AN: Hi back again with this next part, which is a bit longer than the last
2, I re-wrote it quite a few times, but now I'm finally happy with it. I
want to say a big thank you to Caderyn, yes this is my first fic and I was
really encouraged with your comments. Also thank you to Jessewriter, it
raises my confidence to hear that this actually not all that bad. Anyway
enough of me, lets get on with it.
"Good evening m'lady."
She stopped dead in her tracks.
He'd seen her.
Now what was she going to do?
How could she explain her being there and appearing to leave without even a mere greeting?
She turned to make her reply and to her shock, almost crashed into the broad chest of the Jedi.
She hadn't heard him move.
She tried to hide her face from him, because she was blushing from her foolish behaviour.
He touched her arm to gain her attention.
"Are you not well m'lady?"
She looked up at him straight away with her answer, and it was then that she saw the worry in his eyes.
"Oh no, I am quite fine Jedi Kenobi. I'm sorry I didn't answer before. Good evening."
"If you don't mind my saying m'lady, but it is a little late for you to be walking around the gardens on your own. Your life could still well be in danger."
This got her back up and the spell that she had placed upon herself was broken at his words.
Why was it that everyone thought of her as some delicate flower?
Well she was going to put the record straight.
She squared her shoulders off at the Jedi.
"I can assure you Jedi Kenobi that I am more than capable at protecting myself. I have been thoroughly trained in the ways of combat, so you need not worry about my safety."
She gave her head a slight nod and a smile to herself for her little speech.
But to her disappointment the Jedi did not seem fazed.
He just bowed and said "Forgive me, m'lady. I meant no offence. I'm sure that you are quite capable at many things."
Now she felt even more foolish.
"Once again I'm sorry Jedi Kenobi. It's been a trying day and I needed some time alone. I didn't mean to snap at you."
Two apologies in less than 5 minutes, that had to be a record for her.
"Apology accepted, although not needed, I understand the pressures of putting on a brave face for others."
Oh gods, she was so stupid.
It was only a few minutes ago that she had been watching him grieving for his master and now here she was saying that she'd had a trying day. And all because he'd only been showing his concern for her well being.
"I'm sorry Jedi Kenobi. It was rude of me to assume that I was the only one who had had a hard day."
Three apologies, this was becoming a habit.
"Obi-Wan"
"Excuse me?"
"Call me Obi-Wan. Jedi Kenobi sounds so impersonal. I would prefer it if you would call me Obi-Wan."
She was a little taken aback by his request, she hadn't thought him to be so forward, but she didn't mind.
"Very well then, Obi-Wan it is. Then I feel it only fair that you should call me Padme, will you do that?"
He tilted his head and smiled at her.
"I shall think about it m'lady."
"What?"
He smiled again.
"I said that I shall think about it, but thank you."
Now she was confused.
"Why?"
"Why? What?"
"Why do I get to call you Obi-Wan but you won't call me Padme?"
She stared up at him as he conveyed his answer.
"Because, you m'lady, are a Queen and I do not think it right that a Jedi Knight such as myself should call you by your first name. But because you are royalty, and therefore above me in stature, I think that it would not be inappropriate for you to call me Obi-Wan."
Once he'd finished, he simply turned and started to walk back to where he had been sitting before.
She followed behind him while still sorting through what he'd just said to her.
"That makes no sense. You're a Jedi Knight of your order and therefore I am not your commanding Queen and so I am not above you but your equal."
Once again she prided herself on her logic and on being able to out smart the Jedi.
"Ah but you see that is not true in this case. For I am on your planet and therefore have to bide by your laws. And on this planet you are the commanding Queen and I am indeed below you and not your equal."
He shrugged off his robe and laid it out on the grass beneath them. Then he offered her his hand.
"Would you care to sit down m'lady?"
.......................................
.......................................
He didn't know where his boldness had come from.
He would never normally behave this way with a queen.
But her bright spirit had uplifted him and he felt comfortable to behave this way with her.
He was still offering his hand to help her sit down and he began to wonder if she had even heard him.
She was staring off at an imaginary spot, still working through what he had just said.
He hadn't meant a word of it but he had wanted to see the passion in her eyes as she presented her argument to him.
He found it a very attractive feature in her.
She still hadn't made a move so he decided to repeat his question.
"Excuse me m'lady, but would you care to sit down?"
She blinked a few times and turned her head to meet his eyes.
"Oh yes, thank you."
She reached out for his hand and as they touched he felt a bolt of energy race up his arm.
He lifted his head to see if she had had any reaction.
She must have felt it too, because she was looking down at him as well.
He looked into her eyes and smiled, he felt as shocked as she looked.
He cleared his throat and that seemed to bring them back to the real world.
Padme quickly sat down and let go of his hand.
He suddenly felt empty at the loss of her touch, but had to ignore it as he sat down next to her.
Once he settled she turned her head and caught his attention.
"I spoke to Master Yoda today and I understand that Anakin is to return to Coruscant with he and the other council members."
He observed that this was her attempt at small talk, as to draw attention away from what just happened between them.
He decided to abide by her wishes.
"Yes, he is to begin his initial training at the Temple along with other Padawans, under the tutelage of Master Yoda and the other council members. We thought it best that he learn the basic knowledge of the Jedi and mingle with others his age, before I begin his more extensive training."
"Good, I'm sure that little Ani is very excited."
"Yes, he was very excited when I informed him of the council's plan. Although he seemed a little unsure of being separated from me, but I assured him that it wouldn't be for long."
Even though he didn't feel comfortable around Anakin yet, he did feel sorry for him, being passed from person to person.
He needed some stability.
"And you?"
"Pardon?"
"What are you to do during this time?"
To be honest he was still trying to work out the answer to that question himself.
"Master Yoda firmly suggested that I take the time to recuperate and maybe take a little vacation. I haven't really thought about where to go, I might make an on the spot decision once I get to the space port."
There were so many places that he could go but he didn't have a clue which one to pick. It had been such a long time since he'd had a holiday.
"Why don't you stay here on Naboo?"
She'd caught him off guard.
"Oh I don't know, I wouldn't want to impose myself on you m'lady."
"Nonsense Obi-Wan. The people of Naboo and I would find it a great honour for their courageous warrior to stay as a guest in the palace."
She favoured him with a gentle smile and he noted how she had emphasised his name, as a reminder of their conversation earlier.
"Oh well I."
She cut him off.
"Please Obi-Wan, may I say something?"
"Why of course."
She had him a little confused but hopefully things would become clearer.
"I feel that we are becoming friends, wouldn't you say?"
She waited for his reply.
"Well yes, I suppose we are."
"Good, I'm glad. Well I would like to get to know my knew friend a lot better and so I would be deeply honoured if you would be my personal guest at the palace. Do you accept my offer?"
He thought about it for a moment.
It did seem to him that he and the queen were becoming fast friends and he would like to spend more time with her.
Also Naboo was a very beautiful planet and the people were nice, he could definitely see himself enjoying spending time here.
Suddenly he saw a hand waving in front of his eyes; he shook his head and turned to face the queen.
"Well? What do you say?"
"I say. How can I possibly resist such a lovely offer? Yes I accept."
He broke into a smile as he saw Padme's own face burst with joy at her victory.
"Oh thank you Obi-Wan."
In her excitement she quickly threw her arms around his neck and hugged him.
He immediately felt that surge of energy again as she made contact with him.
He tried to ignore it and lightly patted her back and then as if she had only just realised what she'd done, Padme pulled away.
She looked away from him but he could still see the soft rosy blush that crept into her cheeks.
"I mean, I'm glad that you've decided to stay."
He thought she looked adorable as she let her shyness rule her.
"So am I, m'lady."
He saw her let out a yawn and he realised that it was indeed extremely late and they both had to be up early in the morning.
"I am sorry m'lady. I had forgotten the time, you must be exhausted. I didn't mean to keep you out this late."
"That's quite alright Obi-Wan, it's to your fault, I had gotten so caught up in our conversation that I too had forgotten the time."
He raised himself from the ground and held his out for her to take.
"Please allow me to escort you back to the palace."
She took his hand and he gently pulled her to her feet.
"Thank you Obi-Wan, that would do nicely."
As she stood straightening herself he bent down to retrieve his robe. He shook it out a few times and then slipped back into its warmth.
Then once they were both ready, they began their journey back to the palace.
.........................................
.........................................
They had been walking for 15 minutes and the palace secret entrance was in sight.
During their time walking, Padme had explained her sneaking out of the palace undetected earlier and that they would have to go back through the secret entrance.
Obi-Wan had found it more than slightly amusing and it was then that she first heard him laugh.
It started from deep in his chest ad travelled up through his throat until released by his mouth.
It had to be one of the most wonderful sounds she's ever heard.
He had then made her recount the first time that she'd found her secret route.
They were just about to enter the palace and as they did so Obi-Wan let her take the lead while he followed a step behind.
They were quiet for the moment ad she took the opportunity to think about their blossoming friendship.
To think that it may never have happened if he had not stopped her as she was about to leave, she smiled at the memory of him touching her arm and asking if she was ok.
This caused her to remember the surge of energy she had felt the next time they had touched.
She stood still at the memory.
She had never had that feeling before and she still remained a little confused from it.
"M'lady?"
She was brought back to reality by the sound of Obi-Wan's voice.
"Sorry, Obi-Wan. What did you say?"
"I said which way is it now?"
She looked around for a minute to see exactly where she was.
"Just another 100 yards in this direction, then through that door and then we're in the hallway that leads to my room."
The Jedi nodded and now began to walk in front of her.
They came to the door and Obi-Wan checked each end of the hallway to make sure that they wouldn't be seen.
When the coast was clear they emerged from the door and made their way to her room.
Once there Padme stood in front of it facing Obi-Wan.
"So we're here?" He asked.
"Yes we're here. Listen Obi-Wan, I just want to say that I'm glad you've decided to stay and I had a good time talking to you tonight."
He looked down at her with kind eyes.
"I had a good time too m'lady and thank you for allowing me to stay."
"Well it's late and I should get in my room before the guards get back. Thank you for walking me back Jedi Kenobi."
She was feeling a little shy and decided to his formal name to draw attention away from herself and also to tease him.
It seemed to have worked because he was smiling widely; he really did have the most wonderful smile.
He took her hand in his, and her heart began to race.
What was he doing?
He rubbed his thumb over her knuckles and lifted his eyes to look into hers.
"It was my pleasure."
She watched as he lowered his lips to her hand and laid a gentle kiss upon it, at the same time her heart skipped a beat.
"Goodnight Padme"
She took in a quiet gasp as she heard her name on his lips.
She gave him a wide grin and he did the same.
After what seemed like forever she finally found her voice.
"Goodnight Obi-Wan."
She opened her door and entered her room and when she turned back to him he bowed to her.
They both smiled at each other again and then he left and she closed her door.
Tbc.
Thanks again and please, please, please review.
"Good evening m'lady."
She stopped dead in her tracks.
He'd seen her.
Now what was she going to do?
How could she explain her being there and appearing to leave without even a mere greeting?
She turned to make her reply and to her shock, almost crashed into the broad chest of the Jedi.
She hadn't heard him move.
She tried to hide her face from him, because she was blushing from her foolish behaviour.
He touched her arm to gain her attention.
"Are you not well m'lady?"
She looked up at him straight away with her answer, and it was then that she saw the worry in his eyes.
"Oh no, I am quite fine Jedi Kenobi. I'm sorry I didn't answer before. Good evening."
"If you don't mind my saying m'lady, but it is a little late for you to be walking around the gardens on your own. Your life could still well be in danger."
This got her back up and the spell that she had placed upon herself was broken at his words.
Why was it that everyone thought of her as some delicate flower?
Well she was going to put the record straight.
She squared her shoulders off at the Jedi.
"I can assure you Jedi Kenobi that I am more than capable at protecting myself. I have been thoroughly trained in the ways of combat, so you need not worry about my safety."
She gave her head a slight nod and a smile to herself for her little speech.
But to her disappointment the Jedi did not seem fazed.
He just bowed and said "Forgive me, m'lady. I meant no offence. I'm sure that you are quite capable at many things."
Now she felt even more foolish.
"Once again I'm sorry Jedi Kenobi. It's been a trying day and I needed some time alone. I didn't mean to snap at you."
Two apologies in less than 5 minutes, that had to be a record for her.
"Apology accepted, although not needed, I understand the pressures of putting on a brave face for others."
Oh gods, she was so stupid.
It was only a few minutes ago that she had been watching him grieving for his master and now here she was saying that she'd had a trying day. And all because he'd only been showing his concern for her well being.
"I'm sorry Jedi Kenobi. It was rude of me to assume that I was the only one who had had a hard day."
Three apologies, this was becoming a habit.
"Obi-Wan"
"Excuse me?"
"Call me Obi-Wan. Jedi Kenobi sounds so impersonal. I would prefer it if you would call me Obi-Wan."
She was a little taken aback by his request, she hadn't thought him to be so forward, but she didn't mind.
"Very well then, Obi-Wan it is. Then I feel it only fair that you should call me Padme, will you do that?"
He tilted his head and smiled at her.
"I shall think about it m'lady."
"What?"
He smiled again.
"I said that I shall think about it, but thank you."
Now she was confused.
"Why?"
"Why? What?"
"Why do I get to call you Obi-Wan but you won't call me Padme?"
She stared up at him as he conveyed his answer.
"Because, you m'lady, are a Queen and I do not think it right that a Jedi Knight such as myself should call you by your first name. But because you are royalty, and therefore above me in stature, I think that it would not be inappropriate for you to call me Obi-Wan."
Once he'd finished, he simply turned and started to walk back to where he had been sitting before.
She followed behind him while still sorting through what he'd just said to her.
"That makes no sense. You're a Jedi Knight of your order and therefore I am not your commanding Queen and so I am not above you but your equal."
Once again she prided herself on her logic and on being able to out smart the Jedi.
"Ah but you see that is not true in this case. For I am on your planet and therefore have to bide by your laws. And on this planet you are the commanding Queen and I am indeed below you and not your equal."
He shrugged off his robe and laid it out on the grass beneath them. Then he offered her his hand.
"Would you care to sit down m'lady?"
.......................................
.......................................
He didn't know where his boldness had come from.
He would never normally behave this way with a queen.
But her bright spirit had uplifted him and he felt comfortable to behave this way with her.
He was still offering his hand to help her sit down and he began to wonder if she had even heard him.
She was staring off at an imaginary spot, still working through what he had just said.
He hadn't meant a word of it but he had wanted to see the passion in her eyes as she presented her argument to him.
He found it a very attractive feature in her.
She still hadn't made a move so he decided to repeat his question.
"Excuse me m'lady, but would you care to sit down?"
She blinked a few times and turned her head to meet his eyes.
"Oh yes, thank you."
She reached out for his hand and as they touched he felt a bolt of energy race up his arm.
He lifted his head to see if she had had any reaction.
She must have felt it too, because she was looking down at him as well.
He looked into her eyes and smiled, he felt as shocked as she looked.
He cleared his throat and that seemed to bring them back to the real world.
Padme quickly sat down and let go of his hand.
He suddenly felt empty at the loss of her touch, but had to ignore it as he sat down next to her.
Once he settled she turned her head and caught his attention.
"I spoke to Master Yoda today and I understand that Anakin is to return to Coruscant with he and the other council members."
He observed that this was her attempt at small talk, as to draw attention away from what just happened between them.
He decided to abide by her wishes.
"Yes, he is to begin his initial training at the Temple along with other Padawans, under the tutelage of Master Yoda and the other council members. We thought it best that he learn the basic knowledge of the Jedi and mingle with others his age, before I begin his more extensive training."
"Good, I'm sure that little Ani is very excited."
"Yes, he was very excited when I informed him of the council's plan. Although he seemed a little unsure of being separated from me, but I assured him that it wouldn't be for long."
Even though he didn't feel comfortable around Anakin yet, he did feel sorry for him, being passed from person to person.
He needed some stability.
"And you?"
"Pardon?"
"What are you to do during this time?"
To be honest he was still trying to work out the answer to that question himself.
"Master Yoda firmly suggested that I take the time to recuperate and maybe take a little vacation. I haven't really thought about where to go, I might make an on the spot decision once I get to the space port."
There were so many places that he could go but he didn't have a clue which one to pick. It had been such a long time since he'd had a holiday.
"Why don't you stay here on Naboo?"
She'd caught him off guard.
"Oh I don't know, I wouldn't want to impose myself on you m'lady."
"Nonsense Obi-Wan. The people of Naboo and I would find it a great honour for their courageous warrior to stay as a guest in the palace."
She favoured him with a gentle smile and he noted how she had emphasised his name, as a reminder of their conversation earlier.
"Oh well I."
She cut him off.
"Please Obi-Wan, may I say something?"
"Why of course."
She had him a little confused but hopefully things would become clearer.
"I feel that we are becoming friends, wouldn't you say?"
She waited for his reply.
"Well yes, I suppose we are."
"Good, I'm glad. Well I would like to get to know my knew friend a lot better and so I would be deeply honoured if you would be my personal guest at the palace. Do you accept my offer?"
He thought about it for a moment.
It did seem to him that he and the queen were becoming fast friends and he would like to spend more time with her.
Also Naboo was a very beautiful planet and the people were nice, he could definitely see himself enjoying spending time here.
Suddenly he saw a hand waving in front of his eyes; he shook his head and turned to face the queen.
"Well? What do you say?"
"I say. How can I possibly resist such a lovely offer? Yes I accept."
He broke into a smile as he saw Padme's own face burst with joy at her victory.
"Oh thank you Obi-Wan."
In her excitement she quickly threw her arms around his neck and hugged him.
He immediately felt that surge of energy again as she made contact with him.
He tried to ignore it and lightly patted her back and then as if she had only just realised what she'd done, Padme pulled away.
She looked away from him but he could still see the soft rosy blush that crept into her cheeks.
"I mean, I'm glad that you've decided to stay."
He thought she looked adorable as she let her shyness rule her.
"So am I, m'lady."
He saw her let out a yawn and he realised that it was indeed extremely late and they both had to be up early in the morning.
"I am sorry m'lady. I had forgotten the time, you must be exhausted. I didn't mean to keep you out this late."
"That's quite alright Obi-Wan, it's to your fault, I had gotten so caught up in our conversation that I too had forgotten the time."
He raised himself from the ground and held his out for her to take.
"Please allow me to escort you back to the palace."
She took his hand and he gently pulled her to her feet.
"Thank you Obi-Wan, that would do nicely."
As she stood straightening herself he bent down to retrieve his robe. He shook it out a few times and then slipped back into its warmth.
Then once they were both ready, they began their journey back to the palace.
.........................................
.........................................
They had been walking for 15 minutes and the palace secret entrance was in sight.
During their time walking, Padme had explained her sneaking out of the palace undetected earlier and that they would have to go back through the secret entrance.
Obi-Wan had found it more than slightly amusing and it was then that she first heard him laugh.
It started from deep in his chest ad travelled up through his throat until released by his mouth.
It had to be one of the most wonderful sounds she's ever heard.
He had then made her recount the first time that she'd found her secret route.
They were just about to enter the palace and as they did so Obi-Wan let her take the lead while he followed a step behind.
They were quiet for the moment ad she took the opportunity to think about their blossoming friendship.
To think that it may never have happened if he had not stopped her as she was about to leave, she smiled at the memory of him touching her arm and asking if she was ok.
This caused her to remember the surge of energy she had felt the next time they had touched.
She stood still at the memory.
She had never had that feeling before and she still remained a little confused from it.
"M'lady?"
She was brought back to reality by the sound of Obi-Wan's voice.
"Sorry, Obi-Wan. What did you say?"
"I said which way is it now?"
She looked around for a minute to see exactly where she was.
"Just another 100 yards in this direction, then through that door and then we're in the hallway that leads to my room."
The Jedi nodded and now began to walk in front of her.
They came to the door and Obi-Wan checked each end of the hallway to make sure that they wouldn't be seen.
When the coast was clear they emerged from the door and made their way to her room.
Once there Padme stood in front of it facing Obi-Wan.
"So we're here?" He asked.
"Yes we're here. Listen Obi-Wan, I just want to say that I'm glad you've decided to stay and I had a good time talking to you tonight."
He looked down at her with kind eyes.
"I had a good time too m'lady and thank you for allowing me to stay."
"Well it's late and I should get in my room before the guards get back. Thank you for walking me back Jedi Kenobi."
She was feeling a little shy and decided to his formal name to draw attention away from herself and also to tease him.
It seemed to have worked because he was smiling widely; he really did have the most wonderful smile.
He took her hand in his, and her heart began to race.
What was he doing?
He rubbed his thumb over her knuckles and lifted his eyes to look into hers.
"It was my pleasure."
She watched as he lowered his lips to her hand and laid a gentle kiss upon it, at the same time her heart skipped a beat.
"Goodnight Padme"
She took in a quiet gasp as she heard her name on his lips.
She gave him a wide grin and he did the same.
After what seemed like forever she finally found her voice.
"Goodnight Obi-Wan."
She opened her door and entered her room and when she turned back to him he bowed to her.
They both smiled at each other again and then he left and she closed her door.
Tbc.
Thanks again and please, please, please review.