For the second time in less than a week, Anakin entered the palace of King Renon. The only thing different this time was that they were accompanied by Obi-Wan Kenobi, the man charged with the rape of princess Meldara. They had since found out that he was innocent, and now they had to find out who blackmailed the king into framing him and why.
Anakin felt slightly alienated, having sensed that something important had been discussed between Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon on the voyage here. Unfortunately, Anakin had fallen asleep, and now he didn't know what had passed.
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon walked ahead of him, their long legs carrying them farther than his own stride. Anakin had to hurry to catch up, his shorter legs a disadvantage. In any other situation, he would have asked Qui-Gon to kindly slow down, but now things were different between him and his master and he did not feel comfortable in asking such.
Obi-Wan seemed to be the most urgent in wanting to talk to the King, but who could blame him? To be framed and banished because a crime you did not commit was a hard thing to live through. Anakin was slightly afraid, though, of the ferocity with which Obi-Wan approached the throne room.
Solid wood doors opened once more, and the three companions strode in. King Renon offered them an exasperated look, but it quickly turned to one of nervousness. Renon's skin paled, and you could see him fighting off the emotions of fright and surprise.
"What can I do for you, Jedi?" the King asked, his voice faltering a little.
Qui-Gon moved to speak, but Obi-Wan beat him to it. "You can tell me who blackmailed you into framing me." stated the young man, his face locked in a expression of demand.
"What?! I don't know what you speak of, Kenobi! You violated my daughter! You are nothing but a criminal!"
Anakin watched as Obi-Wan's hands clenched and unclenched. "You are lying, I know. Qui-Gon and Anakin have told me all about your work in framing me."
The king's face took on an air of anger. "I said no such thing! They are lying!"
The ex-Jedi smiled coldly. "Oh really? Fine then. I demand to see my 'son'."
Renon turned pale once more. Obi-Wan had trapped him, and now there was no way out. "But...but-" he stammered.
"But what? I can see my son, can't I?"
King Renon said nothing. He was defeated, and everyone in the room knew it.
"Fine then. I'll go see him myself." Obi-Wan turned on his heel and strode towards the doors. He had almost reached them when he heard the king calling his name.
"Fine. You win, Jedi. I was blackmailed into framing you by a man named Sidious. He threatened that my family and my planet would be enslaved if I did not comply to his orders." The king slumped back into his chair, his normally powerful appearance shattered.
"Why me?" Obi-Wan asked, his expression returning to one of calmness.
Kind Renon ran his hand through his hair and sighed. "I don't know. Sidious told me to frame you, but he didn't give me a reason. Trust me, Obi-Wan, I would have rather not have done this to you, but I had no other choice. I am sorry..."
The room went silent, everyone retreating to their own thoughts. Anakin shifted his weight from foot to foot nervously, not wanting to interrupt. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, Obi-Wan turned and left the throne room. Qui-Gon and Anakin quickly bowed to the king, then followed Obi-Wan out.
The normally calm young man looked as if he could strangle someone as they walked out of the palace. They had not gotten far when they heard someone call out behind them. Anakin turned to see Meldara running behind them, her long hair trailing in the breeze.
"Obi-Wan!" she said breathlessly.
He turned around, and his breath caught in his throat. He had never expected to see her again. They stood only inches apart, but it felt like a great chasm separated them. Qui-Gon gently pulled Anakin away, leaving the two young adults alone.
"Why?" Obi-Wan asked, his jaw locked into a frown. "Why would you have done something like this to me, Meldara? We were friends!"
A tear appeared at the corner of her eye, and Obi-Wan felt immediately guilty. "I'm sorry, Obi," she whispered, as several more tears joined the first, cascading down her lovely face. "I'm so sorry..." she repeated, before her voice broke.
Obi-Wan moved forwards without thought, and enveloped the weeping princess into his arms. Her head rested on his shoulder, and he could feel her tears soak through his tunic; cold, icy tears of sorrow. They stood like that for a few moments, both lost in grief and guilt caused by one mistake so long ago.
* Yeah, this one was short too. Man, I just can't write, I guess. Again, I apologize.
~Eleia Kenobi*
