured out ways we could spend time together without me doing anything. He seemed willing to embrace my life as Queen of Naboo and I had no doubt he'd continue to support me no matter what the future may hold. So, the answer to that mother, was no.

Was he a good listener? Considering the fact we actually hadn't got to spend much time together, and here lately, my mouth had been too occupied with his to use it for speaking, this question was more difficult to answer. I had to think back to the days we'd spent together during the Naboo Occupation. I was only seventeen years old at the time, but mature for my age. We had discussed our political beliefs, the possible reasons behind the Neimodian's attack, as well as what it meant to be a Jedi Padawan. We shared stories of our past and hopes for our future. Overall, both of us shared an equal amount in both listening and talking, so I would have to agree that he was quite attentive to me.

There were two more questions on my mother's list. Did we find comfort in each other during times of sadness? I could answer that one with a definite yes. Qui-Gon's death had come as a shock. Even though Obi-Wan claimed the life of a Jedi was always in danger and there was no death, only the Force, that belief didn't keep him from grieving over the loss of a man he considered a father. He cried in my arms the night after his Master's funeral and I wept because he wept. It broke my heart to see him in such pain and I had urged him to stay on Naboo for a few days, though duty led him away. Yes, mother, we comfort one other.

The last question was the most important. Did he make me happy? I had kept my eyes on him during my entire thought process and smiled as I watched him laugh. Something one of the Gungans said must've been funny because they were joining him. I wished I could hear his laugh as it was quite unique and contagious, but the music had begun playing and I couldn't hear him. It was easy to decide that Obi-Wan's happiness most definitely had a direct effect on my own. I would do anything within my power to provide him with a contented and joyful existence.

In my heart, the matter seemed settled, and almost as if he realized it, his attention was diverted and he slowly made his way toward me, walking in a provocative way I'd never seen before; each step causing my heart rate to increase a tiny bit more.

"May I have this dance?" he asked while stretching out his hand.

"I'd be delighted," I replied, shakily standing to be taken back into his arms. I had no idea what song was playing or even if there was any music at all. My sole focus was on the way he was looking at me and the feeling of being in the warmth and shelter of his arms. The spins and twirls made me dizzy, although that could be due to my fragile emotional state.

"You've decided already," he noted after curiously studying my face.

Without saying it, he had to know what my answer was. I couldn't stop smiling. I'd never been so happy in my life.

"Yes," I stated simply and without hesitation. "My answer is yes."

His expression changed from glee to concern and intense concentration, before revealing one of relative peace and contentment.

"That's a good thing," he announced, "or else I was going to have to cancel our appointment with the officiant. He's meeting us in the back garden by the fountain in one hour. Try not to be late. He charges by the minute."

"You're too confident for your own good," I teased before he squeezed me tight.

"And that's why you love me," he whispered before placing a kiss on my temple. "I'll see you in an hour."

I watched him go as complete elation filled my entire being. I was walking on air and oblivious to everything going on around me. Most likely I would've remained that way if it hadn't been for a particular voice calling out my name. I turned my head to see my biggest critic and one of the nosiest women in Naboo headed toward me.