Chapter 4. Fleeing

"Ah how shameless – the way these mortals blame the gods.
From us alone, they say, come all their miseries, yes,
but they themselves, with their own reckless ways,
compound their pains beyond their proper share."

- Homer, The Odyssey

I didn't realize how lonely I was until Anakin came back into my life. I pushed away my personal wants and desires for so long that these freedoms became strangers to me. I poured all my breath into my political efforts and left none for myself. The fight and the successes sustained me, but I was a woman half-alive. My love for democracy beat in my heart like a furnace but it did not set fire to my blood— not like he did.

After years in a Senate filled with backstabbers who gave the holomovie actors a run for their money, I was unaccustomed to such an unfiltered soul, much less one deep in the pursuit of courting me. I remind myself of that whenever my regret berates me over the coals for the time I wasted resisting his charms. I was the elder, I tell myself, it was the right thing to do.

Right. Wrong. Truthfully, I'm too biased to decide such verdicts. All I know is, I was so lurched to the side of selflessness that when a chance came to finally want and take something for myself, I grasped at it like a woman starved. I thought I was rebalancing myself. But all I did was go from abstaining to gluttonously craving. Right and wrong increasingly didn't matter.

It certainly didn't to Anakin.

I was his, as he was mine, and he wasn't going to let a little thing like my life of self-sacrifice stand in his way.

Captain Typho, Dormé, and I ranted and raged together against the directive until we at last burned ourselves out. It took a while— we had plenty of fuel to feed our ire. No one liked the idea that I was being separated from my security retinue, especially when all duties and responsibilities were to be handed over to an unproven (last night's saber skills notwithstanding) teenage apprentice. I lost count of how many times Typho yelled, "He's not even a Knight!"

As to be expected, I was the most crushed over being forced off-planet at the crucial time of the MCA vote, but even the captain was openly dismayed by it. He usually kept himself more focused on the particulars of my protection rather than on my political labors, but even he was disheartened that the past year's work might come to naught. Ironically, considering he'd been the one most "grateful" and pleased when the Jedi got involved yesterday, the turn of direction they'd taken with this move had significantly soured his appreciation. His switch to livid disapproval would've been comical, if all of it wasn't so frustrating.

I learned that Typho was informed of the situation by the chosen apprentice himself. It seems Ani comm called the captain while en route from the chancellor's office and filled him in far more than the chancellor had me. I got the impression this came more from Typho refusing to let Ani end the call until his list of demanding questions had been sufficiently answered— even Ani knew better than to hang up on an angry and incredulous Captain Typho. The specific order to go into hiding and travel as refugees on unregistered transport came from Mace Windu. Obi Wan had advised that Dormé take over the appearance of my continued presence on Coruscant, to be protected by Typho and the rest of the staff. They wanted to keep the bounty hunter's focus on the capitol planet as much as possible while Obi-Wan carried out the investigation by himself. Beyond that, my fate was to be in the hands of Anakin Skywalker.

The official word would be that I was very much still on Coruscant but recovering from back-to-back assassination attempts. If the investigation took longer than expected, then the story would become that I was properly sick with some non-fatal but serious illness. Both the fighter and the truth-teller in me bristled at such excuses.

Throughout all this, Dormé would take over sleeping in my room and occupying my apartment during the daytime, which would remain on heavily armed lockdown. It was the compromise I fought hard for after the rant session when the last schematics were being figured out. Everyone agreed that Dormé didn't quite look enough like me to pass as Amidala in the Senate halls. Nevertheless, I'd made it clear that even the idea of Dormé walking through the city in my stead with the threat so close would result in my immediate refusal to hide, Chancellor's or Jedi's orders be damned.

At present, Dormé and I were in my room, splaying black suitcases across my bed. "It doesn't even make sense!" With my last word, I threw the first garment I randomly grabbed from the closet into a luggage box. "If it's so important that I go into hiding, why am I going to my home world? It's the first place a hunter with half a brain will check if they figure out I'm not on Coruscant."

With a somber smile, Dormé retrieved the thick snow jacket I'd flung into the suitcase and put it back on the hanger— I wouldn't need it where I was going. Softly, she offered, "Perhaps they know the planet most willing to hide you is your own." She paused, regarding me for a serious moment. "The people of Naboo would die before they let any harm come to you."

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that." Then I swallowed painfully, realizing it already had.

Dormé shook her head from side to side. "I still can't believe their putting your safety in the hands of a Padawan."

I didn't comment. My frustration at Ani had cooled since earlier, and, in truth, I felt some shame for the anger I'd directed his way after the order came down. He couldn't help his age, nor his status as an apprentice. Besides, if Typho's second-hand account was correct, the Council had given him this assignment unasked. He was following orders, same as me.

Not only that, but the longer I ran the situation over in my head, the longer I begrudgingly began to see where the Jedi and Palpatine were coming from. It didn't mean I liked it, but it was my job and my nature to consider the other's side in a disagreement, or else be blinded by stubbornness.

Staying would mean going back and forth between last minute meetings and the Senate, increasing the risk of vulnerability to my entourage when most senators already had their minds made up.

Leaving meant those left behind could lock down the apartment and stay put. Stay alive.

{More so than anyone, I've faced the pushback, the arguments, and worked out the compromises.}

Did I feel owed? Is that what this stemmed from? Pride?

My tenacity to see the defeat of the Military Creation Act through, while being something I indeed prided myself on, could put Dormé, Typho, Jar Jar, and the rest of my dedicated staff in lethal danger. Their lives weren't worth my glory moment in the sun.

It had already cost us Cordé and six others.

"Where do you think you'll go?"

I shot her a wry look. "You heard my travel agent."

While the chancellor's suggestion that I see this as a vacation made my skin crawl, I couldn't disagree that the Lake Country made for a remote, secure hideout that was beyond idyllic. Not only was it beautiful, but it was possibly the safest place on Naboo for me, spare the palace. It was also home to where I always I felt the happiest— my family's lakeside house.

"Does that mean…?"

I nodded. "Varykino."

Despite my protestations at being kicked off Coruscant, just saying the name of the lodge awoke a longing in me for the lake, the mountains, and the lush grounds. Try as I might, I couldn't help but feel anticipation at the prospect of seeing the vistas soon. Of course, this feeling was immediately followed by guilt.

But it was a solid choice. Not only was the ancient familial home in an isolated region of the planet, it was attached to the Naberrie family in a trust unaffiliated with our name, much less with me specifically. This had been an innocent result of the legal mess left behind by my paternal grandfather. I didn't know all the details; I just knew that it would take some serious digging by a tracker with a knowledge of Nubian legality in estate affairs to discover the link.

Dormé nodded. I didn't need to explain to her how remote the area was and the tactical benefit therein. "The chancellor wasn't wrong. It's the best time of year to be there."

I smiled. Any time of year was the perfect time to be at Varykino. Even though nature took its course transforming the land annually, the beauty there had no off-season.

Strangely, I felt a twinge of excitement at showing the wondrous locale to Ani. My imagination was already envisioning his reaction to it.

I knelt in front of my plentiful collection of shoes to narrow down choices. My wide skirt puddled around me on the carpet like a gray pond. "First, though, a visit home."

"I'm sure your parents will appreciate that." Dormé was standing in the middle of the closet rack, and she spoke to me as she peered around a mound of fabrics. She made a regretful face. "Your mother called again last night while you were speaking with the families."

I grimaced. I'd been so caught up in comforting the loved ones of the fallen that I hadn't taken the time to reassure my own. "She saw my speech?"

"She did."

I lamented that my mother had had to find out I was both the target of an assassination attempt and that I was subsequently safe from a media outlet. That was careless of me. She deserved better.

"Does she know any more details other than what's been released?"

"No, I wasn't sure what you wanted me to tell her, so I kept the details as minimal as possible."

"So, she doesn't know about the Kouhuns?"

"Not from me."

"Good."

We heard a clank! come from the window, and we turned to see a pair of air droids hovering outside. One of them began carefully removing sections of jagged glass while the other secured a broader segment.

"Finally," Dormé breathed.

As I rose to my feet, I cast a mournful glance at my bed. After all was said and done, I'd maybe slept an hour in it since arriving on Coruscant. I spent more time tossing and turning in those sheets than I had cooking up jarring dreams in them.

As we moved along in a comfortable silence, my thoughts eventually flowed back to my mother. It always felt so good to be around my family. In many ways, they were the glue that kept me together— when I could manage to spend quality time with them. I'd been so busy for the better part of a year that I'd had to miss many family meals and special events, even my niece Pooja's birthday. My parents, especially my father, came from a life of public service themselves, so I knew they understood the demands of my career. I also knew they were growing concerned about how much time I devoted to my diplomatic life without any sign of slowing down. My nieces were just six and three years of age; more and more, I feared I was becoming an empty chair at the table to them. "I hope, by chance, Sola will be visiting with Ryoo and Pooja. I could use some of their fierce hugs… to hear their laughter."

"Those two munchkins have the best laughs," Dormé murmured, tucking a pair of shoes into a bag. "But I should think you'll see them, of course."

The easy confidence in her voice was so palpable that I questioned, "Oh? You think so?"

After a few seconds, when she didn't reply, I stopped and casually looked up from the dress I was folding against my abdomen to look up at her. She was staring at me like she didn't recognize me. At her expression, I stilled, uncertain as to what was wrong.

"What?"

"By the time you land on Naboo, it'll be Lunar Day."

A weary sigh escaped me. "That's right. I… I forgot."

Lunar Day comes once a month on Naboo. It's not a particularly auspicious holiday. It's not really a holiday at all anymore. It's simply the day when all three of Naboo's moons align in what appears to the eye to be a straight line in the noontime sky. It was a rather remarkable day of religious ceremony to early Nubians, but it's lost its luster in the culture overtime.

But it's sacred to one Jobal Naberrie. My mother. It had been a tradition in her family for generations tantamount to a mandatory, if much beloved, "family day". It was a gathering at the table when relatives paused their busy lives to come together around delicious food and enjoy quality time as a single, present group. My father's side happily picked it up at Jobal's insistence, and it became an integral part of my childhood as I got to see all my grandparents, cousins, etc. on a regular basis. I'd only been excused from skipping Lunar Day lunch during my queenship, and even then, I'd always made sure to send a hologram complete with apology. For her part, my loving mother never failed to covertly send a food package to the palace filled with leftovers, and no matter how talented the royal chiefs were and are, nothing could compare to my excitement for that monthly delivery.

Since becoming a senator, by my own direction, all my handmaidens learned about this routine by the end of their first day of training. Captain Typho didn't even dare make a peep about my attendance. It was the most consistent, reliable, non-negotiable part of my schedule. I gave everything to being a representative— this was the only personal time I protected for myself. My entire staff knew where I'd be on Lunar Day.

And I'd forgotten about it completely.

I lamely dropped the dress I'd been folding on to the bed, not even bothering to put it in a suitcase. "You know… I've tried making up for my absences while being queen by trying my best to be at the table even during my senatorial term." The buzz of the window droids grew more noticeable as I paused. I looked out at them as I continued, "But, in the past year, I've missed more than I dare count. All for the MCA. All of it." I looked back at my handmaiden and friend. "I really do need some time away, don't I?"

Dormé paused, then smiled at me with the level of understanding and grace that was such a hallmark of her character. "I'm sure your nieces will be thrilled to see you."

I nodded absently, my mind wandering to ponder if it was too late to get Pooja another gift, a further apology for being absent on her birthday. But if I show up with another gift for Pooja, I'll have to bring something for Ryoo so she doesn't feel left out. Good thing I'm an aunt who loves spoiling her nieces—

"Anakin has grown up handsomely, don't you think?"

The sudden change in direction threw me. Putting my back to her in order to hide the surprise on my face, I bent over one of the suitcases and refolded fabrics already in perfect organization. Finally, after two seconds too long of a pause, I feebly tried to deflect her question. "Has he? I hadn't noticed."

"Of course, milady, you've had a lot going on." That tone— barely perceptible, but it almost sounded as if she was mocking me. "But you've certainly endured worse-looking company. And he seems very invested in protecting you."

She was fishing, and not very subtly. Well, if she wanted me to say something, she'd be waiting a while.

My handmaidens quite literally trained to read and even mimic every minuscule expression on my face, but this I'd thought I'd kept privately enough. Whatever this was. I didn't even know. I was only in the beginning stages of realizing Anakin's presence was having an unexpected and sustained effect on me.

I was a naive fool. Dormé knew me too well, had studied my face for too long not to notice when an anomaly had come along. Much later, she would tell me I was as subtle as a fireworks show when it came to hiding my reactions to Anakin, even in those initial days before he and I escaped to Naboo.

However, at this point in time, she was merely a curious friend trying to make me smile. Of the two of us, I was the most... inexperienced. She knew it, and she didn't shy from good-naturedly teasing me about it from time to time.

"There's a good joke I recently heard. It's about the Jedi and their legendary," she exaggerated the word, "lightsabers." I rolled my eyes at her innuendo, as obvious as it was cringey. Is this her way of lightening the mood? I promptly shot her a disapproving look. She ignored me with a shrug and smiled back devilishly. "Want to hear it?"

"I think I just did."

My muttered reply was lost in a swell of noise entering the space from the large gap where a window used to be. We'd been speaking above our normal volumes throughout our conversation to compensate for the wind and sounds of the metropolitan outdoors, but as a speeder whooshed by my floor with negligent proximity, Dormé, who'd read my face just fine, yelled, "I said, I heard a joke about Jedi and their lightsabers— do you want to hear it?!"

The sound of the speeder's engine gradually tapered away as she shouted, but she'd continued at the same decibel anyways. I thought about throwing the skirt I currently held at her. But a small part of me—the latent young woman who wanted more than a diplomat's cold survival, who had only begun showing herself since towering blue eyes made her heart quicken yesterday, who yearned to be sensually roared to life— wickedly wanted to hear the joke. It was the same inner voice who whispered to me to slip out of my nightdress in front of the cameras.

A forced cough at the doorway. Dormé's and my smiles dropped as we turned to learn who heard us.

Oh, gods.

Jar Jar.

Well, at least it wasn't Anakin. I threw the skirt at Dormé after all and she let out a laugh, but from her face I knew, for my sake, she shared the sentiment of relief.

"Heyo dalee Dormé! Miss Padmé!" He smiled widely, innocently, and encouragingly. "Mesa like jokes."

I threw Dormé a look, and she handled the moment accordingly. "Another time, Jar Jar."

In and of itself, Jar Jar's presence didn't snap me out of my brief reprieve from the weight of reality, but his arrival meant a return to it, nonetheless. I was going to pass over my responsibilities to the Gungan. It hadn't been my idea. The guidance/order came down from Queen Jamillia's administrative advisor, Fregor Antilla. The man surely meant well, but he obviously hadn't spent a lot of time around Jar Jar. The majority of the time he was capable, but when he screwed up, he tended to screw up big.

"Ahh, I see the fly droids mesa ordered are here with da glass," he pointed to the mechanical team outside that was now airlifting the replacement pane towards the window. "Das great. Well. Yousa asked to see me?"

I nodded with a strained smile. "Yes, let's speak in the hallway." While I knew I needed to give him a good pep talk, doing so while my intimate garments were now being moved through the room was not my idea of a professional setting.

Jar Jar let me lead the way back into the receiving area. It was then that I saw the back of the robed figure standing tall in the middle of the corridor, just beyond the view of where I'd been in my room.

Anakin.

He wasn't even facing me, yet my heart accelerated at the sight of him. Which was unexpected. And unnerving.

I blamed it on the aggravation of the situation.

How long has he been standing there?

Anakin turned as we approached and bowed to me, the daylight behind him only emphasizing his radiant features. When our eyes made eye contact, I felt a pulse of energy that must not be unlike what a starship experiences when a tractor beam locks on to it. He smiled and stepped to the side so that I could pass by. His voice was low, but his excitement was evident. "So, I'm finally to return to Naboo. It's been a long time."

As I took in his grand smile, my stomach twisted into knots. A rush of feeling I can only describe as nervousness suddenly washed over me. Startled by this reaction, I frowned and stomped away. Ani's presence and meeting the actual reality of signing off my duties to Jar Jar brought back my frustrations at being forced to do so. "This isn't a vacation, Ani. And I don't need to tell you that I'd much rather stay."

I looked over my shoulder and saw the smile on his lips fade. He pursed them at my stern admonishment, but he said nothing. I stopped and faced Jar Jar. Standing so close caused him to have to bend a little more than was comfortable in order for his elevated eyes to meet mine, but though Captain Typho had just handled briefing him, I needed to see for myself that Jar Jar grasped the responsibility of what I was handing off to him.

"Right. Do you have any last questions before I go?"

"Noooosa."

"Okay. Do you remember what the official story is? And do you understand what is expected of you while I'm gone?"

"Errr." I watched as Jar Jar peeked over at Ani, as if he'd have the golden answer. But his would-be-savior was presently looking out the window.

My heart sank, along with my optimism.

I tried to make it as simple as possible. "I'm taking an extended leave of absence. It will be your responsibility to take my place in the Senate. Representative Binks?"

He stood straighter at attention. "Hmm?"

Some things were just out of my hands now. I reminded myself that I'd kept Jar Jar on my staff all this time for a reason, and he deserved the benefit of the doubt. "I know I can count on you."

And if I can't, I'll be on the first ship back to Coruscant.

Jar Jar suddenly found his verbose, borderline pompous voice. "Mesa honored to be taking on dissa heavy burden. Mesa accept this with muy, muy humility and, uh—"

"Jar Jar. I don't wish to hold you up. I'm sure you have a great deal to do." I was glad to see he was finally taking the responsibility seriously. But I still had to keep myself from speaking through clenched teeth. Leaving Jar Jar in charge… just wasn't easy.

"Of course," he bowed courtly, "milady."

With one last look, I dismissed him. Then I marched my way past Ani to rejoin Dormé in the packing. Despite my cooled anger, I hadn't forgotten that the directive to flee had been relayed by Ani while en route here, and to Captain Typho instead of directly to me no less. It was as if he'd been too afraid to deliver the bad news in person— even over video transmission— and strategically hoped I'd warmed to the idea by the time he arrived.

Fat chance.

"I do not like this idea of hiding."

His voice was smooth as he calmly absorbed my storm. "Don't worry. Now that the Council's ordered an investigation, it won't take Master Obi-Wan long to find this bounty hunter."

If they'd just listened to me back in the chancellor's office and started a probe then, I might not even need to leave. But I knew there was no point in complaining about that to the only ally who'd also wanted an investigation from the get-go— I had plenty more to be mad about. Like my kidnapping.

"I haven't worked for a year to create the Military Creation Act to not be here when its fate is decided!"

At my peevish tone, the political composure which had been instilled in me for so many years triggered an immediate self-check. Yes, I'd poured a year's worth of meetings, compromises, missed meals, time away from my family, and sleepless night into this. But the outcome I'd tried to influence was finally going to sink or swim in the hands of the other senators, for ultimately the legislative act wouldn't fail with my one vote cast— that was how democracy worked, after all. Perhaps, I'd mobilized against the MCA all I could. I reminded myself the back-patting at its defeat wasn't the goal.

As if he'd read my thoughts, Anakin surprised me. "Sometimes we must let go of our pride, and do what is requested of us."

Technically, I felt I was prioritizing the safety of my staff more so than the authority of the chancellor, but I didn't disagree entirely. And, after her unforgiving appraisal of Ani yesterday while undoing my hair, I hoped Dormé had heard him. She'd seemed pleased enough with his looks all of a sudden, but here was some actual emotional maturity on display. I wanted to turn around and gesture at him to her, an I-told-you-so "Seeee?" springing from my mouth. Instead, I kept my focus on the young man and replied approvingly— for all ears present to hear, "Anakin, you've grown up."

Is he blushing? I turned to continue packing, so I couldn't be sure. But instead of responding favorably to my compliment, Ani grumpily replied, "Master Obi-Wan manages not to see it." There was a long pause and he moved towards the window. Perhaps because he picked up on my slight awkwardness at his answer, he continued, "Don't get me wrong, Obi-Wan is a great mentor; as wise as Master Yoda and as powerful as Master Windu." A round décor piece floated through the air like it was weightless. As a non-Force user, you just never got used to such a thing. "I am truly thankful to be his apprentice." His eyes were sincere, and I believed him. "In some ways—" his voice got more edgy and quiet, like he was sharing a state secret with me. "—a lot of ways— I'm really ahead of him." The volume returned with his unmistakable conviction. "I'm ready for the trials! But he feels that I'm too unpredictable. He won't let me move on."

I peered up at him as I tucked more clothes into a suitcase. "That must be frustrating—"

"It's worse! He's overly critical. He never listens." I flashed back to the painfully awkward exchange in the living room, where Obi-Wan shot both him and me down in quick succession, in front of several others. Anakin's counter-arugment had been arrogant, but had he been wrong in message? I hadn't thought so. "He, he doesn't understand! It's not fair!"

I thought I heard Dormé's muffled laugh coming from behind me.

Occasionally, I'd see outbursts in politics when someone broke the garden-variety stoicism, but this was different. Where seasoned politicians usually used carefully crafted angry tirades as covers for some hidden agenda, Anakin was a man genuinely ruled by his emotions. You must understand, I'd spent most of my life around stuffy presentation and meticulously practiced speeches from my colleagues and even myself. Anakin had no such filter. Frustrated as he was, the change was oddly refreshing to me.

He'd just let out more feeling while venting about his career trajectory than I'd released in my grief over a close friend's murder.

Ani had lost himself as he spoke, as if I wasn't there. But the outburst at the end resulted in an immediate power-down, and he looked at me, humbled and embarrassed. This resulting look on his face unlocked my full sympathy. He was still so young. So eager to please. Just wanting to be involved. To be heard. To help. I could relate to such a feeling— it was what pushed me to campaign for the monarch's podium at such a young age. Ani was too adolescent to see there was still plenty of time for him, and that this was just part of the process.

I paused by the closet, thinking over my reply. "All mentors have a way of seeing more of our faults than we would like. It's the only way we grow."

With a loud sigh, he sank down on to the wooden end of the table in front my bed. He took the same pose he had yesterday on the yellow couch, appearing again like an insecure youngling with his hands buried into his robe and tucked in between his thighs. "I know." The sad resignation in his voice tugged at something in me. Since literally the day I met him, Ani had been enthralled with the idea of being a Jedi. A great Jedi. However much I'd missed out on in ten years, I knew he was trying.

"Anakin," I went to him, placing a comforting hand on his dejected shoulder. I knew all too well that climbing the ranks in your career did not guarantee happiness. "Don't try to grow up too fast."

His movement was immediate but smooth. "But I am grown up." He proved his point by dropping his child-like sit and rising to his full height, the desire to prove to me just how much of a man he was obvious in his changed eyes. "You said it yourself." As the last words dripped from his mouth, his lips formed a flirtatious smile. Suddenly, I became very aware of the small gap of air between us. I forgot all about packing. I forgot the suitcases were even there. The longer he stood there in his confidence, the more an earthquake ruptured me.

I'd been looked at by lobbyists and politicians who schemed to seduce me for my influence or even my vote before, but this was different. My normally unshakable demeanor unexpectedly wavered. Half of me was scared that right here— in this very room— he was going to kiss me.

And the other half of me was scared that right here— in this very room— I wanted to see what it would be like if he did.

I shook my head, disappointed in both of us. This was beyond inappropriate, especially with our pending trip together. "Please don't look at me like that."

His face was a mixture of puzzlement and provocation. His voice got even quieter, making the air feel more intimate between us. "Why not?"

He asked it like we were inevitable and surely I knew it as well as he did. Even then, Anakin was standing on the precipice— ready, but still alone— his attention fixed on me as I skirted around in the winds above him. He was the lamppost in the dark, its base drilled deep into the ground. I was the kite it would take several days to reel in— and not without fight.

Why not? Because you do unnatural things to my heartbeat and make my stomach do flip-flops when you do it. That's why!

"It makes me feel uncomfortable."

I cringed inwardly as I walked away. I'd wanted to make my voice authoritative and strong. I don't think I garnered the full effect of what I was going for.

My suspicions proved correct when I caught sight of Anakin in the mirror by the closet. Unaware that I could see him, he was unapologetically following my walk with a hungry stare. His lips were parted in a bold smile and his eyes were openly ravenous. All traces of the little boy were gone. His look was primal. Wanting. And completely undeterred.

But what scared me the most was how my body sung in response to his call.

"Sorry, milady."

It was a farcical attempt at an apology given the look on his face. A warm shiver went down my spine that had nothing to do with air temperature, the knots increased in my stomach tenfold, and I cursed my insides for betraying me.

Just then, Dormé walked back into the room with her miraculous timing. I shot her a look, as if asking 'Where have you been?'

In truth, I don't even recall noticing when she'd stepped out towards the veranda. But return she had, and her eyes flashed back and forth as she eyed Anakin and I with a look I couldn't quite put a name on. I prayed that my face shielded the battle for control raging between my body and my rational mind, but as I could feel the heat radiating from my cheeks, my hopes weren't high.

My peeved mood from minutes ago returned, aided exclusively by the rattle from my exchange with the man behind me. "Something wrong, Dormé?" Recklessly, I felt like I was challenging her to say something.

Her eyes glinted and she smiled suspiciously. "No, ma'am. I found an outfit that will work well for your refugee disguise. It's from that humanitarian trip to Jublue years ago— no one should recognize you in it. I have fabric to add trim to a headpiece before you leave, hiding your hair and making you even more camouflaged."

And you found this outfit out on the veranda, did you? But I nodded approvingly. "Wonderful." It had occurred to me earlier that I should notify Sio Babble of our arrival plans, as I was sure Queen Jamillia would like an in-person update before we headed to Varykino. "I need to step away to make a holocall. I'll be quick."

"Take your time! I can finish the packing." I was surprised by the eagerness in Dormé's voice.

"I thought you needed to fix the headpiece?"

"I can do both."

If she wanted to choose my attire so badly, I was welcome to let her. What's the worst she could pack? "Alright, thank you." Apprehensively, I turned back to the silent Jedi behind us. Mercifully, his suggestive look was gone. "And what about you?"

He seemed confused by my question, not understanding. "Sorry?"

"Well, is your best disguise idea to hide yourself as a Jedi?" This time he definitely blushed, though not from compliment, and I felt a flash of guilt. I hadn't asked it nicely. I jumped back and forth between laying the blame on him or on myself for my flushed reactions moments before. I consciously made my tone more kind, even sweet. "I mean, would you like us to acquire some appropriate clothing for you?"

He shook his head shyly. Poor Ani. I really could be rude to him one second and pleasant the next in a revolving rotation. I was keeping him on his toes as much as he seemed to be keeping me on mine— albeit we were using two very different methods. As far as I could see, his technique was inappropriate flirtations and body-heating stares. Apparently, my regretful tactic was to ignore, belittle, or intimidate him. Was my incessant drive to keep him in the junior role for his sake, or for my own peace of mind?

He cleared his throat before he spoke. "Thank you, but the Jedi have their resources. I came straight here from the chancellor's office, ah, so Master Obi-Wan is bringing street clothes for me with him. This isn't our first time going undercover, so to speak."

"Master Kenobi is seeing us off, then?"

"Yes. He was just over at the Temple. He should be here soon."

Hopefully, Obi-Wan was prying himself away from researching promising leads in the investigation. If so, I'd much prefer he stayed where he was, rather than take the time to wave a hand at us in goodbye. I stayed mute on my opinion. It was a wild dream to wish he'd unravel the entire mystery before Ani and I even stepped foot on the refugee transport. "And you have clothes coming. Excellent." The corner of Anakin's mouth rose slightly, giving him a dashingly handsome appearance, and something in me melted. I straightened my shoulders. "Excuse me."

You'd never tell from the consciously paced stroll, but I fled more so than exited the bedroom. I felt Anakin's eyes on me the entire way.

A/N: Thank you to everyone who's stayed with me up to this point. I hope all have enjoyed the deeper dives into the Dormé/Typho/etc. relationships, but from here on out, it's the Anakin & Padmé show. This is where the fun begins...