Chapter 32
The Ties That Bind
Padmé stopped at the door to her bedroom. "Can I have two minutes to change, Master Yoda?"
The Jedi nodded and she stepped into her room. Quickly changing into a pair of loose slacks with a billowing shirt, she cinched the belt and slipped her feet into slippers. She didn't have time to arrange her hair and simply buffed it with a towel to get most of the water out. Leaving it loose she stepped from the room. "I'm sorry, I just..."
"Speaking with me in a sheet, appropriate it is not. Jealous you would make Padawan Skywalker."
Padmé looked back to Anakin's closed door. "I don't think so, Master Yoda."
"How feel, do you?"
Padmé sighed. "Terribly guilty, Master Yoda. Anakin has been the epitome of chivalry. He's done nothing except resist me for all my best efforts."
"Physical, they all were?"
Padmé shook her head, "No."
"More to this, there is?"
"Nothing I'm willing to divulge, Master Yoda," her voice held a note of regret. "I'm afraid that it's for Anakin to talk about if he wishes you to know. He's restrained himself remarkably well considering the circumstances."
"Too tempting you are?"
"Obviously not tempting enough," she told him smiling. "He's been pushed to his limits and was still ready to resist me after two weeks of constant flirtation."
"Seduction, you mean."
She blushed, nodding, unable to lie to him. "I tried, but failed. That has to say something about Anakin's willpower."
Yoda nodded thoughtfully. "Hmmm. Agree with you, I do. Wish you to marry him?"
Padmé settled on the top step, leaning back against the wall as she turned the question over in her mind. She did, but was it simply because they were bonded? She smiled. Of course not, Anakin had proven to me more caring and considerate than she'd ever thought possible. "Yes, Master Yoda. I know the order forbids it; I am familiar with your rules, but why would you make an exception?"
"Special, this circumstance is. Apart you two should not be."
"I'm afraid I don't understand."
Yoda looked at her, his gaze serious. "Bonded you are. How felt you when you thought him dead?"
She was silent, thinking back to the day two weeks ago when Anakin had tackled Carré back into the yawning chasm. Back to the day she'd felt him die. A shiver ran through her system. "I wanted to join him." She admitted softly. "I've never felt that kind of emptiness before, that sense of overwhelming aloneness."
"Understand, you do," Yoda stepped forward and placed a hand on her shoulder, a rare gesture for the Jedi Master. "Our choice it is not. Done, your bonding is. Fight that power, we cannot. Marry you shall."
Padmé's smile was slow, beautiful as it spread across her face. "Then Anakin passed his trials?"
"Speak with him I must before my judgment I can pass."
Padmé rose to her feet, "Thank you Master Yoda. I'll be downstairs."
Yoda nodded and turned back towards Anakin's room. It was time to speak with the Padawan.
Anakin looked up as the door opened again, pushing himself to his feet and bowing respectfully when he saw who it was. "Master Yoda. I apologize for the situation in which you found us, I had-"
"Know this I do. Relax, yes?"
Anakin took a deep breath, "Would you like to sit, Master?"
Yoda nodded and Anakin hopped the bed to grab the only chair in the room. He placed it near Yoda and sat on the bed as Yoda made himself comfortable. "Thank you, padawan. How feel you?"
"Frustrated, Master."
Yoda chuckled a little, "Frustrated?"
Anakin nodded, adjusting his lightsaber so it didn't poke him in the hip. "Yes Master. Padmé has been... successful in her mission to draw a response from me."
"Yet, control them you do."
"Yes Master."
"How?"
The side of Anakin's mouth kicked up, though his cheeks pinked a bit. "By knowing that if we wait until we're married and I've passed my trials, it will be all the more rewarding."
"So confident are you in passing your trials?"
"Yes Master. I have to pass them, if I don't Padmé and I will be separated. I can't let that happen."
Yoda nodded, motioning for Anakin to get off the bed as he slid from the chair. Anakin did so, but knelt so that the small Jedi wouldn't have to crane his neck. At Yoda's first words, he was glad he wasn't standing; he would have fallen over in shock. "Confer on you, the council does, the rank of Jedi Knight. Our permission you have to marry the Lady Padmé. A secret you must keep this, Jedi Skywalker," Yoda warned, facing him completely. "Know of your marriage, others may not."
"Yes Master. Thank you Master."
Yoda nodded and turned to leave.
"Master Yoda?"
He stopped, looking back at the new Jedi Knight. "A question you have?"
Anakin nodded, standing as he arranged his robes. "What happened with Carré?"
"Speak with Lady Padmé we must. Come."
Anakin nodded, and followed the Jedi Master from the room. Pride swelled within him. He'd done it. He'd been knighted for his own strengths. Elated, he couldn't wait to tell Padmé. Yet, when they arrived downstairs, Anakin frowned as a sudden, terrible shaking began to take hold of him. [i]Padmé![/i] his mind screamed, searching for hers. Nothing; not even a flutter of sensation. Ice ran through his veins. No, this couldn't be happening, not again. "Padmé!" he yelled, heading quickly for the patio as he left Yoda behind. He stepped into the warm afternoon sunshine and listened. Nothing. Terror crept into his heart, fueling the powers that he needed to search for her.
The Force began to flow through him, enhancing his senses, and he fought to keep it pure, untainted by his fear. He wanted to do this right, yet it didn't matter what he wanted if he couldn't have Padmé. "PADME!" he screamed, looking across the waters for the sign of a boat. Nothing again. No. She couldn't be dead; he wouldn't allow himself to think that she was.
The hum of a lightsaber igniting brought him around in a low crouch. Carré, her hand replaced with a mechanical prosthetic, stood before him. She was soaked, her black bodysuit sticking to her body from her swim. In her mechanical hand she held Padmé, the fingers wrapped tightly around her throat. Padmé uttered not a word, though her hands were prying at the strong fingers as she fought to breathe. "Looking for this, Skywalker?"
Anakin's eyes narrowed as rage boiled through him. "Let her go, Carré!"
Carré smiled an evil looking smile. "And waste my last chance to fulfill my Master's wishes? I don't think so."
Anakin's hand stayed well away from his lightsaber, though he had a sinking sensation he'd have to resort to it. "How did you find us?"
"You can thank your Master Yoda for leading me here," she taunted. "He led me straight to you."
Anakin's hands clenched and unclenched. "Let her go, take my life in her place." He saw Padmé's eyes widen, saw her try to frantically shaker her head. She squeaked, a shill sound of denial clear even through the high tone.
"It would seem your bride-to-be will have none of that. I'm glad, I've been so looking forward to eliminating her."
The mechanical hand squeezed fractionally tighter and Padmé's struggles slowly began to fade.
Anakin sprang at Carré, his lightsaber leaping to his hand as he ignited it. He landed behind her, forcing her to drop the unconscious Padmé and take up her lightsaber. Their blades clashed forcefully, Carré being forced back a few steps by the power in Anakin's blow. Her eyes widened. She could sense a determination she'd not felt in him before. It didn't matter; she wasn't allowed to kill him anyway. Simply do her best to give the image of wanting to kill him, before fleeing. That she could do. She just didn't want to lose another limb in the process.
They traded blows, moving away from Padmé's still form, Anakin's strikes coming harder and faster as Carré retreated from him. Their lighsabers blurred together, a dance of streaming light in the sunshine. The tapping of Yoda's gimmer stick on the ground could be heard as the Jedi Master approached. Anakin, his mind focused solely on Carré, barely registered it. He struck again, high and then low, forcing her to jump and spin away. As she landed he kicked out, barely retracting his leg as her blade swept down. His eyes narrowed. She was more powerful than the last time he'd fought her, more alert.
"Is that all you've got Skywalker? The same bag of tricks?"
"You won't escape, Carré!"
"Oh no?" she stretched out her human hand and blue bolts of force lightning shot out across the yard into Padmé's still form. She screamed as she jerked awake, writhing in agony as the deadly energy slid though her nervous system. Anakin screamed in denial, jumping into the path and blocking the lethal discharge with his lightsaber. His hand spasmed as he miscalculated and he received a jolt of power up his arm. He grimaced, concentrating as he focused on absorbing the energy, in turning it into a source he could use to fuel his fighting. Slowly, the spasm stopped and he clenched his hand tighter around the hilt of his saber. His eyes narrowed, flashing dangerously as he felt the energy building up inside him, demanding to be released.
Carré recoiled as she read murder in Anakin's eyes. Padmé was whimpering somewhere behind him, her body curled into a fetal position of protection, yet it was the power she could feel emanating from Skywalker that gave her pause. He hadn't been slowed by his contact with the force lightning. She'd seen him look that way before, only now there was a power that sizzled the air around him. She wondered if she'd finally pushed him too far. Carré didn't want to die.
"It ends here, Carré," Anakin told her, his voice soft with menace. "You will never harm Padmé again."
She stepped back, backing towards the rail and the relative safety of the lake. "If you can catch me, Skywalker, I'd like to see you try."
His lightsaber came back, twirling once about his head as he brought it into an attack position. "There is no try; you're already dead." With no further warning, he launched his attack, swiping quickly at her midriff before his lightsaber came back quickly and shifted the angle of his attack, slashing at her head.
She blocked both blows, staggering under the power, and braced herself on the rail as she felt it dig into her spine. Her lightsaber working frantically in front of her, Carré opened herself completely to the Force... and the full strength of her Master's power. Raw power surged through her, popping blood vessels in her eyes and face as she lunged into a whirling counterattack.
Anakin was pushed back, the power of her sudden assault putting him back on his heels as his hands became a blur of movement. Their lightsabers clashed together one long, continuous sound as Carré worked herself off the rail and began to circle Anakin. She slashed at him, towards his knees, reversing the direction as he moved to block and slammed the hilt into his face.
He stumbled back, lifting his saber to catch the blow he thought was to follow, but nothing happened. Carré took the opportunity and ran at the rail, jumping and Force propelling herself far out over the water. She entered with a clean dive and began to swim away. Within second she was a tiny spec on the horizon.
Anakin pushed himself to his feet, deactivating his lightsaber and looking across the water. Carré had disappeared again. He turned back, his gaze falling on where Padmé was slowly beginning to push herself up on shaky arms. He was beside her in an instant, kneeling as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Padmé?"
She lifted her head, the lingering pain reflected in her eyes. He could [i]feel[/i] the anxiety she was feeling and his body began to shake again. He could feel her, hear her thoughts. He swallowed hard. "I'm sorry."
She shook her head, her throat sporting a vivid purple bruise. *It's not your fault.* even her mental tone was pained as she spoke to him in his mind. *Carré was too strong. I couldn't fight her.*
He pulled her close, curling around her as he gently checked her over for other injuries. Her body was still spasming from the effects of the Force lightning, but she seemed to be fine otherwise. Her neck was bruised, sore from the tight mechanical grip against her esophagus, and he doubted she'd be doing much talking in the next few days, but she was alive. That was all that mattered.
"Safe you are?"
Anakin looked up, meeting Yoda's gaze. "Yes Master. Carré said she followed you here. Is that possible?"
"Possible it is."
Anakin nodded, his gaze going back to Padmé. Her eyes had closed and her head was resting heavily on his shoulder. Her breathing was slightly erratic, causing him to frown. Had he missed damage to her lungs? Reaching out with the Force, he sent his senses into her system. Her nerves had only been briefly exposed to the lethal lightning, but without having the ability to absorb the energy it had spread into her vitals. Her lungs were damaged, singed, a problem he could fix but it would take time. A second presence touched his, one that was powerful, yet deceivingly so. [i]Master Yoda[/i]. Yoda carefully bypassed their connection, sending healing energies directly into Padmé's system. Within minutes she was breathing easier and Yoda's energy pulled away.
Anakin pulled back at the same time, feeling the difference in her body immediately. He opened his eyes, to find her looking up at him. She smiled then winced as she attempted to move. "I'm fine," she croaked, her voice rough and scratchy.
"Shhh." Anakin gently brushed her hair back from her face, kissing her gently on the forehead. "Don't talk, Angel. You'll hurt yourself more." He looked up to find Master Yoda, but the diminutive Jedi was already stepping towards the cottage, leaving the two young lovers alone. He looked down again, gently lifting her in his arms. She didn't move, simply allowed him to lift her and carry her back inside. Her eyes closed as she listened to his heartbeat. Carré was gone once again, but she'd be back. The thought wasn't comforting, but as long as she was in Anakin's arms, she was safe. And, despite the pain running along her nerves, she smiled.
Padmé winced as Anakin gently laid her down on the bed in his room. *Anakin?*
"Can I get you something, Angel?"
She smiled, *No. But could you remove the pillow? My neck aches when it's at this angle.*
He quickly obliged, removing his cloak and bundling it up before pulling the high pillow from under her head. His cloak replaced it, allowing her head to rest almost level with her body and she breathed a sigh of relief. "Is that better?"
*Much.*
He smiled, sitting next to her and gently brushing her hair up and away from her face. His eyes wandered over her face, "You are so beautiful," he whispered softly.
She smiled for him, reaching up to grasp his hand and twined her fingers with his. *Flatterer. I look terrible.*
He shook his head, lifting her hand to his cheek and running the backs of her fingers over the side of his face. "No, you're beautiful. You've never been more beautiful than now. I love you so much, Padmé, I never want to see you hurt."
She searched his eyes, feeling the sincerity in his words and thoughts before tugging gently on his hand. *Come here.*
He bent closer and her hand curled around the back of his neck, encountering the small ponytail and sliding her fingers under the band. With deft fingers, she snapped it, tossing it aside before running her fingers through the unusually long strands. It was silky, smooth, and tickled the back of her hand. She lifted their joined hands and gently wrapped one finger around his padawan braid as she rubbed the braid across the back of his cheek. *I love you, Anakin. It's because of you that I'm safe. Never feel bad, never feel guilty, you've saved me from so many things, including the prospect of a lonely life. I love you, Jedi, and never believe anything else.*
He swallowed hard, humbled by her feelings. "I know. Did Master Yoda tell you?"
She arched an eyebrow and he smiled a tender smile, caressing her cheek again. "I've been granted my Knighthood. When you're feeling better, we can be married."
Her eyes widened, her smiled dazzling. *He knighted you then? He doesn't need the approval of the council?*
Anakin shook his head as her fingers combed through his hair, massaging his scalp. "I think their decision was made before he showed up." Anakin admitted, "But he was certainly curious as to what reaction I've been having to your attempts. Did he let you off the hook?"
She nodded slightly, wincing as the movement tugged on her neck. Anakin slid his hand into the curve of throat where it met her jaw and gently ran his thumb along her jaw line. "I'm glad. You almost had me before he walked in. Does this mean I get my inhibited ex-Queen back?"
She laughed, grimacing as she choked it off in pain. *Inhibited? Is that how you saw me?*
He could tell she was amused by the description and blushed slightly as he gently ran his thumb along the column of her throat, soothing her injury with a Force touch. "Sorry, I... I just wasn't expecting you to do any of the things you've tried in the last couple of weeks. They're not something I associate with my loveable Padmé."
She grinned, winking at him even though her own cheeks were beginning to color. *It's just a side of me you've never seen. But never, ever, could I have been that way with anybody but you.*
He leaned down, tilting his head and gently settling his lips onto hers. She sighed, her fingers tightening on his head and hair as she tried to bring him closer. He resisted, keeping the pressure gentle and she made a soft sound of protest as he pulled back, placing a kiss on the side of her mouth. His hand on the base of her skull prevented her from moving as he placed another kiss on the other side of her mouth. "Is it too much to ask," he said softly, placing a kiss on the tip of her nose, "that you don't try to tempt me again until after we're married?"
She grinned. *It's a deal. But only if you kiss me properly.*
"I don't want to hurt you."
She tugged on his head, a smile curving her lips. *You never could.*
He smiled back before his mouth settled onto hers again, applying enough pressure that her lips opened and allowed him to deepen the kiss. She sighed softly, her mouth moving under his as he lowered himself carefully so that she could feel the barest hint of his weight. Anakin took his time, relishing the sudden reluctance in her touch and kiss. She seemed to have changed somewhat in her manner towards him, almost hesitant to see just how far he'd push her after the last two weeks.
Anakin carefully controlled his responses, using every trick he'd learned since they'd arrived on the island, taking his time in kissing her. Yes, he felt the desire to push for more, but without her hands sliding down his back, trying to get under his shirt or remove his belt, he found the kiss was sweeter. More like he remembered and that, in itself, was intoxicating. He slowly pulled back, but couldn't go far.
She stared up at him and he gently reached to untangle his braid from her hands. He'd be removing it shortly. An idea struck him. "Would you like to do the honor of removing my padawan braid, Angel?"
She blinked, surprised. *Shouldn't Obi-Wan have that honor?*
"You're here. I'd want you to do it even if he was here. A symbol that I'm finally free to be yours."
She smiled, stroking the braid against his cheek again. *Can we wait for our wedding ceremony then? I'll cut it as a part of our vows.*
A smile blossomed on his face and he gently kissed her again. *A wonderful idea, Angel. Simply wonderful.*
Her eyes were closed and she didn't reply as she allowed herself to let go and enjoy the sensation of his mouth on hers. For the first time in two weeks she didn't have to hold back. So she didn't. Anakin took the role she'd been playing and controlled their passion, making sure it didn't spark out of control, though she could feel what it was costing him. When he finally pulled away again, he simply stretched out beside her and curled his body around hers, holding her close.
Padmé closed her eyes and smiled softly. Here was where she belonged.
The Ties That Bind
Padmé stopped at the door to her bedroom. "Can I have two minutes to change, Master Yoda?"
The Jedi nodded and she stepped into her room. Quickly changing into a pair of loose slacks with a billowing shirt, she cinched the belt and slipped her feet into slippers. She didn't have time to arrange her hair and simply buffed it with a towel to get most of the water out. Leaving it loose she stepped from the room. "I'm sorry, I just..."
"Speaking with me in a sheet, appropriate it is not. Jealous you would make Padawan Skywalker."
Padmé looked back to Anakin's closed door. "I don't think so, Master Yoda."
"How feel, do you?"
Padmé sighed. "Terribly guilty, Master Yoda. Anakin has been the epitome of chivalry. He's done nothing except resist me for all my best efforts."
"Physical, they all were?"
Padmé shook her head, "No."
"More to this, there is?"
"Nothing I'm willing to divulge, Master Yoda," her voice held a note of regret. "I'm afraid that it's for Anakin to talk about if he wishes you to know. He's restrained himself remarkably well considering the circumstances."
"Too tempting you are?"
"Obviously not tempting enough," she told him smiling. "He's been pushed to his limits and was still ready to resist me after two weeks of constant flirtation."
"Seduction, you mean."
She blushed, nodding, unable to lie to him. "I tried, but failed. That has to say something about Anakin's willpower."
Yoda nodded thoughtfully. "Hmmm. Agree with you, I do. Wish you to marry him?"
Padmé settled on the top step, leaning back against the wall as she turned the question over in her mind. She did, but was it simply because they were bonded? She smiled. Of course not, Anakin had proven to me more caring and considerate than she'd ever thought possible. "Yes, Master Yoda. I know the order forbids it; I am familiar with your rules, but why would you make an exception?"
"Special, this circumstance is. Apart you two should not be."
"I'm afraid I don't understand."
Yoda looked at her, his gaze serious. "Bonded you are. How felt you when you thought him dead?"
She was silent, thinking back to the day two weeks ago when Anakin had tackled Carré back into the yawning chasm. Back to the day she'd felt him die. A shiver ran through her system. "I wanted to join him." She admitted softly. "I've never felt that kind of emptiness before, that sense of overwhelming aloneness."
"Understand, you do," Yoda stepped forward and placed a hand on her shoulder, a rare gesture for the Jedi Master. "Our choice it is not. Done, your bonding is. Fight that power, we cannot. Marry you shall."
Padmé's smile was slow, beautiful as it spread across her face. "Then Anakin passed his trials?"
"Speak with him I must before my judgment I can pass."
Padmé rose to her feet, "Thank you Master Yoda. I'll be downstairs."
Yoda nodded and turned back towards Anakin's room. It was time to speak with the Padawan.
Anakin looked up as the door opened again, pushing himself to his feet and bowing respectfully when he saw who it was. "Master Yoda. I apologize for the situation in which you found us, I had-"
"Know this I do. Relax, yes?"
Anakin took a deep breath, "Would you like to sit, Master?"
Yoda nodded and Anakin hopped the bed to grab the only chair in the room. He placed it near Yoda and sat on the bed as Yoda made himself comfortable. "Thank you, padawan. How feel you?"
"Frustrated, Master."
Yoda chuckled a little, "Frustrated?"
Anakin nodded, adjusting his lightsaber so it didn't poke him in the hip. "Yes Master. Padmé has been... successful in her mission to draw a response from me."
"Yet, control them you do."
"Yes Master."
"How?"
The side of Anakin's mouth kicked up, though his cheeks pinked a bit. "By knowing that if we wait until we're married and I've passed my trials, it will be all the more rewarding."
"So confident are you in passing your trials?"
"Yes Master. I have to pass them, if I don't Padmé and I will be separated. I can't let that happen."
Yoda nodded, motioning for Anakin to get off the bed as he slid from the chair. Anakin did so, but knelt so that the small Jedi wouldn't have to crane his neck. At Yoda's first words, he was glad he wasn't standing; he would have fallen over in shock. "Confer on you, the council does, the rank of Jedi Knight. Our permission you have to marry the Lady Padmé. A secret you must keep this, Jedi Skywalker," Yoda warned, facing him completely. "Know of your marriage, others may not."
"Yes Master. Thank you Master."
Yoda nodded and turned to leave.
"Master Yoda?"
He stopped, looking back at the new Jedi Knight. "A question you have?"
Anakin nodded, standing as he arranged his robes. "What happened with Carré?"
"Speak with Lady Padmé we must. Come."
Anakin nodded, and followed the Jedi Master from the room. Pride swelled within him. He'd done it. He'd been knighted for his own strengths. Elated, he couldn't wait to tell Padmé. Yet, when they arrived downstairs, Anakin frowned as a sudden, terrible shaking began to take hold of him. [i]Padmé![/i] his mind screamed, searching for hers. Nothing; not even a flutter of sensation. Ice ran through his veins. No, this couldn't be happening, not again. "Padmé!" he yelled, heading quickly for the patio as he left Yoda behind. He stepped into the warm afternoon sunshine and listened. Nothing. Terror crept into his heart, fueling the powers that he needed to search for her.
The Force began to flow through him, enhancing his senses, and he fought to keep it pure, untainted by his fear. He wanted to do this right, yet it didn't matter what he wanted if he couldn't have Padmé. "PADME!" he screamed, looking across the waters for the sign of a boat. Nothing again. No. She couldn't be dead; he wouldn't allow himself to think that she was.
The hum of a lightsaber igniting brought him around in a low crouch. Carré, her hand replaced with a mechanical prosthetic, stood before him. She was soaked, her black bodysuit sticking to her body from her swim. In her mechanical hand she held Padmé, the fingers wrapped tightly around her throat. Padmé uttered not a word, though her hands were prying at the strong fingers as she fought to breathe. "Looking for this, Skywalker?"
Anakin's eyes narrowed as rage boiled through him. "Let her go, Carré!"
Carré smiled an evil looking smile. "And waste my last chance to fulfill my Master's wishes? I don't think so."
Anakin's hand stayed well away from his lightsaber, though he had a sinking sensation he'd have to resort to it. "How did you find us?"
"You can thank your Master Yoda for leading me here," she taunted. "He led me straight to you."
Anakin's hands clenched and unclenched. "Let her go, take my life in her place." He saw Padmé's eyes widen, saw her try to frantically shaker her head. She squeaked, a shill sound of denial clear even through the high tone.
"It would seem your bride-to-be will have none of that. I'm glad, I've been so looking forward to eliminating her."
The mechanical hand squeezed fractionally tighter and Padmé's struggles slowly began to fade.
Anakin sprang at Carré, his lightsaber leaping to his hand as he ignited it. He landed behind her, forcing her to drop the unconscious Padmé and take up her lightsaber. Their blades clashed forcefully, Carré being forced back a few steps by the power in Anakin's blow. Her eyes widened. She could sense a determination she'd not felt in him before. It didn't matter; she wasn't allowed to kill him anyway. Simply do her best to give the image of wanting to kill him, before fleeing. That she could do. She just didn't want to lose another limb in the process.
They traded blows, moving away from Padmé's still form, Anakin's strikes coming harder and faster as Carré retreated from him. Their lighsabers blurred together, a dance of streaming light in the sunshine. The tapping of Yoda's gimmer stick on the ground could be heard as the Jedi Master approached. Anakin, his mind focused solely on Carré, barely registered it. He struck again, high and then low, forcing her to jump and spin away. As she landed he kicked out, barely retracting his leg as her blade swept down. His eyes narrowed. She was more powerful than the last time he'd fought her, more alert.
"Is that all you've got Skywalker? The same bag of tricks?"
"You won't escape, Carré!"
"Oh no?" she stretched out her human hand and blue bolts of force lightning shot out across the yard into Padmé's still form. She screamed as she jerked awake, writhing in agony as the deadly energy slid though her nervous system. Anakin screamed in denial, jumping into the path and blocking the lethal discharge with his lightsaber. His hand spasmed as he miscalculated and he received a jolt of power up his arm. He grimaced, concentrating as he focused on absorbing the energy, in turning it into a source he could use to fuel his fighting. Slowly, the spasm stopped and he clenched his hand tighter around the hilt of his saber. His eyes narrowed, flashing dangerously as he felt the energy building up inside him, demanding to be released.
Carré recoiled as she read murder in Anakin's eyes. Padmé was whimpering somewhere behind him, her body curled into a fetal position of protection, yet it was the power she could feel emanating from Skywalker that gave her pause. He hadn't been slowed by his contact with the force lightning. She'd seen him look that way before, only now there was a power that sizzled the air around him. She wondered if she'd finally pushed him too far. Carré didn't want to die.
"It ends here, Carré," Anakin told her, his voice soft with menace. "You will never harm Padmé again."
She stepped back, backing towards the rail and the relative safety of the lake. "If you can catch me, Skywalker, I'd like to see you try."
His lightsaber came back, twirling once about his head as he brought it into an attack position. "There is no try; you're already dead." With no further warning, he launched his attack, swiping quickly at her midriff before his lightsaber came back quickly and shifted the angle of his attack, slashing at her head.
She blocked both blows, staggering under the power, and braced herself on the rail as she felt it dig into her spine. Her lightsaber working frantically in front of her, Carré opened herself completely to the Force... and the full strength of her Master's power. Raw power surged through her, popping blood vessels in her eyes and face as she lunged into a whirling counterattack.
Anakin was pushed back, the power of her sudden assault putting him back on his heels as his hands became a blur of movement. Their lightsabers clashed together one long, continuous sound as Carré worked herself off the rail and began to circle Anakin. She slashed at him, towards his knees, reversing the direction as he moved to block and slammed the hilt into his face.
He stumbled back, lifting his saber to catch the blow he thought was to follow, but nothing happened. Carré took the opportunity and ran at the rail, jumping and Force propelling herself far out over the water. She entered with a clean dive and began to swim away. Within second she was a tiny spec on the horizon.
Anakin pushed himself to his feet, deactivating his lightsaber and looking across the water. Carré had disappeared again. He turned back, his gaze falling on where Padmé was slowly beginning to push herself up on shaky arms. He was beside her in an instant, kneeling as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Padmé?"
She lifted her head, the lingering pain reflected in her eyes. He could [i]feel[/i] the anxiety she was feeling and his body began to shake again. He could feel her, hear her thoughts. He swallowed hard. "I'm sorry."
She shook her head, her throat sporting a vivid purple bruise. *It's not your fault.* even her mental tone was pained as she spoke to him in his mind. *Carré was too strong. I couldn't fight her.*
He pulled her close, curling around her as he gently checked her over for other injuries. Her body was still spasming from the effects of the Force lightning, but she seemed to be fine otherwise. Her neck was bruised, sore from the tight mechanical grip against her esophagus, and he doubted she'd be doing much talking in the next few days, but she was alive. That was all that mattered.
"Safe you are?"
Anakin looked up, meeting Yoda's gaze. "Yes Master. Carré said she followed you here. Is that possible?"
"Possible it is."
Anakin nodded, his gaze going back to Padmé. Her eyes had closed and her head was resting heavily on his shoulder. Her breathing was slightly erratic, causing him to frown. Had he missed damage to her lungs? Reaching out with the Force, he sent his senses into her system. Her nerves had only been briefly exposed to the lethal lightning, but without having the ability to absorb the energy it had spread into her vitals. Her lungs were damaged, singed, a problem he could fix but it would take time. A second presence touched his, one that was powerful, yet deceivingly so. [i]Master Yoda[/i]. Yoda carefully bypassed their connection, sending healing energies directly into Padmé's system. Within minutes she was breathing easier and Yoda's energy pulled away.
Anakin pulled back at the same time, feeling the difference in her body immediately. He opened his eyes, to find her looking up at him. She smiled then winced as she attempted to move. "I'm fine," she croaked, her voice rough and scratchy.
"Shhh." Anakin gently brushed her hair back from her face, kissing her gently on the forehead. "Don't talk, Angel. You'll hurt yourself more." He looked up to find Master Yoda, but the diminutive Jedi was already stepping towards the cottage, leaving the two young lovers alone. He looked down again, gently lifting her in his arms. She didn't move, simply allowed him to lift her and carry her back inside. Her eyes closed as she listened to his heartbeat. Carré was gone once again, but she'd be back. The thought wasn't comforting, but as long as she was in Anakin's arms, she was safe. And, despite the pain running along her nerves, she smiled.
Padmé winced as Anakin gently laid her down on the bed in his room. *Anakin?*
"Can I get you something, Angel?"
She smiled, *No. But could you remove the pillow? My neck aches when it's at this angle.*
He quickly obliged, removing his cloak and bundling it up before pulling the high pillow from under her head. His cloak replaced it, allowing her head to rest almost level with her body and she breathed a sigh of relief. "Is that better?"
*Much.*
He smiled, sitting next to her and gently brushing her hair up and away from her face. His eyes wandered over her face, "You are so beautiful," he whispered softly.
She smiled for him, reaching up to grasp his hand and twined her fingers with his. *Flatterer. I look terrible.*
He shook his head, lifting her hand to his cheek and running the backs of her fingers over the side of his face. "No, you're beautiful. You've never been more beautiful than now. I love you so much, Padmé, I never want to see you hurt."
She searched his eyes, feeling the sincerity in his words and thoughts before tugging gently on his hand. *Come here.*
He bent closer and her hand curled around the back of his neck, encountering the small ponytail and sliding her fingers under the band. With deft fingers, she snapped it, tossing it aside before running her fingers through the unusually long strands. It was silky, smooth, and tickled the back of her hand. She lifted their joined hands and gently wrapped one finger around his padawan braid as she rubbed the braid across the back of his cheek. *I love you, Anakin. It's because of you that I'm safe. Never feel bad, never feel guilty, you've saved me from so many things, including the prospect of a lonely life. I love you, Jedi, and never believe anything else.*
He swallowed hard, humbled by her feelings. "I know. Did Master Yoda tell you?"
She arched an eyebrow and he smiled a tender smile, caressing her cheek again. "I've been granted my Knighthood. When you're feeling better, we can be married."
Her eyes widened, her smiled dazzling. *He knighted you then? He doesn't need the approval of the council?*
Anakin shook his head as her fingers combed through his hair, massaging his scalp. "I think their decision was made before he showed up." Anakin admitted, "But he was certainly curious as to what reaction I've been having to your attempts. Did he let you off the hook?"
She nodded slightly, wincing as the movement tugged on her neck. Anakin slid his hand into the curve of throat where it met her jaw and gently ran his thumb along her jaw line. "I'm glad. You almost had me before he walked in. Does this mean I get my inhibited ex-Queen back?"
She laughed, grimacing as she choked it off in pain. *Inhibited? Is that how you saw me?*
He could tell she was amused by the description and blushed slightly as he gently ran his thumb along the column of her throat, soothing her injury with a Force touch. "Sorry, I... I just wasn't expecting you to do any of the things you've tried in the last couple of weeks. They're not something I associate with my loveable Padmé."
She grinned, winking at him even though her own cheeks were beginning to color. *It's just a side of me you've never seen. But never, ever, could I have been that way with anybody but you.*
He leaned down, tilting his head and gently settling his lips onto hers. She sighed, her fingers tightening on his head and hair as she tried to bring him closer. He resisted, keeping the pressure gentle and she made a soft sound of protest as he pulled back, placing a kiss on the side of her mouth. His hand on the base of her skull prevented her from moving as he placed another kiss on the other side of her mouth. "Is it too much to ask," he said softly, placing a kiss on the tip of her nose, "that you don't try to tempt me again until after we're married?"
She grinned. *It's a deal. But only if you kiss me properly.*
"I don't want to hurt you."
She tugged on his head, a smile curving her lips. *You never could.*
He smiled back before his mouth settled onto hers again, applying enough pressure that her lips opened and allowed him to deepen the kiss. She sighed softly, her mouth moving under his as he lowered himself carefully so that she could feel the barest hint of his weight. Anakin took his time, relishing the sudden reluctance in her touch and kiss. She seemed to have changed somewhat in her manner towards him, almost hesitant to see just how far he'd push her after the last two weeks.
Anakin carefully controlled his responses, using every trick he'd learned since they'd arrived on the island, taking his time in kissing her. Yes, he felt the desire to push for more, but without her hands sliding down his back, trying to get under his shirt or remove his belt, he found the kiss was sweeter. More like he remembered and that, in itself, was intoxicating. He slowly pulled back, but couldn't go far.
She stared up at him and he gently reached to untangle his braid from her hands. He'd be removing it shortly. An idea struck him. "Would you like to do the honor of removing my padawan braid, Angel?"
She blinked, surprised. *Shouldn't Obi-Wan have that honor?*
"You're here. I'd want you to do it even if he was here. A symbol that I'm finally free to be yours."
She smiled, stroking the braid against his cheek again. *Can we wait for our wedding ceremony then? I'll cut it as a part of our vows.*
A smile blossomed on his face and he gently kissed her again. *A wonderful idea, Angel. Simply wonderful.*
Her eyes were closed and she didn't reply as she allowed herself to let go and enjoy the sensation of his mouth on hers. For the first time in two weeks she didn't have to hold back. So she didn't. Anakin took the role she'd been playing and controlled their passion, making sure it didn't spark out of control, though she could feel what it was costing him. When he finally pulled away again, he simply stretched out beside her and curled his body around hers, holding her close.
Padmé closed her eyes and smiled softly. Here was where she belonged.