Chapter 6---
The day had finally come for the queen's visit to Rabeed. Amidala knew that Governor Ember had never been her biggest supporter, but word of his desire to have more involvement with the Coruscant government alarmed something deep inside her. There was more to it, she sensed, but couldn't put a finger on it.
Obi-Wan and Anakin also felt a dark presence as they neared the city. Looking out of the viewport, Anakin noticed that Rabeed was not nearly as bright and colorful as was Theed. No, this city seemed to him to be shrouded in a veil of gray, and he shifted uneasily in his seat.
"I sense the darkness, too, Anakin," Obi-Wan whispered. "Something is not right here. We must be very careful."
Anakin glanced back at Amidala who was also gazing out the window with an almost petrified look on her face. She had avoided him since that night in the garden when he had acted so foolishly by letting his temper get the best of him and the situation. He, too, had avoided her, only out of shame. Feeling his stare, she glanced at him, and he abruptly turned away.
"Oh, Ani," she thought to herself. She knew in her heart that she was beginning to lose herself to this young man. The way he had kissed her had sent her body into a frenzy.....but then he had so suddenly reacted angrily, and she had been afraid to stay in his presence. After thinking about it for the past two days, Amidala realized that Anakin was still struggling to come to grips with his past, and she put it out of her mind. Now she just wanted to find a way to be with him and
share her newfound revelation of ..... yes, she could admit it---- love.
The air transport set down with a gentle hiss from the repulsors. All of the passengers began to ready for their departure. Sabe was dressed as the queen in full make-up and regalia. Next to her, Amidala, now disguised as the handmaiden Padme, pulled the hood of her blue handmaiden gown up over her head. With no make-up and simple clothing, Anakin thought she was more
breathtaking than ever. He simply had to apologize and make amends with her soon. The past two days away from her had been torture. Shyly, he walked back to where she stood.
"So," he began, trying to break the ice," are you all set?"
"Yes, I think I am," she replied, avoiding his eyes. An awkward silence was abruptly ended when they both started to speak at the same time.
"Ani-"
"Padme-"
Both laughed, which helped ease some of the tension.
"Go ahead," Anakin submitted. "Ladies first."
Padme looked around to see if anyone was paying attention to them before she started.
"Anakin, about that night in the garden...." Anakin held his breath afraid of what she would say. Taking a deep breath she continued.
"I.... I really liked that kiss ---" Anakin's heart leaped for joy as he anxiously grabbed both of her hands.
"Oh,, Padme!" he eagerly agreed.
"But---" she quickly added. As high as his heart had soared before, it now plunged with just that one word. He let her hands drop and lowered his eyes.
"But what?" he asked, as he looked away.
"But.... when you reacted so....so angrily without even letting me explain.... Anakin, I was only giggling because I was so happy that you had....you know!" Padme grinned
shyly and looked down at her hands. Her words landed on Anakin's heart and immediately he pulled her to him.
"I am so sorry, Padme," he uttered breathlessly. "I haven't been able to eat or sleep or do anything since then. I never meant to hurt you, it's just my own stupid insecurities and my rotten temper, but I'm working on it. My heart broke when you ran away. I just wanted to pound
myself for being so foolish. I know there's no excuse, but will you please forgive me? I can't live without you, Padme." The desperate look in his eyes and the tight grip he had on her hands let the queen know that Anakin was sincere in his apology. Suddenly, she saw her future in his face. He was the one...her chosen one.
"Of course, I forgive you, Anakin Skywalker," she whispered gently, taking one hand and laying it gently on his chest. "When this is all over, I think we should sit down and have a long talk about what is happening between us." Anakin secretly did a somersault inside at her
admission that there was indeed something to talk about .
"Okay---sure---anything you want!" he readily agreed. His breath had quickened as he stared hard into her eyes. "I want to kiss you right now," he exclaimed rather loudly.
"Shhh!" she demanded. "Not so loud." The goofy grin on his face brought one to hers. She lowered her gaze to his mouth, and memories of their shared kiss blazed in her mind. Her body began yearning for his, and she knew it was a good thing they were around other people.
"Two days," she stated in a whisper as she held up two fingers, "then we'll talk." Once again Anakin was lifted back high into the clouds.
Anakin's daydream was interrupted when the transport door opened and the small entourage began to exit. In front was Sabe dressed as the queen. Obi-Wan had thought it best she play the decoy until any dangers could be neutralized. Close behind were two handmaidens, Padme and
Rabe, and bringing up the rear were the two cloaked Jedi and captain of the guard. Amidala had opted for a small party so as not to appear distrustful of the Rabeed governor.
At the end of the transport ramp stood the welcoming committee. Governor Ember waited with what appeared to be a small group of assistants or some such sort. They weren't in uniforms, Anakin noticed, and by gently probing their minds, he knew they were not soldiers or some other type of law enforcement. In fact, not guards of any kind were around. Obi-Wan noticed this, too.
"Odd," Kenobi began. "There seems to be no type of protection or defense force nearby anywhere. This just doesn't make any sense."
Anakin heartily agreed. "Yeah... I've got a bad feeling about this place."
Sabe greeted the governor, and he appeared to have no inkling that he was not talking to the true queen of the Naboo. The governor then led the party across the large courtyard and into the palace to begin their meeting.
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High atop a balcony overlooking the courtyard, two dark figures, one a hologram, stood watching the small procession.
"Ah, yes," the hologram hissed. "Just as I had envisioned, the queen is in disguise."
The other man jerked to face the first. "Really? Which one is she?" he asked, now surveying the three women.
"There-- on the left. That is the real Queen Amidala."
"Should I inform the governor, my master?"
"No. It makes no difference to his part in my little plan. Ember only needs to occupy the decoy with these bogus trade talks so that you can concentrate on our dear young Amidala." An evil smirk spread across both men's faces.
"Yes, Master."
"I have chosen you in part because of your particular 'abilities' with females." The hologram turned to his apprentice with a look of deadly seriousness. "Don't fail me," the dark man demanded.
"No, Master. I will not fail."
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The whole first day was spent in the Rabeed council chambers, much to Anakin's dismay. The governor and his many aides each presented long speeches concerning the pros and cons of the whole issue. Padme had listened closely, at first, but quickly came to the conclusion
that they were all just talking in circles. The desperation of the situation gradually dissipated in her
estimation, and she found herself rubbing her temples trying to head-off the approaching headache.
Her mind began to drift away form the monotonous drivel of the councilmen and onto thoughts of Anakin. She glanced across the room to where he sat and silently giggled at the extreme look of boredom so obvious on his face. His face.... Padme drunk in every little detail, branding them onto her memory. His full, sensual lips... that little cleft in his chin.....strong jaw... his cheeks that always had just a hint of a heated blush... and those eyes. Anakin's eyes pierced right through to her very soul every time he looked at her....
Someone was watching him, he could feel it. Surveying the large room carefully, Anakin's eyes came to rest on the culprit. Amidala, in her handmaiden disguise, winked at him from beneath her hood. His stomach fluttered at her small gesture, inspiring him to silliness. Glancing over to the present speaker droning on and on, Anakin looked back at Padme, inconspicuously raised his hand to his mouth, and pretended to stifle a yawn as he rolled his eyes. The young queen had to put her hand over her own mouth to keep from laughing out loud. She had to admit, these talks seemed pretty pointless now that she had sat through so many. Tomorrow they would
settle this issue for good, and then she would be on her way home to begin.....something with Anakin.
More to come!