Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars…
She looked magnificent. Her hair had been done up in wonderful small braids and curls, but lose strands fell down in curves softly framing her glowing face. And her smile was so radiant; he almost had to look away. She was looking straight at him, and once more he forgot to breath. Her gown was a light blue color, and white splashes seemed to make her look all the more innocent and cherished. There was nothing of the wild seductress that had been there the night before. No, this was truly another look.
"You look wonderful!" cried Anakin stepping in to hug her.
"Thank you Ani. You look really good too." She said gracefully moving out of the chambers. She looked at Obi Wan, and her eyes seemed to widen for a split second, but the queen looked away swiftly.
Sabé stepped out after Amidala. And Obi Wan smiled.
"We are certainly escorting the two most beautiful women to the banquet." Obi Wan said, taking Sabé's hand.
Sabé wearing a dark red dress that flowed sophisticatedly from her waist. Her hair was piled on top of her beautiful face. It flowed with dark curls to the nape of her neck. She looked as beautiful as the queen.
She smiled at Obi Wan.
"Well I am surely with the handsomest Jedi." She replied smiling up at him.
He laughed.
"I doubt it Sabé," he said laughing.
The queen cleared her throat getting their attention. Obi Wan observed the look of hurt and felt a wave of discomfort coming from Amidala.
He furrowed his brows together wondering what was wrong with the queen.
Was it possible that she wanted to be with… No. That can't be it. She looks perfect with Anakin.
"Maybe we should get going now. We don't want to be too late." Amidala said.
They nodded and Anakin took Amidala's hands guiding her towards the hall.
"Well this is going to be an interesting night." Sabé predicted.
Obi Wan looked at her wondering what the hidden meaning behind her words meant.
Her eyes twinkled mischievously at him.
"Yes I think I do feel something in the Force. Something will happen tonight."
Sabé laughed.
"Can't you Jedi forget about the Force for even a second?" she asked her eyes dancing merrily.
Obi Wan had to wonder what she was so happy about tonight. The handmaiden was usually reserved and alert. But tonight she seemed to be thinking about something else. Something that made her smile and laugh. As is if she knew something no one else knew about.
Sabé pointed her head towards Anakin who seemed to be telling a story to the queen.
"He seems to be having no trouble forgetting about it." Sabé added.
Obi Wan looked at his apprentice and had to agree with Sabé, Anakin seemed to be comfortable in his non-Jedi attire, and he didn't seemed to be too worried about Jedi etiquette right at that moment.
"We're different him and I." Obi Wan stated. " I cannot so readily forget about my duties." He commented as they went down the stairs leading to the banquet hall.
As he arrived to the bottom he noticed that Sabé had stopped a couple of flights up.
She had a look of shock on her face. Then as she walked down once more, she was laughing. What Obi Wan had said, her queen had expressed in the same tone and the night before.
"What did I say that was so funny Sabé?" the Jedi asked.
"Nothing dear Jedi, nothing at all." She said.
Inwardly she was thinking about what he had said about duty. How could they not have fallen in love? Two people sharing the same soul. They have each other's thoughts. And yet they still can't admit it to one another. She laughed once more.
They stood together at the doors of the Grand Banquet Hall.
"Well let's just get through this night in one piece shall we?" said Amidala smiling at them.
They nodded.
And Amidala and Anakin walked inside the Hall.
It was already crowded. Every species was present there it seemed. And every Jedi. The Jedi crowded the walls and seemed to give of a somber mood to the atmosphere, but even they could not quench the excitement everyone seemed to be sharing.
Obi Wan did not hear a single word about politics as he led Sabé to their table.
The table he and Ani had picked out that morning. It was close to a door and so if they needed a quick exit it would be possible. The door also could be followed to the hangar bay; so another quick escape was possible. The two Jedi had thought of everything possible to ensure the safety of the queen.
But right now it seemed as though nothing could ruin the night. Nothing could go wrong. Everyone was happily chattering. And people were already crowding the dance area of the Hall.
Amidala looked around to admire the decorations. The room was filled with purple pink hughes. And the music was blaring with classics.
She smiled. It's not The Rodan, but it's nice. She never thought it would be possible to be around so many politicians and not be bored to death by talks of war, and peace.
They sat down at their table. But as soon as they had Anakin had extended his hands towards Amidala.
"Shall we dance? He asked, his lips turned up in a smile that seemed to be intense.
Amidala nodded.
Obi Wan and Sabé sat there and watched the queen and Anakin start to sway.
Obi Wan's eyes dropped down to Anakin's hands, which held Amidala's tightly.
Sabé did not miss any of this.
She cleared her throat.
Obi Wan snapped out of his trance.
"How can the two of you be so idiotic?" she asked.
"What?" Obi Wan exclaimed, caught completely off guard.
"You And Amidala. I could slap the two of you." She said.
"What are you talking about handmaiden?"
"You know if you weren't so obvious you'd have the right to ask me that." She responded.
"The queen, and I aren't…" he started to say, but it seemed he couldn't spit the last of the denial out.
"Right." Sabé said smiling contently.
"She belongs with him Sabé." He suddenly said, his eyes intense with meaning.
" She belongs with whoever she loves." Sabé corrected wisely.
"The council has foreseen…"he started.
"The council!" Sabé said incredulously. " That doesn't mean anything Obi Wan. It doesn't mean a thing when it concerns love. Even the Jedi can't foresee who they are going to love."
Obi Wan looked at her with a smile and a frown.
"He is my son Sabé, I will not betray his love." He said simply, in a voice that told her to forget about her notions.
She closed her mouth and leaned back in her chair. She looked at the couple once more, dancing in the middle of the stage. Anakin looked so content. And Sabé realized that no matter what argument she came up with, both Amidala and Obi Wan's sense of duty, loyalty and love for the young Jedi, would outweigh it.
She looked slightly to the left, and saw him.
Chancellor Palpatine, he was smiling and he seemed to be looking at Anakin and the Queen as well. A chill ran down Sabé's spine.
There was something about the Chancellor she had never liked. But right now, he frightened her. She watched as the Chancellor slipped from her view.
Obi Wan's voice snapped her back to attention.
"Would you like to dance Sabé?"
"Of course Obi Wan, I love this song." She said smiling as he took her hand and led her towards the dance floor.
Obi Wan held her loosely and started to sway.
Wow he's very good at this. I wonder where he learned to dance. The handmaiden thought surprised. She smiled at him. And then looked beyond him, where the queen was regarding them with a blank look on her face.
* * * * * *
Amidala had seen her handmaiden and Obi Wan discussing something at the table. It looked like something of great importance. Her heart had started rising; she hoped Sabé hadn't been reveling the things she had confessed the night before.
Anakin had whispered against her ears.
"You don't need to be nervous my love."
He had thought that her heart had been rising at the nearness of him.
Amidala admitted that she was slightly nervous at being so close to the young man. He held her with such force. As if he could never let her go. So different from the way Obi Wan had…
She now looked at them. They were dancing, swaying together perfectly. She felt a hot line run across her cheeks. They were dancing too close.
It's none of your business. She though to herself. Why a week ago you were pushing them towards each other.
Yes well that had been a mistake, she argued back.
She kept doing this and she forgot that she was still intensely staring at the couple. That is until he caught her eye. She blushed and quickly looked away.
She pulled herself from Anakin.
"Ani, it's getting a bit hot. Let's go get some refreshments." She said tugging at his hands.
The Jedi smiled and nodded in understanding.
* * ***
"These are the best Ielrij I've ever had." Anakin said commenting on the cold drink they held in their hands, as they stood around the refreshment tables.
"Yes this is quite good." Amidala said distractedly, her eyes were still on Obi Wan and Sabé who were still dancing.
"He is quite good at that isn't he?" Anakin asked following her gaze. " I never knew he could dance before tonight." He said innocently thinking that was why the queen was even looking their way.
A blush almost crept its way into Amidala's cheeks.
"Yes well, my handmaiden must have rubbed of on him." She said jokingly.
But inside she was thinking about the dance they had shared the night before. Your master is much better at dancing than you could possibly ever imagine Anakin. She thought.
"Well you know…" Anakin sentence was cut of as a tiny splash came from his drink towards her dress.
"Oh no!" he said.
Amidala stared at the small stain at her waist.
"It's no problem Ani." She assured him. " Stay here I just need to go to the fresher for a minute."
He nodded looking glum.
"It's going to come off. Don't worry." She reassured him once more before heading out of the Hall.
As she walked, she nodded to the greetings of the other politicians standing in the halls.
She entered the bathroom and started working on her dress.
* ** * *
Obi Wan had felt the retreating presence of the queen when she had stepped out of the Hall.
"Umm Sabé would you like to get some refreshments?" he asked.
Sabé nodded up at him, and followed him through the crowd.
They got to where Anakin was standing and Obi Wan couldn't see the queen anywhere.
"Where's Amidala Anakin?" Obi Wan asked.
Anakin looked embarrassed.
" I spilled some drink on her and she went to the fresher to take the stain out." He explained.
"You shouldn't have left her go alone Ani. We're supposed to be protecting her."
Anakin looked even more embarrassed.
"I hadn't thought…"
"It's okay, Ani I'll go look for her." Obi Wan said.
"No master, I can do it."
Sabé stepped in.
"Anakin I was really hoping to get this dance with you. Would you mind?" she said looking the Jedi in the face pleadingly.
"Of course not." Anakin said smiling, and then he turned to his master. " Are you sure you can…?" he asked.
"Of course, go ahead. And watch out for Sabé, she'll step on you." He teased.
Before he could hear Sabé protest he was already out of the door. He walked towards the ladies room and stood outside it.
He couldn't fell Amidala's presence in there.
He reached out through the force and he started walking. Following their connection.
Then he looked at the room he felt her in.
No Wonder. He thought.
It was a private room not far from the hall; he could still hear the chattering and the music.
It was a garden.
He went inside and saw a waterfall; she was standing there in front of it. Her body was slowly swaying to the music. And her head was inclined to the left. She seemed to be regarding the waterfalls with intense interest.
He walked quietly towards her.
"What are you doing her your majesty?" he asked.
She turned to him, and he saw that she had been crying.
* * * * *Well end of chapter. Review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She looked magnificent. Her hair had been done up in wonderful small braids and curls, but lose strands fell down in curves softly framing her glowing face. And her smile was so radiant; he almost had to look away. She was looking straight at him, and once more he forgot to breath. Her gown was a light blue color, and white splashes seemed to make her look all the more innocent and cherished. There was nothing of the wild seductress that had been there the night before. No, this was truly another look.
"You look wonderful!" cried Anakin stepping in to hug her.
"Thank you Ani. You look really good too." She said gracefully moving out of the chambers. She looked at Obi Wan, and her eyes seemed to widen for a split second, but the queen looked away swiftly.
Sabé stepped out after Amidala. And Obi Wan smiled.
"We are certainly escorting the two most beautiful women to the banquet." Obi Wan said, taking Sabé's hand.
Sabé wearing a dark red dress that flowed sophisticatedly from her waist. Her hair was piled on top of her beautiful face. It flowed with dark curls to the nape of her neck. She looked as beautiful as the queen.
She smiled at Obi Wan.
"Well I am surely with the handsomest Jedi." She replied smiling up at him.
He laughed.
"I doubt it Sabé," he said laughing.
The queen cleared her throat getting their attention. Obi Wan observed the look of hurt and felt a wave of discomfort coming from Amidala.
He furrowed his brows together wondering what was wrong with the queen.
Was it possible that she wanted to be with… No. That can't be it. She looks perfect with Anakin.
"Maybe we should get going now. We don't want to be too late." Amidala said.
They nodded and Anakin took Amidala's hands guiding her towards the hall.
"Well this is going to be an interesting night." Sabé predicted.
Obi Wan looked at her wondering what the hidden meaning behind her words meant.
Her eyes twinkled mischievously at him.
"Yes I think I do feel something in the Force. Something will happen tonight."
Sabé laughed.
"Can't you Jedi forget about the Force for even a second?" she asked her eyes dancing merrily.
Obi Wan had to wonder what she was so happy about tonight. The handmaiden was usually reserved and alert. But tonight she seemed to be thinking about something else. Something that made her smile and laugh. As is if she knew something no one else knew about.
Sabé pointed her head towards Anakin who seemed to be telling a story to the queen.
"He seems to be having no trouble forgetting about it." Sabé added.
Obi Wan looked at his apprentice and had to agree with Sabé, Anakin seemed to be comfortable in his non-Jedi attire, and he didn't seemed to be too worried about Jedi etiquette right at that moment.
"We're different him and I." Obi Wan stated. " I cannot so readily forget about my duties." He commented as they went down the stairs leading to the banquet hall.
As he arrived to the bottom he noticed that Sabé had stopped a couple of flights up.
She had a look of shock on her face. Then as she walked down once more, she was laughing. What Obi Wan had said, her queen had expressed in the same tone and the night before.
"What did I say that was so funny Sabé?" the Jedi asked.
"Nothing dear Jedi, nothing at all." She said.
Inwardly she was thinking about what he had said about duty. How could they not have fallen in love? Two people sharing the same soul. They have each other's thoughts. And yet they still can't admit it to one another. She laughed once more.
They stood together at the doors of the Grand Banquet Hall.
"Well let's just get through this night in one piece shall we?" said Amidala smiling at them.
They nodded.
And Amidala and Anakin walked inside the Hall.
It was already crowded. Every species was present there it seemed. And every Jedi. The Jedi crowded the walls and seemed to give of a somber mood to the atmosphere, but even they could not quench the excitement everyone seemed to be sharing.
Obi Wan did not hear a single word about politics as he led Sabé to their table.
The table he and Ani had picked out that morning. It was close to a door and so if they needed a quick exit it would be possible. The door also could be followed to the hangar bay; so another quick escape was possible. The two Jedi had thought of everything possible to ensure the safety of the queen.
But right now it seemed as though nothing could ruin the night. Nothing could go wrong. Everyone was happily chattering. And people were already crowding the dance area of the Hall.
Amidala looked around to admire the decorations. The room was filled with purple pink hughes. And the music was blaring with classics.
She smiled. It's not The Rodan, but it's nice. She never thought it would be possible to be around so many politicians and not be bored to death by talks of war, and peace.
They sat down at their table. But as soon as they had Anakin had extended his hands towards Amidala.
"Shall we dance? He asked, his lips turned up in a smile that seemed to be intense.
Amidala nodded.
Obi Wan and Sabé sat there and watched the queen and Anakin start to sway.
Obi Wan's eyes dropped down to Anakin's hands, which held Amidala's tightly.
Sabé did not miss any of this.
She cleared her throat.
Obi Wan snapped out of his trance.
"How can the two of you be so idiotic?" she asked.
"What?" Obi Wan exclaimed, caught completely off guard.
"You And Amidala. I could slap the two of you." She said.
"What are you talking about handmaiden?"
"You know if you weren't so obvious you'd have the right to ask me that." She responded.
"The queen, and I aren't…" he started to say, but it seemed he couldn't spit the last of the denial out.
"Right." Sabé said smiling contently.
"She belongs with him Sabé." He suddenly said, his eyes intense with meaning.
" She belongs with whoever she loves." Sabé corrected wisely.
"The council has foreseen…"he started.
"The council!" Sabé said incredulously. " That doesn't mean anything Obi Wan. It doesn't mean a thing when it concerns love. Even the Jedi can't foresee who they are going to love."
Obi Wan looked at her with a smile and a frown.
"He is my son Sabé, I will not betray his love." He said simply, in a voice that told her to forget about her notions.
She closed her mouth and leaned back in her chair. She looked at the couple once more, dancing in the middle of the stage. Anakin looked so content. And Sabé realized that no matter what argument she came up with, both Amidala and Obi Wan's sense of duty, loyalty and love for the young Jedi, would outweigh it.
She looked slightly to the left, and saw him.
Chancellor Palpatine, he was smiling and he seemed to be looking at Anakin and the Queen as well. A chill ran down Sabé's spine.
There was something about the Chancellor she had never liked. But right now, he frightened her. She watched as the Chancellor slipped from her view.
Obi Wan's voice snapped her back to attention.
"Would you like to dance Sabé?"
"Of course Obi Wan, I love this song." She said smiling as he took her hand and led her towards the dance floor.
Obi Wan held her loosely and started to sway.
Wow he's very good at this. I wonder where he learned to dance. The handmaiden thought surprised. She smiled at him. And then looked beyond him, where the queen was regarding them with a blank look on her face.
* * * * * *
Amidala had seen her handmaiden and Obi Wan discussing something at the table. It looked like something of great importance. Her heart had started rising; she hoped Sabé hadn't been reveling the things she had confessed the night before.
Anakin had whispered against her ears.
"You don't need to be nervous my love."
He had thought that her heart had been rising at the nearness of him.
Amidala admitted that she was slightly nervous at being so close to the young man. He held her with such force. As if he could never let her go. So different from the way Obi Wan had…
She now looked at them. They were dancing, swaying together perfectly. She felt a hot line run across her cheeks. They were dancing too close.
It's none of your business. She though to herself. Why a week ago you were pushing them towards each other.
Yes well that had been a mistake, she argued back.
She kept doing this and she forgot that she was still intensely staring at the couple. That is until he caught her eye. She blushed and quickly looked away.
She pulled herself from Anakin.
"Ani, it's getting a bit hot. Let's go get some refreshments." She said tugging at his hands.
The Jedi smiled and nodded in understanding.
* * ***
"These are the best Ielrij I've ever had." Anakin said commenting on the cold drink they held in their hands, as they stood around the refreshment tables.
"Yes this is quite good." Amidala said distractedly, her eyes were still on Obi Wan and Sabé who were still dancing.
"He is quite good at that isn't he?" Anakin asked following her gaze. " I never knew he could dance before tonight." He said innocently thinking that was why the queen was even looking their way.
A blush almost crept its way into Amidala's cheeks.
"Yes well, my handmaiden must have rubbed of on him." She said jokingly.
But inside she was thinking about the dance they had shared the night before. Your master is much better at dancing than you could possibly ever imagine Anakin. She thought.
"Well you know…" Anakin sentence was cut of as a tiny splash came from his drink towards her dress.
"Oh no!" he said.
Amidala stared at the small stain at her waist.
"It's no problem Ani." She assured him. " Stay here I just need to go to the fresher for a minute."
He nodded looking glum.
"It's going to come off. Don't worry." She reassured him once more before heading out of the Hall.
As she walked, she nodded to the greetings of the other politicians standing in the halls.
She entered the bathroom and started working on her dress.
* ** * *
Obi Wan had felt the retreating presence of the queen when she had stepped out of the Hall.
"Umm Sabé would you like to get some refreshments?" he asked.
Sabé nodded up at him, and followed him through the crowd.
They got to where Anakin was standing and Obi Wan couldn't see the queen anywhere.
"Where's Amidala Anakin?" Obi Wan asked.
Anakin looked embarrassed.
" I spilled some drink on her and she went to the fresher to take the stain out." He explained.
"You shouldn't have left her go alone Ani. We're supposed to be protecting her."
Anakin looked even more embarrassed.
"I hadn't thought…"
"It's okay, Ani I'll go look for her." Obi Wan said.
"No master, I can do it."
Sabé stepped in.
"Anakin I was really hoping to get this dance with you. Would you mind?" she said looking the Jedi in the face pleadingly.
"Of course not." Anakin said smiling, and then he turned to his master. " Are you sure you can…?" he asked.
"Of course, go ahead. And watch out for Sabé, she'll step on you." He teased.
Before he could hear Sabé protest he was already out of the door. He walked towards the ladies room and stood outside it.
He couldn't fell Amidala's presence in there.
He reached out through the force and he started walking. Following their connection.
Then he looked at the room he felt her in.
No Wonder. He thought.
It was a private room not far from the hall; he could still hear the chattering and the music.
It was a garden.
He went inside and saw a waterfall; she was standing there in front of it. Her body was slowly swaying to the music. And her head was inclined to the left. She seemed to be regarding the waterfalls with intense interest.
He walked quietly towards her.
"What are you doing her your majesty?" he asked.
She turned to him, and he saw that she had been crying.
* * * * *Well end of chapter. Review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!