First Knight - Part Twelve
Anakin whirled around. Dynast K'lia, along with Onara's twin aunts, was standing in the doorway of the chamber. Both of the aunts had elaborately decorated robes folded over their arms. All three had shocked looks on their faces. Onara quickly ran to her father. He threw his arms around her and held her as she sobbed against his chest.
"Well?" K'lia demanded, as he patted Onara on her back. "Will someone please tell me what is going on?"
"I'll tell you what's going on," Edress barked. He pointed at Obi-Wan "He, along with that apprentice of his, attacked my men. They tried to intervene when I came to claim Onara."
"That's not true," Anakin shouted. "They were hurting her---"
"Anakin," Obi-Wan warned him in a quiet, but firm voice.
Anakin bit his lip. He glared at Edress but remained silent.
"Claim Onara?" K'lia said, his voice betraying his confusion. "But, Dynast Edress, it is I who is supposed to take Onara from the bridal chamber once the ceremony is over. Then I give her to you. That is how it is done. That is how it has always been done. You know that."
Anakin saw Edress and Lady Tsara exchange a guarded look. He again felt that something wasn't quite right with this situation, and especially with those two, but he couldn't put his finger on what it was.
"None of that matters now," Edress said brusquely as he looked back at K'lia. "What matters is that Onara is now mine and I've come to claim her."
He turned and pointed angrily at Obi-Wan. "As for this Jedi, I will file a formal complaint against both him and his apprentice with their superiors on Coruscant."
Anakin took a menacing step towards Edress. "What do you mean, you'll file a complaint! You're the one who started---."
"Anakin," Obi-Wan said. "I will not warn you again. Be silent."
Anakin struggled to swallow both his anger and frustration. Why was Obi-Wan acting so calmly? Didn't he feel anything? Didn't he care about Onara? Anakin looked over at her. Her father was still holding her. She was no longer sobbing, but her face was pressed against his chest.
One of the aunts moved over to them. She unfolded the robe she was holding and, stepping in front of Onara so she was hidden from the others, helped her take off the bed sheet and slip into the robe. The other aunt walked over to Obi-Wan and gave him the robe she was carrying. He thanked her and put it on.
"Dynast Edress," K'lia said calmly, "apparently there's been some misunderstanding, but it need not be taken beyond this room. I'm sure whatever insult---" and he paused as Anakin scoffed "---whatever insult you have suffered was not intentional. I suggest we forget it."
Edress lifted his head haughtily. "It may be easy for you to forget insults, K'lia, but I don't find it as effortless as you apparently do. One's dignity must be preserved, especially in the presence of underlings."
He then reached into the lining of his robes, removed a small silver box and quickly snorted some of its contents into his nose. He slipped the box back between his robes. Anakin noted a flicker of disgust move across K'lia's face.
"However," Edress went on smoothly, "in the interest of fostering friendship between our provinces, I will not pursue my complaint against the Jedi."
He turned to where his guards were standing near the door. The one with the broken wrist was still groaning.
"You two!" he snapped. "Report back to my chamber. And give that one something to stop his caterwauling."
The two guards left the room. Once they had gone, Edress reached towards Onara who was still being held by her father.
"Come, Onara."
Onara held her father tighter and shook her head. "No, I won't go with you!"
"Onara!" K'lia cried. He gently pushed her away from his chest and looked into her face. "My child, what is the meaning of this?"
"I won't go with him," she said. "I won't!"
"Disobedient wretch!" Lady Tsara spat out. "You _will_ go with him! He is your husband now and you must obey him."
"No!" Onara shouted.
She grabbed her father's arms and squeezed them. "Father, please, don't make me go with him. I beg you."
K'lia gently cupped his daughter's face. Anakin could see the sorrow and pity in his eyes.
"Onara, you know this must be done. I thought you understood that. What has happened to change that?"
Then K'lia eyes widened as he looked over at Obi-Wan, then back at Onara. He stroked her face.
"Oh, my poor, sweet child. I'm sorry this had to happen. I'm sorry you had to find love under circumstances such as this."
"Father, please," Onara whispered as she hugged him, her face pressed against his chest, "don't make me go with him."
"What treachery is this, K'lia?" Edress cried angrily. "We had an agreement. Are you backing out now? Do you also wish to back out of the peace accord? Are you prepared for war then? Because if you are, let's be at it."
"That is not what Dynast K'lia wants," Obi-Wan said calmly as he stepped next to Edress. "And I don't think that's what you want either."
"You have no idea what I want, Jedi," Edress snarled. He turned back to K'lia. "However, if Onara does not wish to come with me, so be it. We were close to winning the war anyway. What's another few years of death and destruction? My people can stand it. I hope yours can."
Anakin saw Onara shudder in her father's arm. She lifted her head from his chest and looked up at him, the two exchanging a long, silent look. K'lia suddenly looked years older, his eyes glazing over with pain and grief. Onara reached up and gently stroked his face. She straightened her shoulders and turned towards Edress. Anakin was amazed at her transformation. She looked noble and strong, like a young queen.
"I will go with you, Edress," she said in a firm voice. "There is no need for you to go to war. We will spare both your people and mine anymore suffering and death. I will honor the accord that was negotiated with you by Master Kenobi."
As Onara said his name, she looked over at Obi-Wan. Anakin was taken aback at the overwhelming yearning he saw in her beautiful, dark eyes. Force, he thought, she really does love him. He looked over at Obi-Wan and saw the same longing in his master's eyes, along with pride as he gazed silently back at Onara. Edress cleared his throat as he glanced between Obi-Wan and Onara. Anakin could see he did not like the look the two had exchanged.
"That's better then." He looked over at Lady Tsara. "Prepare her and have her brought to my chamber."
Lady Tsara inclined her head in acknowledgement of Edress's command. The Dynast then gave Obi-Wan a sideways glance and licked his lips.
"I want to get Onara back to Kindah Province as soon as possible," he went on slyly. "I much desire to take my new, young wife to bed. Though I see you did not break her spirit as I had requested, Master Jedi."
Onara's eyes widened at his words. She glanced over at Obi-Wan who glared at Edress.
The Dynast shrugged. "No matter. I will see to it myself."
He reached over and grabbed Onara's chin. She tried to twist her face away, but he held her firmly.
"Don't you want to give your new husband a kiss?" he leered at her.
He pulled Onara towards him as she continued to struggle. Anakin clenched his fists, the blood pounding in his head. Enough was enough. He didn't care if Master Obi-Wan scolded, rebuked or knocked him silly with the hilt of his lightsaber, he wasn't going to stand by and watch Edress manhandle Onara. Even if she was now his wife, he had no right to treat her like that. Just as Anakin was about to move, however, he saw a muscle in Obi- Wan's jaw clench as he also took a step towards Edress but, before either of them could intervene, K'lia spoke.
"Dynast Edress," he said in a calm, level voice, as if he was not witnessing his daughter being humiliated by the man. "I believe Simtro has finished his accounting regarding the barrels of silver oil you are to receive as part of Onara's dowry. Would you like to inspect the figures?"
Edress's eyes flared with unconcealed greed. He quickly let go of Onara.
"Yes, I would most definitely like to inspect them."
"You will find Simtro in my study. He will show them to you."
Edress nodded. He scowled at Obi-Wan and Anakin, gave Tsara a brief bow and, moving past the aunts, hurriedly left the room.
"Thank you, Father," Onara whispered, her dark eyes now brimming with unshed tears.
K'lia reached over and gently stroked her cheek. Then he took her by the shoulders and kissed her forehead.
"I'm so sorry, my darling child," Anakin heard him whisper to her. "I'm so sorry it had to come to this. That you must have as your husband such a man. Forgive me."
"Stop coddling her, K'lia," Lady Tsara snapped. "Onara knows it's her duty to be Edress's wife. And if she doesn't, she'd better learn it fast."
Onara looked sharply over at Tsara.
"I don't need to be reminded of my duty, Grandmother," she said in a soft, but firm voice. "I know what it is."
Anakin saw Lady Tsara's eyes widen at Onara's words, for she too had noted, as Anakin had, the strength and power in that quietly worded statement. The old hag's wrinkled mouth worked for a moment as Onara stared coolly back at her.
"Humph! Well, I'm just glad you've finally come to your senses," Lady Tsara spat as she struggled to regain control over the situation. "I don't know how much more of your impudence I could have stood. Now, come, we must prepare for your departure."
She reached over and grabbed Onara's arm. Anakin saw the young woman resist, but she remembered herself and let her grandmother lead her out of the chamber, the aunts following behind. Onara turned before going through the door. She gave Obi-Wan one last, yearning glance. Then she was gone.
K'lia watched his daughter leave. He turned to Obi-Wan, his rounded shoulders slumped.
"Master Kenobi, please, accept my most sincere apology," he said in a weary voice. "I don't know how this could have happened. Edress should not have been here. When dawn comes it is tradition that the father of the bride come and take her from the bridal chamber."
He pointed to the robe Obi-Wan was wearing. "That is the ceremonial robe you were supposed to wear." He shook his white-haired head. "I can't explain what happened."
Anakin snorted. "I can tell you what happened. Lady Tsara brought Edress here."
K'lia frowned at him. "My mother? But, she knows that's not how it's done. You must be mistaken."
"She left me alone for about an hour. When she came back, she was with Edress and those armed goons, and the Dynast was steaming mad even before he entered the chamber. If you ask me, I think the two of them are up to something."
"Anakin, it is not wise to utter such inflammatory statements without the evidence to support them. You must think, my young padawan-learner, before you speak. How many times must I remind you of that?"
Anakin slowly turned and looked at his master, his mouth falling open. He couldn't believe it. The woman Obi-Wan apparently now had deep feelings for had just been taken from him and given over to a man whom Anakin would love spending a few hours alone with in order to instruct him, in ways definitely not sanctioned by the Jedi Council, on how one should properly treat a woman. And how was his master reacting to all of this? By giving him a lesson.
Anakin jerked his face away from Obi-Wan, his cheeks burning, as he struggled to control his anger. Then he looked over at the bed. Those unexplained flower petals were scattered all about it. Anakin could still sense through the Force the powerful emotions that had been unleashed in this room. Emotions not only of desire, but of happiness, joy and, dare he think it, love.
He looked back over at Obi-Wan and his heart jumped. His master was also looking over at the petal-strewn bridal bed and his expression was of such deep and abiding sadness it sent a chill down Anakin's spine. Then he watched as Obi-Wan quickly smoothed his face over and the stoic, self- possessed man he had known returned.
"Please forgive, my apprentice, Dynast K'lia," Obi-Wan said. "He meant no disrespect towards Lady Tsara."
K'lia, who had been gazing broodingly off into space, jumped at Obi-Wan's words.
"What? Oh, yes, of course. I know he didn't, Master Kenobi. Now, why don't I summon Simtro. He can help you with your morning toiletry."
Obi-Wan shook his head. "That won't be necessary. But thank you. I'll just need to get my clothes. Then Anakin and I will return to our quarters and prepare for our departure."
"As you wish, Master Kenobi." K'lia sighed. "I must go and prepare for Onara's..." he stopped and Anakin clearly heard the tears in his quavering voice, "...for my daughter's departure. I will, of course, see you both before you leave. I'll have Simtro bring your morning meal to your rooms."
Obi-Wan bowed to the Dynast. K'lia turned and left the chamber. Anakin glanced over at Obi-Wan. His blue-gray eyes revealed nothing as he watched K'lia leave. Then he looked over at Anakin.
"Is something wrong, Padawan?" he asked.
Anakin hesitated. He wasn't sure what he wanted to say. He was well aware romantic love was actively discouraged among the Jedi and forbidden to Padawans like him. That edict, along with all the other sundry commandments regarding the Order, had been drilled into him since he was a boy. The majority of Jedi seemed to accept that particular edict without question.
But, most of those Jedi had been taken from their families as babies and raised within the Order. None of them had known, as Anakin had, the softness of a cool cheek on a feverish brow, the gentle touch of calloused, but tender, hands on a tear-stained face, or the soothing melody of a lullaby being sung by a weary, but loving voice, as night fell in the slave quarters in Mos Espa.
But Anakin had known all that growing up on Tatooine with his mother. The Jedi wanted to avoid attachment and possession, fearing they would lead to the dark side of the Force, so they made love a forbidden thing. But, in doing so, they also forbade the strength and the power love gave one.
"Master, how can you...?" Anakin stopped and swallowed. Then he steeled himself and went on. He didn't care if Obi-Wan yelled at him. He needed to know this.
"How can you let her go?"
Obi-Wan's expression did not change, but Anakin saw a subtle shifting of emotions behind those sky-colored eyes.
"And what would you have me do, Anakin?" he asked in a quiet, even voice.
Anakin shook his head and looked down at his boots. He scuffed the toe of one across the carpet. Then he looked back at Obi-Wan.
"I don't know, Master. She loves you. I saw it in her eyes."
"I know she does," Obi-Wan said softly.
"And Edress..." Anakin fisted his hands. "The way he treats her! He's a villain!"
"I know that too."
"Then how can you---?"
Obi-Wan suddenly grabbed Anakin's arm, his stoic expression falling away to reveal the pain he had been hiding.
"Do you think I liked having to stand here and watch him treat her that way? That I want to leave her in the possession of that...that bastard? That I don't want to take her away from him!"
Anakin's heart thudded in his chest as he saw the anger and anguish burning in his master's eyes.
"And make no mistake, my young apprentice," Obi-Wan said, his voice dropping to a soft, deadly pitch, his hand squeezing Anakin's arm, "not Edress, or his guards, no, not even his entire army could stop me if I chose to take Onara from him."
Anakin swallowed hard at the implications of his master's words. He sensed through the Force the barely restrained energy the Jedi Knight was struggling to control. Then Obi-Wan released a deep, shuddering breath. He let go of Anakin's arm.
"But I will not do that, Padawan," he said, his voice breaking for a moment, then returning to its customary level and resonance. "I can't."
"But, Master, you can't just leave here without...without doing something to help her," Anakin finished softly, aware even as he said the words his master was right.
"Anakin," Obi-Wan began. He stopped and shook his head, then reached over and took Anakin's arm again, but gently this time.
"I can not interfere. I must not. Our mission to Ahjane was to bring peace to this world, not plunge it back into war. Both Dynast Edress and K'lia agreed to the peace accord you and I helped negotiate. Onara's marrying Edress was part of that agreement."
"But she didn't agree to it," Anakin protested.
"No, she didn't," Obi-Wan said softly. "But it is her duty as a Dynast's daughter to do what is best for her people."
"I can't believe K'lia is going to let Onara go away with... with that walking pile of bantha dung," Anakin finished angrily, waving his arm wildly in the direction Edress had gone.
"K'lia is not just a father, Anakin. He is a leader of his people and is responsible for their welfare and happiness. He can't let his personal feelings get in the way of that responsibility."
Anakin grasped the truth of Obi-Wan's words, but his heart rebelled against it.
"Just as we're not supposed to let our personal feelings get in the way of our duty, right, Master?" Anakin asked, but his voice was laced with bitterness and just a hint of scorn.
"Yes, that is correct," Obi-Wan said, ignoring Anakin's tone. "You and I are Jedi. We have been given a gift. A powerful, but terrible gift. With it we can accomplish great good. But, if we use our powers to fulfill our own selfish desires, we can also do great harm."
"I know that, Master," Anakin said contritely. "But I don't think loving or wanting to be loved is a selfish desire."
Obi-Wan stared at him for a moment, then gently squeezed his arm.
"You're right, Anakin. It is not."
Obi-Wan released his arm and looked over at the bridal bed. A wistful look crossed his face, then Anakin saw his master do as Onara had done. He lifted his head and straightened his back.
"We must prepare for our departure, Padawan. We're expected back on Coruscant."
Obi-Wan turned and, picking up his pants where they were lying on the floor next to the bed, went into the 'fresher. He soon came back, dressed once again in his Jedi clothes. Anakin noted they were somewhat damp and there were grass, mud and, his eyes widened, blood stains on the tunic. Then he saw Obi-Wan had the robe one of the aunts had given him and Onara's clothes draped over his arm. The gown she had been wearing was torn and, like Obi- Wan's clothes, was damp and stained with mud and grass. Obi-Wan followed his gaze, then looked up at Anakin.
"I'll explain later," he said.
He turned and, neatly folding the robe, put it on the bed. He also folded Onara's dress and placed it next to the robe. Anakin watched as Obi-Wan's hands lingered for a moment on the dress. Then he turned, and with Anakin in his wake, left the bridal chamber.
----------
As Anakin finished packing his travel case, Lady Tsara swept into his and Obi-Wan's quarters, her twin daughters in tow. Obi-Wan, who had been gazing out a window, turned to greet her.
"Master Jedi," she said as Obi-Wan bowed to her.
She then looked sharply over at Anakin. He lifted his chin and boldly met her eyes. He had no intention of bowing to her or showing her any kind of respect. Not after the way she had treated Onara in the bridal chamber.
"Humph," was all she said as she turned back to Obi-Wan. "I've come to say good-bye and to thank you for participating in the blessing ceremony. You have done my family a great honor. I can't say I was pleased to find out about your little excursion with Onara into the forest. However, K'lia is grateful you were able to kill the valkon. It had been ravaging the surrounding villages. Would you like to take its head and pelt back with you? It is your right as its slayer."
Obi-Wan shook his head no. Lady Tsara's beady black eyes narrowed at Obi- Wan's lack of a verbal response.
"Your transport to Coruscant awaits you," she went on crisply. "I'm sure you must be eager to return home."
"Thank you." Obi-Wan said. Then he cleared his throat. "Lady Tsara?"
"Yes?"
"I would like to say goodbye to Onara. Would that be possible?"
"No, it will not be possible."
Confusion swept across Obi-Wan's face. "I don't understand? Is it forbidden I see her again?"
"No, it is not forbidden. The reason you can not see her is she's gone."
"Gone?" Obi-Wan's voice betrayed his shock. Anakin moved closer to him.
"Yes, to Kindah Province. With her husband," Lady Tsara added brusquely, either oblivious to or unsympathetic of Obi-Wan's distress.
"But...I had hoped to..."
Obi-Wan swallowed, his face creasing as he struggled to hide his distress. Anakin reached over and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Master?"
Anakin watched as Obi-Wan's face quickly smoothed over. He looked at him and nodded, letting his padawan know he was all right. Anakin squeezed his shoulder, then removed his hand. Obi-Wan turned back to Lady Tsara, his arms folded within his robe.
"I wish you and your people well, Lady Tsara," he said in a firm, impassive voice as he bowed deeply to her.
Tsara inclined her head, even as she gave Obi-Wan a piercing look. She turned to leave the room, but Anakin noted one of the aunts was lingering behind. Once the others were gone, she hurried over to Obi-Wan. She placed a wrinkled hand on his arm, her red-rimmed eyes brimming with tears.
"She weeps and whispers your name, Master Jedi, when she thinks no one is listening," the aunt said softly. "When Edress caught her doing so, he shouted at her to stop her foolishness, but she does not heed him. That is why they left so quickly. He wanted to get her as far away from you as possible."
The aunt gazed sadly up at Obi-Wan. Then, when she heard Lady Tsara's voice in the hallway shouting for her to stop her dawdling and come along, she squeezed his arm, turned and quickly left the room.
Anakin looked over at Obi-Wan. If the aunt's words were having any effect on his master, he could not see it. Obi-Wan had, as Anakin had seen him do countless times before, quickly buried his feelings, deep in that secret place where he kept so much hidden. His expression was calm and composed.
"Come, Padawan. Our transport awaits us."
"Yes, Master," Anakin said as he picked up his travel gear. Obi-Wan did the same and Anakin followed him out of the room.
To be continued...
Anakin whirled around. Dynast K'lia, along with Onara's twin aunts, was standing in the doorway of the chamber. Both of the aunts had elaborately decorated robes folded over their arms. All three had shocked looks on their faces. Onara quickly ran to her father. He threw his arms around her and held her as she sobbed against his chest.
"Well?" K'lia demanded, as he patted Onara on her back. "Will someone please tell me what is going on?"
"I'll tell you what's going on," Edress barked. He pointed at Obi-Wan "He, along with that apprentice of his, attacked my men. They tried to intervene when I came to claim Onara."
"That's not true," Anakin shouted. "They were hurting her---"
"Anakin," Obi-Wan warned him in a quiet, but firm voice.
Anakin bit his lip. He glared at Edress but remained silent.
"Claim Onara?" K'lia said, his voice betraying his confusion. "But, Dynast Edress, it is I who is supposed to take Onara from the bridal chamber once the ceremony is over. Then I give her to you. That is how it is done. That is how it has always been done. You know that."
Anakin saw Edress and Lady Tsara exchange a guarded look. He again felt that something wasn't quite right with this situation, and especially with those two, but he couldn't put his finger on what it was.
"None of that matters now," Edress said brusquely as he looked back at K'lia. "What matters is that Onara is now mine and I've come to claim her."
He turned and pointed angrily at Obi-Wan. "As for this Jedi, I will file a formal complaint against both him and his apprentice with their superiors on Coruscant."
Anakin took a menacing step towards Edress. "What do you mean, you'll file a complaint! You're the one who started---."
"Anakin," Obi-Wan said. "I will not warn you again. Be silent."
Anakin struggled to swallow both his anger and frustration. Why was Obi-Wan acting so calmly? Didn't he feel anything? Didn't he care about Onara? Anakin looked over at her. Her father was still holding her. She was no longer sobbing, but her face was pressed against his chest.
One of the aunts moved over to them. She unfolded the robe she was holding and, stepping in front of Onara so she was hidden from the others, helped her take off the bed sheet and slip into the robe. The other aunt walked over to Obi-Wan and gave him the robe she was carrying. He thanked her and put it on.
"Dynast Edress," K'lia said calmly, "apparently there's been some misunderstanding, but it need not be taken beyond this room. I'm sure whatever insult---" and he paused as Anakin scoffed "---whatever insult you have suffered was not intentional. I suggest we forget it."
Edress lifted his head haughtily. "It may be easy for you to forget insults, K'lia, but I don't find it as effortless as you apparently do. One's dignity must be preserved, especially in the presence of underlings."
He then reached into the lining of his robes, removed a small silver box and quickly snorted some of its contents into his nose. He slipped the box back between his robes. Anakin noted a flicker of disgust move across K'lia's face.
"However," Edress went on smoothly, "in the interest of fostering friendship between our provinces, I will not pursue my complaint against the Jedi."
He turned to where his guards were standing near the door. The one with the broken wrist was still groaning.
"You two!" he snapped. "Report back to my chamber. And give that one something to stop his caterwauling."
The two guards left the room. Once they had gone, Edress reached towards Onara who was still being held by her father.
"Come, Onara."
Onara held her father tighter and shook her head. "No, I won't go with you!"
"Onara!" K'lia cried. He gently pushed her away from his chest and looked into her face. "My child, what is the meaning of this?"
"I won't go with him," she said. "I won't!"
"Disobedient wretch!" Lady Tsara spat out. "You _will_ go with him! He is your husband now and you must obey him."
"No!" Onara shouted.
She grabbed her father's arms and squeezed them. "Father, please, don't make me go with him. I beg you."
K'lia gently cupped his daughter's face. Anakin could see the sorrow and pity in his eyes.
"Onara, you know this must be done. I thought you understood that. What has happened to change that?"
Then K'lia eyes widened as he looked over at Obi-Wan, then back at Onara. He stroked her face.
"Oh, my poor, sweet child. I'm sorry this had to happen. I'm sorry you had to find love under circumstances such as this."
"Father, please," Onara whispered as she hugged him, her face pressed against his chest, "don't make me go with him."
"What treachery is this, K'lia?" Edress cried angrily. "We had an agreement. Are you backing out now? Do you also wish to back out of the peace accord? Are you prepared for war then? Because if you are, let's be at it."
"That is not what Dynast K'lia wants," Obi-Wan said calmly as he stepped next to Edress. "And I don't think that's what you want either."
"You have no idea what I want, Jedi," Edress snarled. He turned back to K'lia. "However, if Onara does not wish to come with me, so be it. We were close to winning the war anyway. What's another few years of death and destruction? My people can stand it. I hope yours can."
Anakin saw Onara shudder in her father's arm. She lifted her head from his chest and looked up at him, the two exchanging a long, silent look. K'lia suddenly looked years older, his eyes glazing over with pain and grief. Onara reached up and gently stroked his face. She straightened her shoulders and turned towards Edress. Anakin was amazed at her transformation. She looked noble and strong, like a young queen.
"I will go with you, Edress," she said in a firm voice. "There is no need for you to go to war. We will spare both your people and mine anymore suffering and death. I will honor the accord that was negotiated with you by Master Kenobi."
As Onara said his name, she looked over at Obi-Wan. Anakin was taken aback at the overwhelming yearning he saw in her beautiful, dark eyes. Force, he thought, she really does love him. He looked over at Obi-Wan and saw the same longing in his master's eyes, along with pride as he gazed silently back at Onara. Edress cleared his throat as he glanced between Obi-Wan and Onara. Anakin could see he did not like the look the two had exchanged.
"That's better then." He looked over at Lady Tsara. "Prepare her and have her brought to my chamber."
Lady Tsara inclined her head in acknowledgement of Edress's command. The Dynast then gave Obi-Wan a sideways glance and licked his lips.
"I want to get Onara back to Kindah Province as soon as possible," he went on slyly. "I much desire to take my new, young wife to bed. Though I see you did not break her spirit as I had requested, Master Jedi."
Onara's eyes widened at his words. She glanced over at Obi-Wan who glared at Edress.
The Dynast shrugged. "No matter. I will see to it myself."
He reached over and grabbed Onara's chin. She tried to twist her face away, but he held her firmly.
"Don't you want to give your new husband a kiss?" he leered at her.
He pulled Onara towards him as she continued to struggle. Anakin clenched his fists, the blood pounding in his head. Enough was enough. He didn't care if Master Obi-Wan scolded, rebuked or knocked him silly with the hilt of his lightsaber, he wasn't going to stand by and watch Edress manhandle Onara. Even if she was now his wife, he had no right to treat her like that. Just as Anakin was about to move, however, he saw a muscle in Obi- Wan's jaw clench as he also took a step towards Edress but, before either of them could intervene, K'lia spoke.
"Dynast Edress," he said in a calm, level voice, as if he was not witnessing his daughter being humiliated by the man. "I believe Simtro has finished his accounting regarding the barrels of silver oil you are to receive as part of Onara's dowry. Would you like to inspect the figures?"
Edress's eyes flared with unconcealed greed. He quickly let go of Onara.
"Yes, I would most definitely like to inspect them."
"You will find Simtro in my study. He will show them to you."
Edress nodded. He scowled at Obi-Wan and Anakin, gave Tsara a brief bow and, moving past the aunts, hurriedly left the room.
"Thank you, Father," Onara whispered, her dark eyes now brimming with unshed tears.
K'lia reached over and gently stroked her cheek. Then he took her by the shoulders and kissed her forehead.
"I'm so sorry, my darling child," Anakin heard him whisper to her. "I'm so sorry it had to come to this. That you must have as your husband such a man. Forgive me."
"Stop coddling her, K'lia," Lady Tsara snapped. "Onara knows it's her duty to be Edress's wife. And if she doesn't, she'd better learn it fast."
Onara looked sharply over at Tsara.
"I don't need to be reminded of my duty, Grandmother," she said in a soft, but firm voice. "I know what it is."
Anakin saw Lady Tsara's eyes widen at Onara's words, for she too had noted, as Anakin had, the strength and power in that quietly worded statement. The old hag's wrinkled mouth worked for a moment as Onara stared coolly back at her.
"Humph! Well, I'm just glad you've finally come to your senses," Lady Tsara spat as she struggled to regain control over the situation. "I don't know how much more of your impudence I could have stood. Now, come, we must prepare for your departure."
She reached over and grabbed Onara's arm. Anakin saw the young woman resist, but she remembered herself and let her grandmother lead her out of the chamber, the aunts following behind. Onara turned before going through the door. She gave Obi-Wan one last, yearning glance. Then she was gone.
K'lia watched his daughter leave. He turned to Obi-Wan, his rounded shoulders slumped.
"Master Kenobi, please, accept my most sincere apology," he said in a weary voice. "I don't know how this could have happened. Edress should not have been here. When dawn comes it is tradition that the father of the bride come and take her from the bridal chamber."
He pointed to the robe Obi-Wan was wearing. "That is the ceremonial robe you were supposed to wear." He shook his white-haired head. "I can't explain what happened."
Anakin snorted. "I can tell you what happened. Lady Tsara brought Edress here."
K'lia frowned at him. "My mother? But, she knows that's not how it's done. You must be mistaken."
"She left me alone for about an hour. When she came back, she was with Edress and those armed goons, and the Dynast was steaming mad even before he entered the chamber. If you ask me, I think the two of them are up to something."
"Anakin, it is not wise to utter such inflammatory statements without the evidence to support them. You must think, my young padawan-learner, before you speak. How many times must I remind you of that?"
Anakin slowly turned and looked at his master, his mouth falling open. He couldn't believe it. The woman Obi-Wan apparently now had deep feelings for had just been taken from him and given over to a man whom Anakin would love spending a few hours alone with in order to instruct him, in ways definitely not sanctioned by the Jedi Council, on how one should properly treat a woman. And how was his master reacting to all of this? By giving him a lesson.
Anakin jerked his face away from Obi-Wan, his cheeks burning, as he struggled to control his anger. Then he looked over at the bed. Those unexplained flower petals were scattered all about it. Anakin could still sense through the Force the powerful emotions that had been unleashed in this room. Emotions not only of desire, but of happiness, joy and, dare he think it, love.
He looked back over at Obi-Wan and his heart jumped. His master was also looking over at the petal-strewn bridal bed and his expression was of such deep and abiding sadness it sent a chill down Anakin's spine. Then he watched as Obi-Wan quickly smoothed his face over and the stoic, self- possessed man he had known returned.
"Please forgive, my apprentice, Dynast K'lia," Obi-Wan said. "He meant no disrespect towards Lady Tsara."
K'lia, who had been gazing broodingly off into space, jumped at Obi-Wan's words.
"What? Oh, yes, of course. I know he didn't, Master Kenobi. Now, why don't I summon Simtro. He can help you with your morning toiletry."
Obi-Wan shook his head. "That won't be necessary. But thank you. I'll just need to get my clothes. Then Anakin and I will return to our quarters and prepare for our departure."
"As you wish, Master Kenobi." K'lia sighed. "I must go and prepare for Onara's..." he stopped and Anakin clearly heard the tears in his quavering voice, "...for my daughter's departure. I will, of course, see you both before you leave. I'll have Simtro bring your morning meal to your rooms."
Obi-Wan bowed to the Dynast. K'lia turned and left the chamber. Anakin glanced over at Obi-Wan. His blue-gray eyes revealed nothing as he watched K'lia leave. Then he looked over at Anakin.
"Is something wrong, Padawan?" he asked.
Anakin hesitated. He wasn't sure what he wanted to say. He was well aware romantic love was actively discouraged among the Jedi and forbidden to Padawans like him. That edict, along with all the other sundry commandments regarding the Order, had been drilled into him since he was a boy. The majority of Jedi seemed to accept that particular edict without question.
But, most of those Jedi had been taken from their families as babies and raised within the Order. None of them had known, as Anakin had, the softness of a cool cheek on a feverish brow, the gentle touch of calloused, but tender, hands on a tear-stained face, or the soothing melody of a lullaby being sung by a weary, but loving voice, as night fell in the slave quarters in Mos Espa.
But Anakin had known all that growing up on Tatooine with his mother. The Jedi wanted to avoid attachment and possession, fearing they would lead to the dark side of the Force, so they made love a forbidden thing. But, in doing so, they also forbade the strength and the power love gave one.
"Master, how can you...?" Anakin stopped and swallowed. Then he steeled himself and went on. He didn't care if Obi-Wan yelled at him. He needed to know this.
"How can you let her go?"
Obi-Wan's expression did not change, but Anakin saw a subtle shifting of emotions behind those sky-colored eyes.
"And what would you have me do, Anakin?" he asked in a quiet, even voice.
Anakin shook his head and looked down at his boots. He scuffed the toe of one across the carpet. Then he looked back at Obi-Wan.
"I don't know, Master. She loves you. I saw it in her eyes."
"I know she does," Obi-Wan said softly.
"And Edress..." Anakin fisted his hands. "The way he treats her! He's a villain!"
"I know that too."
"Then how can you---?"
Obi-Wan suddenly grabbed Anakin's arm, his stoic expression falling away to reveal the pain he had been hiding.
"Do you think I liked having to stand here and watch him treat her that way? That I want to leave her in the possession of that...that bastard? That I don't want to take her away from him!"
Anakin's heart thudded in his chest as he saw the anger and anguish burning in his master's eyes.
"And make no mistake, my young apprentice," Obi-Wan said, his voice dropping to a soft, deadly pitch, his hand squeezing Anakin's arm, "not Edress, or his guards, no, not even his entire army could stop me if I chose to take Onara from him."
Anakin swallowed hard at the implications of his master's words. He sensed through the Force the barely restrained energy the Jedi Knight was struggling to control. Then Obi-Wan released a deep, shuddering breath. He let go of Anakin's arm.
"But I will not do that, Padawan," he said, his voice breaking for a moment, then returning to its customary level and resonance. "I can't."
"But, Master, you can't just leave here without...without doing something to help her," Anakin finished softly, aware even as he said the words his master was right.
"Anakin," Obi-Wan began. He stopped and shook his head, then reached over and took Anakin's arm again, but gently this time.
"I can not interfere. I must not. Our mission to Ahjane was to bring peace to this world, not plunge it back into war. Both Dynast Edress and K'lia agreed to the peace accord you and I helped negotiate. Onara's marrying Edress was part of that agreement."
"But she didn't agree to it," Anakin protested.
"No, she didn't," Obi-Wan said softly. "But it is her duty as a Dynast's daughter to do what is best for her people."
"I can't believe K'lia is going to let Onara go away with... with that walking pile of bantha dung," Anakin finished angrily, waving his arm wildly in the direction Edress had gone.
"K'lia is not just a father, Anakin. He is a leader of his people and is responsible for their welfare and happiness. He can't let his personal feelings get in the way of that responsibility."
Anakin grasped the truth of Obi-Wan's words, but his heart rebelled against it.
"Just as we're not supposed to let our personal feelings get in the way of our duty, right, Master?" Anakin asked, but his voice was laced with bitterness and just a hint of scorn.
"Yes, that is correct," Obi-Wan said, ignoring Anakin's tone. "You and I are Jedi. We have been given a gift. A powerful, but terrible gift. With it we can accomplish great good. But, if we use our powers to fulfill our own selfish desires, we can also do great harm."
"I know that, Master," Anakin said contritely. "But I don't think loving or wanting to be loved is a selfish desire."
Obi-Wan stared at him for a moment, then gently squeezed his arm.
"You're right, Anakin. It is not."
Obi-Wan released his arm and looked over at the bridal bed. A wistful look crossed his face, then Anakin saw his master do as Onara had done. He lifted his head and straightened his back.
"We must prepare for our departure, Padawan. We're expected back on Coruscant."
Obi-Wan turned and, picking up his pants where they were lying on the floor next to the bed, went into the 'fresher. He soon came back, dressed once again in his Jedi clothes. Anakin noted they were somewhat damp and there were grass, mud and, his eyes widened, blood stains on the tunic. Then he saw Obi-Wan had the robe one of the aunts had given him and Onara's clothes draped over his arm. The gown she had been wearing was torn and, like Obi- Wan's clothes, was damp and stained with mud and grass. Obi-Wan followed his gaze, then looked up at Anakin.
"I'll explain later," he said.
He turned and, neatly folding the robe, put it on the bed. He also folded Onara's dress and placed it next to the robe. Anakin watched as Obi-Wan's hands lingered for a moment on the dress. Then he turned, and with Anakin in his wake, left the bridal chamber.
----------
As Anakin finished packing his travel case, Lady Tsara swept into his and Obi-Wan's quarters, her twin daughters in tow. Obi-Wan, who had been gazing out a window, turned to greet her.
"Master Jedi," she said as Obi-Wan bowed to her.
She then looked sharply over at Anakin. He lifted his chin and boldly met her eyes. He had no intention of bowing to her or showing her any kind of respect. Not after the way she had treated Onara in the bridal chamber.
"Humph," was all she said as she turned back to Obi-Wan. "I've come to say good-bye and to thank you for participating in the blessing ceremony. You have done my family a great honor. I can't say I was pleased to find out about your little excursion with Onara into the forest. However, K'lia is grateful you were able to kill the valkon. It had been ravaging the surrounding villages. Would you like to take its head and pelt back with you? It is your right as its slayer."
Obi-Wan shook his head no. Lady Tsara's beady black eyes narrowed at Obi- Wan's lack of a verbal response.
"Your transport to Coruscant awaits you," she went on crisply. "I'm sure you must be eager to return home."
"Thank you." Obi-Wan said. Then he cleared his throat. "Lady Tsara?"
"Yes?"
"I would like to say goodbye to Onara. Would that be possible?"
"No, it will not be possible."
Confusion swept across Obi-Wan's face. "I don't understand? Is it forbidden I see her again?"
"No, it is not forbidden. The reason you can not see her is she's gone."
"Gone?" Obi-Wan's voice betrayed his shock. Anakin moved closer to him.
"Yes, to Kindah Province. With her husband," Lady Tsara added brusquely, either oblivious to or unsympathetic of Obi-Wan's distress.
"But...I had hoped to..."
Obi-Wan swallowed, his face creasing as he struggled to hide his distress. Anakin reached over and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Master?"
Anakin watched as Obi-Wan's face quickly smoothed over. He looked at him and nodded, letting his padawan know he was all right. Anakin squeezed his shoulder, then removed his hand. Obi-Wan turned back to Lady Tsara, his arms folded within his robe.
"I wish you and your people well, Lady Tsara," he said in a firm, impassive voice as he bowed deeply to her.
Tsara inclined her head, even as she gave Obi-Wan a piercing look. She turned to leave the room, but Anakin noted one of the aunts was lingering behind. Once the others were gone, she hurried over to Obi-Wan. She placed a wrinkled hand on his arm, her red-rimmed eyes brimming with tears.
"She weeps and whispers your name, Master Jedi, when she thinks no one is listening," the aunt said softly. "When Edress caught her doing so, he shouted at her to stop her foolishness, but she does not heed him. That is why they left so quickly. He wanted to get her as far away from you as possible."
The aunt gazed sadly up at Obi-Wan. Then, when she heard Lady Tsara's voice in the hallway shouting for her to stop her dawdling and come along, she squeezed his arm, turned and quickly left the room.
Anakin looked over at Obi-Wan. If the aunt's words were having any effect on his master, he could not see it. Obi-Wan had, as Anakin had seen him do countless times before, quickly buried his feelings, deep in that secret place where he kept so much hidden. His expression was calm and composed.
"Come, Padawan. Our transport awaits us."
"Yes, Master," Anakin said as he picked up his travel gear. Obi-Wan did the same and Anakin followed him out of the room.
To be continued...