Both Anakin and Amidala watched Kenobi until he was out of sight. Amidala nervously surveyed the area and concluded they were definitely now alone. Her eyes finally came to rest on the smiling face of young Skywalker. He could sense her apprehension at being alone with
him, and he liked the feeling of power it gave him. He rather enjoyed having the upper hand for a change.
Amidala was fidgeting nervously not sure of what to say or do next. Around heads of state she was always calm and self-assured, but around this Jedi she felt like one of the young palace girls who giggled after every handsome man who walked by. To make matters worse, she was
certain that Anakin sensed her interest in him.
"Well, before we do anything, you're going to have to get out of
those clothes."
Amidala's eyes nearly popped out of her head at Anakin's statement. Immediately realizing what he had said, he was now the one blushing. "I mean that it will be
difficult for you to maneuver if you stay in those heavy robes." He couldn't bring himself to look her in the eyes after such a slip.
Amidala glanced down at her outlandish garment and knew that he was right. If she tried to move her head too quickly, her awkwardly huge headdress would topple onto the floor.
"Oh----of course. I'll just go change into something a bit more...practical. I'll be right back. Will you wait for me?" she innocently asked.
"Until the end of time," Anakin responded with a twinkle in his eye. He had meant it to sound lightheartedly sarcastic, but was just as astonished as the queen when it came out sounding so sincere. The young queen stared at him in silent wonder.
"I'll be right back," she finally uttered almost breathlessly. Then she turned and speedily moved down the hall. A deep sigh left his lips as Anakin pondered what it would
be like to win her heart.
Just then a flurry of giggles escaped from the other side of the room. Anakin spun around to find a crowd of gawking onlookers. *Oh, wonderful!* he murmured under his breath. Here he was, hoping for a chance to possibly share his feelings with Amidala, and now he had an
audience.
*I've got to get her out of here,* he decided. After gathering up a few blasters and other supplies, Anakin began pacing the floor waiting for Amidala. Lost in deep meditation, he almost didn't notice her arrival.
"I'm back," she announced gingerly, waiting for his response. Anakin was jolted out of his thoughts and turned to face Amidala. Gone were the elaborate gown and headdress. In their place was the plain jumpsuit of a handmaiden and a clean, beautiful face devoid of the royal white make-up. Anakin was spellbound by her loveliness.
"Is this better?" she asked, spinning around for his approval. Amidala wasn't used to wearing such formfitting clothes, but had to admit that she actually felt kind of sexy in the tight suit. The reaction from Anakin only added fuel to the small spark that he had already ignited deep within her.
"Yeah-- it looks great!" Realizing he now sounded like a lovesick school boy, Anakin quickly added," I mean, sure, it'll do just fine." Amidala stared back at him and smiled. "Let's get to practicing, shall we?" he finally said.
Several more people walked through the hall and cast suspicious glances at the twosome. Both began to fidget nervously.
"Why don't we find someplace quiet and not so crowded?" Anakin suggested as he leaned to whisper in her ear. "I can't concentrate with all these interruptions."
"Okay," Amidala complied. "Where should we go?"
Grabbing her hand, a huge grin spread across Anakin's face. "Just follow me!"
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Amidala looked all around at her present surroundings and chuckled. Anakin had taken her to the Gungans' former secret place, the place where she had revealed herself to be the queen and not merely a handmaiden.
"I'm surprised you remembered how to find this place," she declared as she crawled out of the speeder.
"I've got a mind like a steel trap," he answered. "I don't forget anything." Anakin walked over to Amidala's side of the speeder and continued. "I remember that it was here when I found out that the handmaiden I had a crush on was actually the queen of the whole planet!"
Amidala grinned. "You had a crush on me?" she innocently asked, batting her eyes as Anakin blushed at her teasing.
"Yeah... but I was just a boy then and couldn't do anything about it." Now he looked boldly into her face without blinking. The young queen felt her heart speed up again, and didn't know quite what to say.
"Um... why don't we start with some blaster practice," she finally said. "It's been so long since I've used one that I'm afraid I'm a bit rusty."
Anakin took a deep breath. *She is not going to make this easy for me* he conceded. Grabbing a blaster, he began to name each part as if she were a beginner.
"... and this is the trigger." Stopping, he looked up to see an unamused Amidala.
"I'm not a child, Anakin. I've been using a blaster since before you were out of diapers."
Anakin's face registered shock at her remark. "Hey! You're not that much older than I am!" Her teasing smile returned.
"I know how to use a blaster. I just need a little practice." She took the weapon out of his hand and moved into position in front of a knothole in a large tree. Her first shot missed the target completely, but managed to make quite a nice gouge in the tree behind it.
"Oops!" Amidala exclaimed. "I guess I'm more rusty than I thought." Anakin tried to cover his snicker, but she heard and felt her face begin to heat up.
"Here...let me help," Anakin offered. He crossed to where she stood and moved in close behind her so that their bodies left no empty space between them. "Do you mind?" After a small shake of her head, he placed his hand on hers around the blaster and leaned down so that his
mouth was right next to her ear. She could feel his warmth even through her clothes. She swallowed hard trying to concentrate on his words instead of the strange sensation that was winding its way around her entire body.
"What you have to do is visualize what you're aiming for. Focus on that. Keep your eyes and hands locked in place until you know you've hit your mark." His soft, low voice tickled Amidala's ear, and she giggled as a shiver ran through her body.
"What's wrong?" Anakin asked, backing away.
"Nothing's wrong," Amidala replied. "It's just... your breath...it tickled my neck."
"Sorry about that. Now, why don't you try again. This time visualize your target."
Taking a deep breath, Amidala aimed carefully and let loose a barrage of shots all of which hit the target dead center. Both were amazed at the result, but Amidala wanted to show this young Jedi what she was made of. So, she arrogantly blew the pretend smoke at the end of her blaster and twirled it around her fingers. Anakin was speechless.
"Was that better?" she asked. Then, unable to contain herself any longer, she laughed out loud. "Guess I'm refreshed, wouldn't you agree?" Anakin, too, could not help but laugh out loud.
"I'll say!"
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After a few more practice shots, the two decided to take a break. They began walking through the wooded area until they happened upon a stream and stopped for a drink. Anakin now had the chance to tell her of some of his adventures over the past years, in the hopes that it
would help her see him as a man instead of a boy. Amidala listened intently to his exploits, amazed at all he had seen and done.
"Wow! You mean the whole planet just fired up and left the solar system? Goodness, Ani, you've certainly been through a lot in your training."
He stared at her with a goofy grin on his face. "What?" she asked.
"Nothing," he replied. "I just like when you call me 'Ani.' Nobody else does that except..." He broke off as his eyes lowered and the smile faded away. With typical compassion,
Amidala grabbed Anakin's hand.
"Except your mother?" she questioned tenderly. Anakin nodded his head. "Have you seen her since you left?"
"No... I haven't gone back, but I have sent her holograms letting her know how I'm doing...only I don't get any in return. Watto won't let her send any to me. He's still sore about that whole pod-race deal. He has let me know that she's still alive though."
"Well, that's a bit of hope for you," Amidala added. Anakin grabbed Amidala's other hand and got a determined look on his face.
"I'm going back there, Padme. Someday soon I'm going back for her, and if Watto even tries to stand in my way---" Anakin's hand let go and went right to the lightsaber on his belt. Amidala felt a chill run down her spine when she saw the cold look in his eyes. Watto would be no
match for this Jedi, she knew.
Noticing the sun beginning to go down, the young queen realized that she had lost track of time.
"What time is it?" she asked, jumping up from her seat on the cool rock. "I've got to get back to the palace before they send out a search party!"
Anakin's hopes were dashed. He had hoped to reveal his true feelings for Amidala, but now the day was nearly gone, along with his opportunity.
"Anakin?" He turned to face her. "I had a wonderful time with you today. Thank you."
"Yeah... it's getting late. We'd better go." And with one swift leap he was in the speeder and on the way back to the palace, his long-felt love for Amidala still unspoken.
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Another day passed and soon it was the day before Queen Amidala's trip to the opposite side of her planet. Later that evening, Amidala sat on her bed unable to sleep due to all of the thoughts spinning in her mind. Of course the upcoming visit to Rabeed was weighing heavily upon her, but even more so were the growing feelings she was discovering she had for Anakin Skywalker.
Slipping out of bed, she shuffled over to her vanity and began brushing her long, chestnut hair. Seeing herself in the mirror, she had to chuckle.
"Here I am, queen of an entire planet and I have a silly crush on a younger man. And a Jedi at that." With a sigh, she decided to go for a walk to try to clear her head. Quickly throwing on a light shawl and pulling her hair over a shoulder, she made her way through the antechamber and into the enormous hallway. Only a few steps into her stroll, a soft whisper came from behind her.
"Are you all right, my queen?" It was Sabe, her loyal bodyguard.
"Sabe! You startled me!" Amidala declared. "No, I'm fine. I just can't seem to go to sleep and thought a walk might do me some good. Please go back to bed. I'll be fine."
Sabe nodded and went back inside her room. She knew the queen could defend herself if need be. They had both gone through similar self-defense training as young girls, so the queen was by no means helpless.
Amidala strolled through the quiet hallways of the Naboo palace. She was certain she could almost feel the presence of those famous queens that had come before her whispering their wisdom to her from another world. Sometimes the weight of her responsibilities was almost
unbearable, and she longed for someone to share the heavy burden...someone to embrace her when she needed to cry... someone to treat her like a woman and not just a ruler. That was the desire of her heart.
True, there had been several would-be suitors over the past several years, but none that suited her. They were either too self-absorbed, too greedy or something else that turned her off. She was getting to the point of resigning herself to a single life of celibacy and public service, to never being loved like she dreamed.
Then he had entered the picture.
"Padme?" the low voice sounded behind her. She quickly turned putting up her hands in a defensive gesture only to find Anakin with a look of surprise staring back at her.
"Oh! It's you," she stated as she lowered her hands and caught her breath.
"Don't sound so excited," he replied, disappointed in her indifferent tone.
"Oh, no, I didn't mean anything by that. I'm glad it is you. What are you doing up?" The sweet smile she offered him melted away his disappointment, and he smiled back. He could only see vague outlines of her since it was night, but to him she seemed more like an angel than ever. Her long dark hair hung loose over one of her slender shoulders, and the royal make-up was washed
away leaving her own beauty to shine in the moonlight.
"I can't sleep--- I get these dreams sometimes, and I don't sleep very well."
"Well, would you like to walk with me?" she asked. "I can't sleep either, and I'd love to have some company."
"I would be honored, your majesty," he replied with a bow.
The two began walking through the halls together, silent until they came to the royal gardens.
"Come with me, Ani. I want to show you something," and like a little girl anxious to share a secret, she grabbed his hand and pulled him hurriedly through the maze of bushes and flowers. Finally she stopped on a small marble balcony which overlooked the palace waterfalls. The
moonlight shone on the falls and caused them to shimmer like precious gems. Amidala inhaled deeply closing her eyes as she did so. Anakin stood still unable to breathe due to the tightening in his throat which always happened when he looked at her.
"Isn't this beautiful?" she asked, speaking of the scenery.
"It certainly is," Anakin replied, only he wasn't looking at the falls, but at her. *Does she have any idea what she does to me?* he asked himself. Oblivious to the true meaning of his statement, Amidala continued on.
"I found this little place soon after I moved into the palace. It was a night just like this one. I had so much on my mind, and I couldn't sleep, so I walked and walked, and then something led me here to this very spot. Things always seem to make more sense and become clearer
when I'm here." Suddenly realizing that she was alone with a man in her nightgown, she glanced shyly at Anakin and pulled her shawl more tightly around her arms.
"Are you cold?" Anakin asked aware of her every move. He himself was starting to heat up just being alone with her.
"No, I'm fine. I just---," she looked back up at him and was immediately locked to his eyes....the eyes of a man and not a little boy. Anakin somehow sensed her change and
stepped a bit closer to her, keeping her gaze captive as he moved.
"You just what?" he softly whispered. Now was his chance. She couldn't seem to move her eyes or her body and didn't really want to. The man coming toward her somehow held her to him, his very being exuding masculinity and strength, and yet there was a gentleness about him that seemed to call out to her.
"I just realized that I was standing here with you in my nightgown, with my hair a mess and no make-up on. If the press got wind of this, it would be the biggest scandal to ever hit Naboo!" She laughed nervously as Anakin was now right in front of her, his face lowered to within inches of hers. The heat emanating from his body and his clean musky scent caused Amidala's head to swirl. She thought for a moment that she was dreaming until he reached out with a large hand and tenderly moved a stray strand of hair out of her eyes.
"I still think you're an angel," he whispered, ever so lightly, and cupping her delicate face in his hand, he gently placed a kiss on her forehead. *Slow down, Anakin!*he warned himself. *Don't mess this up.* He dropped his hand and stepped back, afraid of what he would do if
he remained too close to her.
Amidala stood frozen in place trying to comprehend what had just happened and was secretly disappointed that he had moved away.
"I've been through a lot over the past few years," he began, looking thoughtfully at the glittering waterfalls. "I've done a lot of growing up."
Amidala started thinking to herself as Anakin continued talking.
*Why didn't he kiss me? Did I really want him to? Does he have someone else? Should I care if he does? Stop it! You're being ridiculous! This is only Anakin Skywalker-- the slave boy from Tatooine--- only.... he's not a boy anymore.* Amidala snapped herself out of her internal
discussion and continued to listen to Anakin. He finally looked back at her and smiled.
"So do you still have it?" he asked.
"Hmm?" she mumbled.
"The necklace I made you. Remember?"
Amidala quickly regained her composure and started fidgeting with the collar of her gown. In just a moment she pulled back her hair to reveal the gift from long ago. Anakin's face lit up as he moved back to her and gently took the necklace in his hand.
"I wear it often," Amidala declared," even though I don't really need it to remind me of you." Their eyes met again, and this time Amidala reached up and gently caressed a small scar under his eye. "You have been through so much, Ani. How did you get this scar?" she whispered, trying to change the subject as she felt her senses slipping out of her control.
Anakin could also sense her fleeting inhibitions and it urged him on. "It's a long story," he quietly replied as he took her hand from his face and tenderly kissed each of her fingers one by one.
Her heart raced wildly and every nerve on her body came alive. "What are you doing to me, Anakin Skywalker?" came her breathless query.
"Only what I've dreamed of since I first laid eyes on you, Padme Naberrie." Without letting another opportunity pass, he pulled her to him and pressed his lips to hers in a passionate kiss that unleashed the years of desire he held for her. Amidala responded in kind, willingly losing herself in the warmth of his mouth and body pressed against her.
When finally the kiss ended, both continued to stare deeply into one another's eyes as their hearts took a few moments to slow down. Amidala was speechless. The kiss had awakened a part of her that had been lying in slumber waiting for the handsome prince to rouse it from its sleep. Well, it was definitely roused now! She pulled him back to her and claimed his lips as her own.
Breathless again, Anakin's heart soared. His hopes and dreams rested right here in her hands. It was now or never.
"Padme, I have loved you since I first saw you in old Watto's shop. I've dreamed of you almost every night since then, and even though I've tried to get you out of my mind,
I can''t seem to get you out of my heart."
Anakin's face appeared to Amidala to have that little boy look, if only for just a brief moment. She remembered again the strange boy who had announced that he would marry her someday, and she had to giggle.
Not understanding her reaction, Anakin felt a flash of anger sweep over him, and he lashed out. "What?! Am I so amusing, your highness?" he asked angrily. Amidala was shocked by his caustic remark and stepped back in slight horror at his quick transformation.
"Ani, I didn't mean anything..." she started.
"Yeah, right," he grunted as he turned away from her abruptly. "To you I'll always be a scruffy little slave boy, won't I?"
"Ani, why are you acting this way?" He could tell by the look in her eyes that she was hurt, and he chided himself for causing it. However, his pride kept him from apologizing.
Amidala, stunned and a bit frightened by this revelation of his temper, wanted to run.
"Padme," Anakin began as he lightly touched her arm. As she recoiled at his touch, he wished he could take back his foolish words.
"I...I have to go, Anakin," she said curtly, then quickly turned and ran away. Once she was sure he was not following her, she slowed to catch her breath. For a few moments she stood motionless, not having a clue as to what had just happened. One minute she was kissing him like
there was no tomorrow, and the next.........It was as if a whirlwind had just ripped through her
heart--- and its name was Anakin Skywalker.
More to come!.......