Prelude to a Fall
(Sequel to Prelude to a
Kiss)
Rated: PG13
Same disclaimers apply
Part 2
When I wake, I'm going out of my mind
...
The air was colder when Amidala woke. She noticed that this contradicted the immense heat being created by the six-foot Jedi cuddled up behind her, his arms wrapped around her waist. She could hardly breathe, but this mattered little; the connection between them at this moment made breathing seem like an optional activity.
Without even trying she was able to read his thoughts. No, images, really. Warm, content, nervous. They mirrored her own. She was content with the way things were now, but would it last? Would fate allow them to travel on the same path again?
There will be time to contemplate that later, she thought. Right now, her left side was asleep. She turned inside his embrace, bringing a hand to the stubble that was forming on his cheek. He is so beautiful. Resting her forehead against his, she whispered his name. He remained as immobile as before, but his mind flickered to life.
Can't get enough of me? he joked.
She smiled and reached a hand around to pinch his bottom. Awake, perhaps. This is too much for me, all this mind-speak. She felt his laugh before his eyes actually opened. Clear blue orbs stared back at hers, still unfocused from sleep. "Hey, you."
"Hey yourself. What are you doing up?" He ran his right hand up and down her bare arm in a vain effort to warm the goose-pimpled skin.
She reached behind her head, to where his robe had been before. "I couldn't sleep, it was cold. We tend to keep the Palace at a livable temperature." They burrowed beneath the large, brown robe, snuggling to create more heat.
He touched her cold nose with the tip of his finger before placing a warm kiss there. "It's like cuddling up to an ice sheet! You know, you're the one who told me that space was cold. I would think you would be used to it by now."
"Space is cold, Anakin. In many ways beside temperature. It's open, like an expansive void dotted here and there with where we call home. It's not so cold with you here now.." The distance between them closed as their lips touched once again. The connection between them crackled and sparked as it became alive. Each giving a little and taking, exploring.
"A lot warmer than that robe." He captured her into an intense, elated with the fact that she was simply in his arms. He didn't ever want to let go, not in this lifetime or anything after.
"Well, unless we plan on walking around up here attached at the hip-"
She was cut off by another kiss. "That can be arranged, as long as you don't mind Obi-Wan lingering about," he teased, tugging gently on the laced-up front of her gown. She pulled his hands away with a sigh.
"Anakin... it's not that I wouldn't love to... go further-"
"But...?"
"But nothing! I will not have something as important as this happen on the crusty couch of this ship!" Her elevated pitch bounced off the walls, echoing slightly. He smiled and raised a finger to his lips.
"Shh, I don't need Obi-Wan in here right now!" He whispered. "I don't know how far you expected us to go, honestly. Please don't think I was pressuring you."
I was ready to go as far as possible. She blushed at the thought, they'd only really known each other, again for a few days! Besides, her contact with male suitors had been abbreviated at best. "No, I don't. I guess I'm still new at this, and just expected..."
He nodded in understanding. "You expected me to be all over you." A strand of her hair had fallen into his face and he gently pushed it back into place. Her could sense her apprehension, and felt truly awful. "I can't promise you that I won't kiss you again. Please don't make me even try to give that up."
A long kiss was all the answer he got. He knew, with every fiber of his being, that this was it. She was his forever. He was hers. And when they did make love, it would something neither one of them would ever forget. They snuggled close again, content for the moment.
Until a deep, cold, intense shockwave cut into the calm serenity of the Force around him. He called out at once to his Master, and soon saw Obi-Wan on the other side of the cockpit. The sudden switch of emotions and state of mind had left him confused. He projected this to his Master, and Obi-Wan responded in kind. Amidala, not totally unaware that something was, indeed, wrong, was on her feet at once.
"It came from Naboo, Amidala. Of that, I am certain." Obi-Wan offered, punching up the Allamont's communications ports. Over a half-dozen messages were waiting to be read; their angry red lights flashing. Obi-Wan didn't even try to hide the disappointment on his face. "Communications should always remain open, Padawan. Of this I know you were aware."
Anakin bowed his head, ashamed that he let his selfish desires interfere with his duties. Problem was, he didn't recall turning them off. "I understand, Master. I must have overlooked-"
Amidala stepped in, her face red with embarrassment. "I turned the ports off. I was trying to cut myself off from the outside as much as possible, and I apologize." Her voice was back to the small tremble that Anakin hated.
Obi-Wan was taken back, not really knowing how to respond to this. "If you are to accompany Anakin and I to the Temple, I think that, perhaps, you should be the one to break this news to the Council." The conviction in his voice, along with the dead-calm expression he emoted sent Amidala paler than a ghost. "I was only joking, Your Highness. Next time, tell Anakin or myself beforehand. Communications must always remain open on a ship occupied by Jedi."
Most of the messages were purely junk, and Obi-Wan had to scroll down to find the real message. It was addressed to Amidala, from her private office. "Shall we leave you alone for this one?"
She took a seat beside him, shaking her head. "No, I have nothing to hide anymore." She displayed the message, it was from Sabé.
**BeginMessage?&8=True**
**There was an intruder in the
Palace**
**Being sent into hiding until all clear**
**Be alert,
Amidala.**
**EndMessage?&8=True**
Amidala jumped to her feet, tears streaming down her face. "Why is this happening? What do they want from me? I can't.... please... NO MORE!" she screamed, throwing herself into Anakin's waiting arms. Neither Jedi had an answer to that.
Or to the disturbance in the Force, no doubt felt by every Jedi in the vicinity.
**************************************
Coruscant was awake when they arrived. Her surface littered with hundreds of ships and air-taxis, all transporting the millions of residents who called it home. The Jedi Temple, stoic amongst all the sparkle and muck around it, looked better to Anakin than he thought it would. It was home, a refuge. Where he could always go and find his peace. However, finding his peace wasn't the most important this morning.
He and Obi-Wan had been in direct contact with Yoda, who informed them that a team of four Jedi had been sent to uncover the mystery intruder. They had not been able to reach Sabé, or anyone in the Palace for that matter. Amidala at one time had tried to order them back to Naboo, but changed her mind when she realized how foolish it was. If someone was indeed looking for her, being on Naboo wouldn't be wise.
What he couldn't figure out was, who would try to murder the Queen? The darkness he'd felt around Theed last night was one filled with hate and even jealousy. She was standing in the same spot she'd been in for 30 minutes as Obi-Wan awaited landing clearance at the Temple. All twelve members of the Jedi Council had agreed to offer Amidala protection, she even got Mace Windu to smile when they spoke earlier.
The Temple was a safe place, but he preferred the more... personal protection he could give her. Walking up behind her, he rubbed up and down her chilly arms. "I hope you don't think that I plan on letting you out of my sight," he whispered, enjoying the small smile she managed.
"I wouldn't have it any other way, Anakin. The Temple should be the last place... whoever this is would look for me."
The sadness in her voice broke his heart. "We Jedi have the best ways of hiding. It's amazing when you think about it. I mean, at any one time, about 2,500 Jedi could be occupying the Temple, and nobody even gives us a second glance." She smiled and they watched together as Obi-Wan smoothly placed the Allamont on the main landing pad. "Well, you ready to face the infamous Council, Your Highness?"
She nodded. "A little nervous, but I can do it."
"Relax, they won't bully you... much," Obi-Wan added, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I think you'll find that they aren't as harsh as Anakin would like you to believe."
This elicited a snort from the smiling Padawan. "Yeah, they're worse!"
Amidala laughed, tickled by the banter between them. This was what she needed, to feel... human for a while. However short it may be. She was going to try her hardest to enjoy herself, and... well... Anakin. Yes, she really wanted to enjoy Anakin. "I don't know what to do with the two of you. Let's just all relax and see what happens."
Anakin and Obi-Wan shared a glance. "You heard the woman, Master. Get moving." He jokingly pushed Obi-Wan towards the door.
"Watch it, Padawan. I'm not above enforcing some well-needed meditation time this afternoon-"
The Queen simply smiled and gathered her belongings. The future of her planet... her home... could be helped with the assistance of these enigmatic creatures. As much as her heart bled for Sabé and all her friends, she was confident that this was the only way to help them. She just hoped that it wasn't already too late. For herself, for Sabé, for them all.
*******************************************************
In my dreams, I'm jealous all the time.
...
Surrounded by her closest friends, an army of security, and well... Jar Jar Binks, Sabé couldn't have felt more alone. Such is life for a Queen, she supposed. It was no wonder Amidala had gone insane. Part of her felt guilty with what had just transpired, but it was the nagging, always present part of her ego that really didn't have any regrets at all...
Thirty minutes
previous
Coruscant
Amidala and Anakin were standing calmly in the center of the Jedi Council Chamber, awaiting Obi-Wan's return. All twelve pairs of eyes seemed to stare directly into her soul, and Amidala visibly shivered. One of them, Yoda, she remembered, smiled.
"Cold you are, hmm? Give her your robe you shall, Padawan Skywalker." The small, green Master tapped his gimer stick to emphasize his point. Amidala glanced sheepishly at Anakin, slightly embarrassed, but Sith was she cold! She mumbled her thanks to Anakin and returned Yoda's smile.
"I appreciate everything that you have done me and my people-" she stopped as Obi-Wan rushed through the door, white as a ghost.
"Forgive me, Masters, but I think you should all see this." He flicked on a holonet broadcast from Naboo. A frail, sick-looking man filled the screen.
"...The Queen has broken her promise to the people of Naboo. She promised us PEACE!" The man was forced off the screen and in his place, a fresh-faced reporter stepped in.
"Tension is high on the Sovereign planet of Naboo, as word comes in from the Palace that Queen Amidala has been declared insane-" The woman turned to the right as a deafening explosion rocked the street. The picture blurred a second then faded to black.
Anakin instinctively reached for the woman before him as she teetered on her feet. The room was silent, more so than he ever recalled. The twelve Jedi Masters all shared a glace at one another before nodding. "No truth to this declaration do we find. Insane she is not!" Yoda exclaimed, coming down from his chair to stand before Amidala.
"Confused and fearful you are, scared that the words are true, hmm?" Amidala sank to her knees, in an unconscious need to be eye level.
She nodded in the affirmative, her mind spinning in a different directions. "Yes, Master." She wiped a tear away, wanting to be screaming... doing something to make the pain go away. She looked up, meeting Yoda's concerned gaze. "The healer tried to help me-"
Yoda shook his head. "Try to help you? Fail he did, because try he did! Help you, we shall. There is no try, only do, Amidala." Hearing him speak her name brought a smile to her face. What in the name of Naboo had happened since Sabé's last 'urgent' message, anyway?
Present Time
Sabé wasn't entirely sure how it happened. One moment she was changing into more appropriate handmaiden gowns, the next, thrust onto the holonet to declare her Queen insane. Scarier even, Panaka and the other handmaidens seemed to be spurned on my some phantom rage that she knew nothing of. Fights had broken out above ground, and explosions had rocked the palatial city of Theed.
The center of all of this was unknown to her as of yet. She'd been hesitant to talk to Becaal, but he had been Amidala's closest confidant as of late. He explained that the Queen was not well and had deserted them at a time of struggle. Word had gotten out about the earlier invasion of the Palace, and current tabloid speculation had declared it an elaborate scheme by the Queen to detract from her insanity.
Something told her to hold out and speak to Amidala directly, but Becaal's testimony was so convincing. So solid. He'd broken patient-doctor confidentiality by telling her what he did; didn't that speak for itself. At least now, Amidala will get the help she needs. Until then? I am the Queen...
*******************************************************
"Why does my soul
feel so bad?"
...
Later that
evening, as the ever-present traffic slowed to a few scattered ships, Anakin
and Amidala sat out amongst the Temple's beautiful gardens. Coruscant wasn't
naturally the most aesthetically pretty, but the Temple brought forth a wonder
that not even the grungiest city could conquer. It as a place of peace, where
thousands of Jedi called home. Where Anakin had grown into the man holding her
so tight.
How he could stand by her when everyone else had turned, she
didn't know. She was deeply hurt to find out what Sabé had done; who can
you trust when your best friend betrays you? Worse yet, to learn that the other
handmaidens felt the same! If I wasn't insane before, this sure gives me
cause.
She shivered as a cool breeze fluttered at the hem of her
gown. Anakin reflexively tightened his arms around her, as if to shield her
from the wind's gale. "You know, it's too bad you weren't born Force-sensitive.
You'd have made a good Jedi," he whispered, kissing her cheek.
She
snorted, the idea seemed so far-fetched! "Yeah, right. A Jedi with a tendency
to lose control of her emotions and burst into tears? That would go over
well."
Anakin spun her around, looking her right in the eyes. "Stop
that. I will not have you talking like that about yourself!" He paused,
crushing her to him in a hug. "I may not have been around, but I know, I
know you're not insane, okay? If anyone's insane, it's that little
imposter-"
"Anakin, please! I can't take much more of this! My people
think I have deserted them, my handmaidens are in cahoots with Sith knows who,"
She broke free from his embrace and walked around the path towards a large,
elaborate fountain. Anakin followed closely behind. "There's someone, or
something behind this, Anakin. It's like they've all been... brainwashed or
something!"
That much was true, he knew. "I felt a significant dark
presence when we first received Sabé's 'message' on the ship. I have to
say, and you know how I feel about Sabé, but I don't think that any of
this was her idea. If, as you suggest, they were brainwashed, we need to find
out how."
"That, Padawan, may be harder than it first appears." Anakin
and Amidala turned to find Obi-Wan walking towards them.
****************************************************
'Somewhere there's
speaking,
it's already coming in.
Oh, and it's rising in the
back
of your mind.'
...
Anakin took one look into his Master's eyes and knew Obi-Wan was speaking the truth. "Exactly what do you mean, Master?" Amidala was rigid at his side, gripping his hand as if it were a lifeline. Perhaps it is.
The older Jedi folded himself onto a stone bench, shaking his head. "Yoda just informed me that all communications with Naboo have been terminated. Whether this was deliberate, or a simple malfunction-"
Amidala shook her head, coming free from the trance she was in. "No, you don't understand. After... after the last time, we- I had a new system installed. Only three people know of a way to disable it. Me, Panaka, and..."
Anakin seemed to understand. "Sabé." He spat her name like a curse. He saw Amidala flinch, and knew what this must be doing to her. To find out your best friend is stabbing you in the back... "Are you sure this is not an instance of someone, or something interfering. Maybe an outside influence?"
"No, Padawan. The system was shut off from Naboo's surface. Had it been outside influence, we would have picked it up. All we can do now, or all the Council can do now, is send Jedi reinforcements to Naboo. Yoda and Mace feel our place is here, with the Queen, but have agreed to let us brief the four Jedi being sent.
"I don't understand any of this, Amidala. Why would someone wish to brainwash all members of your staff, and friends? What is the ultimate gain here?" Obi-Wan looked out over the night sky, wishing, not for the first time, that Qui-Gon were here. He would know what to say to calm Amidala's fraying nerves.
To her credit, Amidala maintained her stoic facade. Her only sign of dependence was the way she was latched onto Anakin. "I wish I knew, Obi-Wan. I'm beginning to think that the attack on Rabé was what started all of this. Whomever it is, being not satisfied with not having killed me, plotted to drive me to the brink of insanity and then simply replace me."
All three looked at one another, certain that they knew someone fitting that exact description. Anakin's lips curled around the word in distaste as he spoke it. "Becaal."
******************************
Amidala paced around the room like a caged animal. All pretense gone, she was clad simply in a borrowed Jedi tunic, her hair piled high in a braided ponytail. To an observer, she was simply another Jedi; which was exactly what Yoda and the Council had planned. Nobody asked questions, she was left alone for the most part. It was only now... when she'd accidentally locked herself inside Anakin's room.
It was irrational, she knew, but she was scared. Being held inside a room, either by force or accident, held no appeal to her. She could reach Anakin, if she knew how. The Jedi Temple was a palace of technology, and a panel with more that two-dozen blinking lights taunted her each time she approached it. Nothing was labeled in Basic, only in a coded language she knew Anakin was fluent in. Figures.
Sitting back onto his bed, she decided to allow herself some time to relax. The next few weeks, months- years, even, would be extremely hard on all of them. She wasn't quite sure how she knew this, it was if she simply closed her eyes... and there it was. She saw happiness, tears, joyous celebrations, funeral services. The whole lot. Perhaps being here has done more for me already, she mused.
Relaxing back into the jumbled, blue and black duvet, she was immersed in Anakin. His smell, his spirit, he was just... everywhere. She guessed that he really didn't spend much time here, which was a shame. The room was huge, decorated much in the style befitting a Jedi: sparse and functional. There was a door, opposite the room, that she assumed led to Obi-Wan's quarters. It, too, was locked.
Feeling herself gently falling asleep, she thought of Sabé. Was she really a victim of Becaal's persuasions, or a willing participant? At times she felt a jealous vibe from her closest handmaiden, but always overlooked it. Most of the time, people were jealous of what they perceived her life to be like. They had envisioned grand jewels, and credits beyond their wildest dreams.
If they knew what life was really like, inside those pretentious gowns, surely they would see differently. That, in itself, was what bothered her the most when she thought of Sabé. She, of all people, knew what life was like as Queen; she'd faked the part long enough of be aware.
If this truly was intentional on Sabé's part, she would be banished from Naboo as a whole. Amidala would miss her friend, but not the vindictive woman she became. A lonely tear traced a cool path down her cheek, pooling in the place where neck met shoulder. Pushing all thoughts of Sabé and Becaal from her weary mind, she fell asleep.
**************************************************
Why does my soul...feel so bad?
...
Anakin had searched the Temple from top to bottom, poked his head into a private Council meeting, took an unwanted dip into the training pool, and he still didn't know where Amidala was. Now, damp and slightly aggravated, he marched towards his room to change. Behind him, a quiet snickering told him that Obi-Wan found this highly humorous.
"I told you to keep away from the pool during playtime, did I not, Padawan?" Obi-Wan chided him, humor in his voice.
Anakin mumbled something about the Master's having it in for him, and not keeping their students well disciplined. The afternoon light was washing in through the windows when he inserted his key in the lock. What lie before him brought a smile to his face, and melted away any thought of those wretched kids and their pool.
Amidala; sound asleep in his bed.
He stopped at the door, and felt Obi-Wan behind him, wondering what was up. "Would you look at that? Here I was, searching the whole Temple, and she was right under my nose!" Obi-Wan peeked around the corner, smiling at the sleeping Queen. He noticed that she was smiling slightly, and did not miss the corresponding smile from his Padawan. "Well, I'll leave you to change. Meet me in an hour down in the training room."
"One hour, I promise." Anakin could not even tear his eyes from her to see his Master off the proper way. When the door slid closed behind him, he walked over to the bed and sat down beside her. She mumbled sleepily, and he placed a kiss on her temple. How strange it was, having her in this place. The Jedi Temple was a place of peace and meditation, but... right now... he had other things on his mind.
The first being, get the hell out of these wet clothes. She was asleep, after all.
...
Amidala, trying to keep a straight face, kept one eye on the man trying his best to be quiet. It seemed the harder he tried, the more noise he made. It was charming, really. She'd woken shortly after hearing them at the door, but decided to take the opportunity to watch Anakin when he wasn't aware.
She expected the kiss, she expected to see him trying not to wake her up. She did NOT expect to watch him undress. Piece after tan piece came off, making not a sound as they dropped to the marble floor. Unable to tear her eyes away, she knew that there would be some sort of penalty for enjoying this so much.
She'd known that he'd grown up from that little boy, and the results were certainly worth waiting for. Muscles, developed by years of training, stretched across his arms and back. His long, blond, Padawan braid trailed down his back, and she yearned to tug on it. What is wrong with wanting this?
Mulling that over, she found that she couldn't think of anything, really. So, she decided to take the plunge. "Is this show just for me, Anakin?"
She watched as he must have jumped about 2 feet in the air. Now self-conscious, he pulled the tunic over his bare chest. This, of course, left him standing in his underclothes. She giggled and motioned for him to come closer. "I've seen more than that already, Jedi. What, don't tell me your suddenly shy?"
Anakin blinked once, twice, and walked over to sit beside her. "I, um, I'm sorry I woke you up-" He was cut off by being pulled down and kissed.
"Shh, I've had too much sadness in my life as of late, I'm not letting this, or you, pass through my hands."
Okay, well. "No, it's not that... I just... we might have more time for... whatever this is... later tonight. I have to train in an hour, and-" Way to sound like an idiot!
"It's a date then?" she whispered, kissing him from chin to chest.
"Yeah... it's a date alright," he responded, wondering how he was going to get through the rest of the day now. Again, Obi-Wan's words came to him. "A Jedi must have patience."
Indeed, Master, Indeed.
***************************************************
After a rather exhausting training match, Anakin folded his sore muscles into the largest, most comfortable chair in the dining hall. While still on break, Anakin and Obi-Wan had always trained. It wasn't befitting a Jedi to slack off, break or no. He didn't mind, honestly; today it gave him a chance to release some... steam... if you will.
Steam created by the chestnut-haired woman seated across from him, smiling demurely. It was funny, she appeared so timid and proper... it was only when you got underneath that the fire inside of her was exposed. Anakin knew, from having gone through the Naboo battle with her, she was a force to be reckoned with when pushed.
And push he would. With a smile, he caught her eye and winked. For her part, Amidala rolled her eyes and tilted her head to the side slightly towards the blonde, female Padawan who'd been making eyes with Anakin all night. "She asked me three times who my Master was, and three times I told her that I didn't have one. Would you not think that she would get the hint?" She tried to keep the sarcasm from her voice, and failed. Something about the predatory look in her eyes made Amidala want to stab her with her fork! Oh, that would surely convince everyone that I'm sane!
Anakin chuckled and pulled both her hands to his. "Hey, I've only got room in my bed for one beautiful woman." He whispered, enjoying the blush it brought to her otherwise pale cheeks. They'd been dancing around the subject of making love since that night on the ship, almost three weeks ago now, and he had a feeling that tonight may be the night. Life for them now was hectic, she in particular, they needed to hold onto each other for as long as they could.
"Yeah, you're all talk, Anakin." She teased him, gathering her tray and walking towards the exit with a wink. Anakin sat, dumbfounded, until realization slapped him upside the head. Okay, until Obi-Wan slapped him upside the head, same thing. "Ow, what was that for?"
Obi-Wan grinned, sitting down beside his Padawan. "Look, we're way past this discussion, Anakin-"
A groan. "Oh, you're not going to talk to me about sex are you?" He was certain that death right now would be preferred over this conversation.
Obi-Wan shook his head. "No, not at all. I simply want you to be careful with that girl's heart. She trusts you, Anakin, like no other. Do not take advantage of that." He spoke the truth, and saw that it was exactly what Anakin had been thinking.
"I won't deny my feelings for her, Master."
"And I'm not asking you to. I, just... be careful. That's all I'm asking." Obi-Wan sank into the chair, taking a long drink of the warm tea in his hand. He knew it would only be a matter of time before Anakin and Amidala would... get serious; these three weeks together had certainly helped in that regard. Anakin kept silent, his eyes glued to the table. "If I were you, Padawan, I'd have gone after her."
Anakin regarded his Master with a raised eyebrow. "Where do you think I was headed?" Both Master and Padawan shared a smile as Anakin followed the path Amidala had so recently taken.
*********************************************
Speak to me baby, in
the middle of the
night.
...
Anakin moved fluidly through the halls, weaving through the numerous corridors towards his room. At first he'd thought that Amidala would have gone of to her room, but somehow he just knew she would be waiting for him as she had been earlier.
He was a nervous wreck, really. Some brave Jedi I am. Taking a few deep breaths, he did his best to clear his mind. There may be a first time for everything, but that was exactly what scared him; you only get one chance to make it perfect. While just the simple act of staring into her eyes could be considered perfect, he longed for the physical connection to be forged between them.
He had been concerned, of course, that her appearance in his room would raise a certain... suspicion amongst his peers, but, luckily, the hallways were darkened and very sparsely occupied at this late hour. Now approaching his door, he saw a soft light escaping along the floor and smiled. She was here.
.
Amidala heard his approach a moment before the door slid open, and was glad for the available element of surprise. Dimming the overhead lights, the room was awash in the soft pinkish cast of the glow rods she'd pilfered from the training room earlier. Never call me unprepared. She smirked to herself, taking position just behind the door.
Anakin entered, and his shadow bounced across the walls as he strode in. Seeing her opportunity, and just tired of all the tension between them, Amidala went in for what she wanted. Gently grabbing his hand, she turned him towards her, his face reflected in the pink glow. "Ever been seduced by an older woman, Anakin?" she whispered, pulling the cumbersome robe from his shoulders.
He attempted to laugh, but it was caught in his throat. Instead, he reached out for her and enveloped her in a tight embrace. She was so tiny, that she fit neatly under his chin. They stayed that way for a long time, simply holding one another. It was a sign; a sign that the friendship they renewed was still a big part of this new aspect of their relationship. "Are we really going to do this?" he asked, not hiding the wonderment in his voice.
She nodded, leading him back towards the bed. "We were meant to do this, I believe. You were meant for me, of that I'm certain," she whispered, motioning for him to sit down. He complied, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her to stand between his legs. For a moment, he simply stared up into her eyes; Rich, warm brown with a fire deep inside that he hoped never died. She was clad simply, a white sleeping gown and a gossamer thin, lilac robe. There were so many things he wanted to tell her, but words right now seemed so unnecessary. They would communicate with body language now.
Amidala reveled in the strong hands surrounding her. She felt safe, protected. Loved. That was all well and good, but she wanted... more. Reaching out, she angled his head closer to hers and captured his lips in a kiss. The touch was gentle at first, but quickly made up ground as the two explored each other. Hands caressed, sighs escaped, as boundaries between friends and lovers were erased.
With decidedly shaky hands, Anakin slowly reached for the soft sash holding her robe together. It opened, revealing the woman underneath. It's like opening a present. He smiled inwardly and once again met her eyes. They sparkled with what can only be described as pure mischief. She attempted to speak, but he pressed his index finger to her lips, shaking his head. With a quiet swoosh, the robe floated to the marble below them. She smiled. "Quite the charmer, aren't you?" she teased, tugging gently on his blond braid.
"You know what the penalty for speaking is?" He grabbed her firmly around the waist, taking her breath away. Literally.
"No, why don't you tell me. I'm afraid I've been naughty..." They shared a laugh at her words.
"Hmm, I think you're right. In fact," he paused, tossing her unexpectedly onto the bed and rolling atop her. " I think I know of a way for you to make it up to me."
She reached her arms around, tugging at the bulky tunic keeping her from his warm skin. "Is that so. Well, you might want to wait until we're done. I have a feeling that I may become naughtier as the night goes on-" Finally free of the offending tunic, Anakin leaned closer to her, crushing her lips in a kiss. His skin was warm, golden flesh, stretched out over muscles that made her catch her breath. She sent a silent thanks to Obi-Wan for leading Anakin into whatever training it was that created the man above her. Yet as close as they were now, she yearned to feel his skin on her own.
Anakin understood and quickly untied the thin ribbon on her gown. She thought back to that night nearly a month ago... when they first kissed. Making love then would have been a mistake and she thanked whatever force out there for showing that to her. Their time was now. Inch by inch, Anakin lowered the gown around her shoulders. Her hair spread out against the pillow in a tangled mass of chestnut, and her skin seemed to glow in the moon's blue light. The struggle to remain somewhat composed was becoming a struggle for both of them.
Upon closer... inspection, Anakin noticed the blush that had crept up on the woman beneath him. Her breath was coming in shorter intervals, and she was wearing a giddy smile. Throwing control to the wind, he lowered his lips to her neck, following the hem of her gown and down. She shivered at the touch, a soft moan escaping. Both now bare of everything except for their smiles, they held each other and reveled in the contact.
She was soft and smooth where he was hard and rough, but they fit together perfectly. He felt her small hands tracing random patterns into the skin on his back, and lowered his lips to hers once more. It was taking everything he had, and even a little he didn't to refrain from messing this up. One chance. We only get one chance to make this right. Lost in his thoughts, he jumped when she tugged again on his braid.
"It will be perfect, Ani. It already is. I want you to make love to me."
Her words, no more than a whisper, worked like a shockwave on his system. She is so completely beautifully perfect. Those were his last thoughts before they became one.
Lost in the amazement of the moment, Amidala took a few deep breaths. She couldn't tell where she left off and he began, they were so close. Slowly at first, they moved together in rhythm. A few happy tears escaped, much a testament to the physical release they were headed towards. Bonded now in spirit and heart, they rode out the wave towards becoming one in body. Time stood still around them, the galaxy outside forgotten for once. All that mattered was each other, and the bright white light surrounding them now. Now that's an afterglow. Amidala mused, placing a kiss on the sweaty head of her lover.
Cradled against her breast, Anakin smiled at her with as much strength as he could muster. "Hey, beautiful." His voice was low and raspy, and it sent happy chills up her spine.
"Hey yourself." She gave him a push, sending him onto his back, then cuddled up on his chest. Anakin wove his fingers through her hair, gently untangling the adorable mess it had become. Force, do I love this woman! "I want you to always remember something for me. Can you do that?"
She nodded sleepily, so he continued. "No matter what happens from this moment on, always remember that I love you, and will until the day my heart stops beating. I don't know what's going to happen, but this... this is one thing I know. I love you, Amidala." He kissed her temple, wrapping the blanket around them snugly. She blinked once, twice and wiped away a tear.
"And I love you, Anakin. We will need this love to keep us strong in the near future, I just have a feeling about it."
Nodding, he felt his eyes close on their own accord. "Well, we will face it together, you and I. Right now, my only worry is letting you go in the morning." He expected a chuckle, but noticed that she had already fallen asleep. With a shrug, he joined her.
******************************************
Morning came slowly, creeping into the room unnoticed. Horizontal bars of sunlight stretched across the bed of tangled sheets and the sleeping forms of Anakin and Amidala. The hallways were already bounding with activity, as both Master and Padawan began their day. Neither of them heard the commotion, however; as they were too wrapped inside each other's embrace.
As awareness began to wash over him, Anakin hoped, more than he ever had, that his too-nosy-for-his-own-good Master wouldn't pick now to enter. While not embarrassed in the least, he rather wanted as much time with Amidala as possible before they began their day. Thoughts and emotions spun a crazy web in his mind, alerting his senses to Amidala's closeness. She was here, where she was destined to be.
And he wanted her awake.
Slipping his now numb arm from beneath her head, he ran his fingers lightly up the underside of her arm. She moaned sleepily and pulled away from the offending tickle. Crabby in the morning? This I have to see! He pressed on.
"Anakin, go back to sleep, and leave me alone!" Her words were muffled by the pillow, and brought a smile to his face.
"I'm afraid I can't do that, beautiful. Obi-Wan will be poking his nosy face in here soon enough. We need to be at least presentable-"
A groan. "We're presentable!" she challenged, forgetting the fact that she was still... "Oh. I guess I see what you mean." Naked. I'm naked and in Anakin's bed. When she rolled over towards him, a smile brightened her face. "I don't really want Obi-Wan seeing me like this."
He laughed, kissing her quickly. "I don't want anyone seeing you like this. Except me, of course."
"Oh, of course. I guess I'll have to break it to that nice Jedi boy I've been seeing. He's really kinda shy, and would never have a lady in his bed." She managed to take on a slight haughty accent, and nearly burst into laughter at the expression on his face.
Rolling over and grabbing his robe, Anakin pulled her to her feet. "Come on you, let's get some air." She shrieked as the cold air came into contact with her bare skin, but complied anyway.
.
Morning had come about 3 standard hours ago for Obi-Wan. He spent the first hour wondering if Amidala had spent the night with Anakin. The second hour was spent wondering how he was going to explain this to the council, should they ask. Right now, he was stuck with the dilemma of how to get Amidala out of the room.
After serious contemplation, he decided to simply put on his best Master expression and open the connecting door. What he found confirmed the fact that she had indeed stayed there, yet he did not know where the both of them were. Clothing, both his and hers littered the floor, and a soft breeze blew in from the open door.
Oh. So that's where they were. He cleared his throat so as to not startle them when he approached. Anakin turned his head slightly and smiled. He was clad in his robe, but appeared to be alone. "I'm sorry to intrude, Padawan. Master Yoda has scheduled a Council meeting this morning, and-"
Anakin nodded, laughing as Amidala peeked her head out from beneath the robe. She was small enough to fit under his chin, and scrambled there when they'd heard Obi-Wan. The brown robe opened only enough for her head to be exposed. "Good morning, Obi-Wan," she said, blushing furiously.
Obi-Wan was trying his best not to laugh, but it was useless. "Good morning, Amidala. You're both expected at the meeting, and unless you want Master Yoda up here with his gimer stick, I'd get moving."
Anakin sighed; the last thing he needed right now was a Council meeting on an empty stomach. "We will be there. I think it's best if we arrive together. The three of us, I mean." That would look significantly less suspicious to anyone bothering to care.
Nodding, Obi-Wan turned away as Anakin and Amidala walked... well, shuffled together... back into the room. He waited until Amidala walked around him, fully dressed, before opening his eyes. "That would be best. I don't know if this will ever come up, but if it does, you will be expected to be honest and up-front about it."
By 'it' Anakin knew exactly what his Master meant. Amidala's eyes turned on him, a bit wary. "Should it ever arise, of course." All three stood silent for a moment; Anakin smoothing out his tunic, Amidala folding a blanket, Obi-Wan looking for an exit.
"Well, I'll leave you for now. Be ready in about an hour?"
Both nodded, happy to have this last hour alone. Once the door slid close, Amidala raced over to Anakin's open arms. "You sure we just can't spend all day in bed?" she asked, whining.
He kissed the top of her head, pushing her towards the 'fresher. "Yoda would surely be up here then, and we do not need that!"
"I know, I was just..." Suddenly, he noticed an evil grin spread across her face. "You could join me, you know."
An equally as evil grin broke the frown that had formed on his face. "You have such a dirty mind, Your Highness.." They laughed, arm and arm, all they way to the 'fresher.
************************************
Keep your
friends close. Keep your enemies closer.
...
Black swirls of exhaust curled around the Sith infiltrator parked in the main hangar of Theed Palace. This mirrored the dark- clad occupants that had just stepped from the ship's depths. Sabé and Eirtaé were there to welcome the Sith, but found themselves merely pushed aside.
Sabé had mind to use her Queenly influence and insist they treat her properly. It wasn't something Amidala would have done, but then... Amidala's not here is she? With an almost-evil gleam in her eye, she pushed her way ahead of the crowd and into the path of Darth Sidious. "Excuse me, My Lord, I would like to welcome you to Naboo."
Sidious smirked, looking once at his pale-faced companion. "Yes, Your Highness. We are thankful for your welcome." His tone was nothing but condescending, but something inside Sabé told her to listen.
"Our recent troubles have disturbed my people. They are looking now for leadership."
Sidious nodded again to the young person at his side. "My companion, Nyera, will be available at your beck and call, young Queen." Sabé felt Eirtaé at her side, nudging her. Just like that, I'm dismissed.
"Very well, My Lord." With a final bow of her head, she and Eirtaé retreated. Sidious and Nyera walked quickly towards the Palace; there was work to be done today.
..
After numerous attempts to get clean, Anakin and Amidala had used up most of their allotted hour. Now, dressed and ready for the day, Amidala struggled to do something with the waist-length hair curling down her back. The past few weeks she had kept it in a tidy ponytail atop her head, but it was beginning to give her a headache each day. Normally.... normally her handmaidens would help her with such a chore, but since... No! I am not going to think about that now.
She would have to ask Anakin. With one last comb-through, she turned towards him. "Anakin, I sort of have a small problem," she said, smiling sweetly.
"Why don't I like the sound of that?" he asked, walking up behind her.
"I need you to braid my hair." She blurted it out all in a rush, handing him the comb. He looked at her in complete shock before shaking his head. "That's not a problem, Am. I used to braid...my mom's hair when her hands were sore from working." The memory brought a smile to his face. Mom...
Amidala took his hands in her own. "That was very sweet of you, Anakin." Images of a nine-year old Anakin braiding Shmi's hair flashed in her mind. Had it really been that long ago?
"Yeah, she never even complained when I pulled her hair, either." He let that sink in for a moment, before splitting her hair into three sections.
She reached back and slapped his bottom. "Pull my hair and that bed of yours will become a very lonely place."
A chuckle. "I promise, you won't feel a thing. Mom used to fall asleep sometimes, before I was even through." He was already weaving her hair into a tight braid when the door opened behind them. Master.
What is it, Padawan? Obi-Wan asked, surprised to hear Anakin's voice this way. Rarely, if ever, did they communicate through the bond if they were free to speak aloud.
Anakin's voice sounded tinged with a sadness. A short time ago, I felt a disturbance. Not here on Coruscant..
Obi-Wan's eyes closed as he replied. Yes, I felt it too. Yoda believes it to be centered around Naboo, he will have much to discuss this morning with us.
Lost in their own world, they failed to notice one ticked off Queen. "Will you two please speak out loud! I'm a big girl, I can take it."
"I apologize, Amidala. Oftentimes we're unaware that we're even doing it. You didn't miss much, honestly," Obi-Wan explained, smiling. The sight of the two of them would keep a smile on his face the whole day. Anakin's hands were like lightning, twisting and weaving her hair into the braid.
She nodded. "You know, I actually caught some of it. Um, disturbance, Yoda... that's about it."
Silence.
Anakin stole a glance at his Master, blushing. "I... I guess we must be bonded after... uh-"
Obi-Wan took pity on his Padawan; He knew what went on, but did not need all the wonderful details. "That's only natural, Padawan. You must have unconsciously turned on Amidala's latent Force skills. While weak, they are enough to pick up on certain things."
Fighting the urge to giggle, Amidala lowered her head. Yeah, he turned something on; that much was certain.
"I suppose I should be more careful with my thoughts outside of this room then?"
Obi-Wan nodded. "It would be a good idea. There will be, naturally, times when your thoughts will be open for interpretation; as you will find when speaking with the Council. One thing on your side, your ability will not be noticed by anyone not looking for it."
Made sense. "I understand. Now, are you almost done back there?" She slapped him once again on the rear.
"Yes, Your Highness. Now, let's get going." Anakin helped her out of the chair and together, the three of them walked towards the door.
********************************************
"I can feel the magic
in the air,
being with you gets me this way"
..
Precisely one standard hour later, a cleanly scrubbed trio of two Jedi and a Queen stood face to face with the Jedi Council. Outside, legions of ships and air-taxis cruised by; oblivious to the inner workings of the Jedi within. Amidala, having stepped back behind Anakin and Obi-Wan slightly, watched the oldest, and wisest member of the Council with great interest. Yoda had always been kind to her, even now.
"Brought you here for a reason we have." Yoda opened, turning towards Mace Windu with a nod. The distinguished Jedi Master continued. "Fraan Jul-lyn and her Padawan sent a report early this morning from Naboo."
Amidala stepped forward, forgetting all protocol. If something was happening to her people, she had a right to know. "Please, I must ask-"
Yoda cut in, rapping his gimer stick against the cool marble. "Patience you must have, Amidala." While not curt in any way, the message was clear. She stole a glance at Anakin before stepping back once again.
"We believe that the Sith have reappeared on Naboo. Fraan has been alerted to the dangers that such a situation presents, and will report directly to the Council should assistance be required. She is under the assumption that the Sith have gained control over Theed-" Mace stopped as a solitary thought screamed louder than a thousand voices.
Oh, Force... something was terribly wrong!
A chill ran up Anakin's spine as the feeling grew stronger. He looked to his Master, but Obi-Wan had no answers. All eyes now fell on the small, although strong Queen.
Amidala looked stricken, and wobbled on her feet. "I... oh, Ani-" She reached desperately for the hand of her lover before crumbling onto the cool marble. Anakin rushed to catch her, looking helplessly at Obi-Wan. Shocked murmurs resounded amongst the twelve Council members, each trying to pinpoint what had happened.
Obi-Wan took a cue from his Padawan and spoke up. "We've, uh, recently discovered a certain talent that the Queen herself had been unaware of until now."
Yoda nodded, smiling at Amidala's unconscious form. "Aware of this, you were not? Sensed the disturbance in the Force she has. Know how to deal with this, she does not!"
Both Master and Padawan looked down, unable to meet Yoda's unwavering expression. "If gifted in the Force she is, trained to handle this she must be, Obi-Wan."
"I'll admit that this is a bit of a surprise. How shall we proceed?" Again, as with every new day, Obi-Wan longed for the wisdom and guidance of Qui-Gon. What would you do, Master?
This question went unanswered as a certain pair of brown eyes opened on their own accord. Amidala, shaky but otherwise okay, jerked awake. "What.... was that?" she mumbled, rubbing her head with one hand; it hurt like wild bantha had been roaming around up there.
Smiling slightly, Anakin placed a kiss on her temple. Let the Council think what they will, she needs me now. "That, was what the Jedi call a disturbance in the Force."
Confused, Amidala stood. "Yes, but what does that mean exactly. I know I felt it, whatever it was, but how? And better yet, why?" She looked around the room, which had fallen deathly silent. She felt Anakin reach for her hand, and she sent him a silent thanks.
"We think it may have something to do with your recent Force sensitivity. Something inside you has been awakened, whether you were ever aware of it or not."
Obi-Wan nodded, happy that Anakin had been the one to explain this in part. "The Force itself lives within every living thing. What you felt was a wavering of sorts in the calm constant of the Force. It's similar to an almost danger-sense that all Jedi are attuned to-"
Shaking her head, Amidala paced around in a tight circle. "I appreciate your trying to explain this, Obi-Wan, but I just don't... understand."
A small voice spoke out from the Council. "My dear, certain things are beyond explanation," Master Gallia intoned. "What Master Obi-Wan was trying to explain may be more than you're ready to understand at this point in time." She fixed her dark brown eyes on Obi-Wan.
Anakin could understand that; Obi-Wan had filled his head so full of teachings and random knowledge that first week they spent together, that he nearly went mad! "Masters, I feel perhaps a short rest-"
"No! Anakin, I'm fine! My people are in trouble, they need my help." The fire in her eyes spoke loud and clear to every person in the room: Jedi or not, I am not leaving this room.
"We welcome your input, Your Highness, and you are welcome to stay." Gallia went on, fixing Mace with a similar expression painted in her eyes. We women need to stick together, Amidala. She winked at Amidala, and didn't miss the brief smile, or response.
Thank you, Master. And you're right, we sure do.