Part 15
"It is the law to be dressed expensively?" asked Obi-Wan incredulously.
"It appears so," said Qui-Gon.
"Yeah, look around, everyone is dressed nicely, even the servants," pointed out Kirana.
Obi-Wan walked beside Kirana, a slight frown on his face.
"What's wrong with you?" asked Kirana.
"Prince Xaviour. I saw the way he looked at you," he said. Then he added, "And the way you looked at him."
Kirana smiled, now understanding. "I just can't believe it, the one Obi-Wan Kenobi, jealous!" she laughed.
"Don't be absurd. A Jedi does not have jealous feelings," said Obi-Wan firmly.
But Kirana rolled her eyes. "Stop being so noble for a minute and look at me."
He stared at her. "Obi-Wan, you're only human. Those are natural feelings to have but in this case, I don't see why you should have them at all. Prince Xaviour was only being polite, and besides, you know how much I care for you." She reached up and stroke his face gently.
Obi-Wan's face softened and gave her a sheepish smile. "Well, I am sorry, Ki, but admit it, you did find him attractive. I could see it in your eyes."
Kirana shrugged her shoulders. "So what if I did? That doesn't mean anything. I look for personality, how they are on the inside, that's what counts. That's why... I like you so much. You have such a sweet personality...," her voice trailed off as she realized this was the first time she had really told him what she thought of him.
Obi-Wan looked into the eyes of the girl he loved. She was pouring her heart out to him, and he was acting silly with his jealousy. Feeling ashamed, he looked away slightly.
They heard laughter behind them and they both turned around. Qui-Gon and Shmi were apparently sharing an inside joke and their bodies were shaking with laughter.
"I've never seen my Master quite so cheerful," said Obi-Wan.
Kirana agreed with him. "You're right, look at them. They're so happy together."
"Excuse me, Miss H'lat Ri and Miss Skywalker, but you will follow Suiy and I to your chambers. They will follow Rijf and Liju to their separate men's chambers," spoke the servant girl.
"All right," said Qui-Gon.
"Kirana, I'll meet you in your chambers when I'm dressed, okay?" said Obi- Wan.
Kirana nodded and Obi-Wan kissed her on her cheek before they parted.
As Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan made their separate way to their chambers, Shmi and Kirana followed the other servant girls.
Shmi smiled at Kirana. "You really admire that young man, don't you?" she asked.
Kirana blushed slightly. "Yes, I really love Obi-Wan. I've never met anyone like him. But what about you? You seem to really like Master Jinn," said Kirana, grinning.
This time, it was Shmi's turn to blush. "What do you mean? If you mean what I think of him, Qui-Gon is a wonderful man, I am so grateful he saved Anakin's life and... mine." Kirana laughed at Shmi's expression. She admired the older women. She was a strong women, with a caring nature.
They finally reached their chambers. Suiy took Shmi to her chamber and the other servant led Kirana. When she stepped inside, she gasped. The room was beautifully decorated with soft carpeting, which her feet sank in. The room had a large, soft bed and a large dresser full of expensive clothing. The bathroom was spacious and included a spa. The prince had been right. Everything she could possibly want was in her room.
"My name is Heti and I will serve you in any way you need me. Everything you need is here, and if you do need my assistance just press that button on the wall by the desk and I will come to you." She smiled. "You are very beautiful," she said shyly.
"Oh, thank you," replied Kirana. She looked at the girl and saw that she was no older than 14 standard years. Kirana thought she was pretty, with her dark brown eyes and her long, straight brown hair with gold streaks. She wore a simple yet elegant dark green hooded robe.
"This place, it's so wonderful," said Kirana.
"Yes, it is," replied Heti.
"You look very young. How long have you been here?" asked Kirana as she sat on the edge of her bed.
"I am 13, but will turn 14 in the next month. I have lived here all my life. Are you really a Jedi?" she asked.
Kirana nodded. "Actually, I'm an apprentice, not a full Jedi Knight yet. My Master was unable to come."
"Where are you from?" asked Heti curiously.
"I'm from Coruscant. I live in the Jedi Temple, that's where I train," replied Kirana proudly.
"Wow, Coruscant? I heard it's just one big city, am I right?"
"Yes, that's exactly it. Do you have any family, Heti?" asked Kirana.
She shook her head sadly. "No...I don't. I'm the only one, but I have a lot of friends, and they are like my family. How about you?"
"I understand how you feel. I don't remember my family much, I was taken when I was only a few months old by the Jedi Council. Now, they are my family." Kirana looked around her room. "Let me ask you something, why is it the law to be dressed so formally all the time?"
"You see, we consider beauty one of the most important things in life. We think that you should always be dressed your best. It's always been like that," said Heti.
Kirana grinned. "All this is really nice, but all I need is a nice clean pair of tunics and my robe and I'm all set! I don't care about getting anyone's attention."
Heti laughed, her tone melodious. "Well, it's too late for that. His Highness seems to already have taken notice of you."
"Really?" asked Kirana, even though she knew the girl's words were true.
"Oh yes, he seems to like you very much. Do you like him?" she asked.
Kirana stared at her in surprise. "Of course not! I have to admit he is very handsome but that's it, I hardly know him. But anyway, it wouldn't matter because I'm not here for that," she smiled, thinking of Obi-Wan. Heti smiled knowingly. "Oh, you care for that young Jedi who came with you. What is his name? I think he is rather handsome," she added shyly.
Kirana smiled. "His name is Obi-Wan and I agree with you."
Then Heti frowned slightly. "You'd better keep him away from Her Highness."
Kirana looked puzzled. "Her Highness? What do you mean?"
Heti nodded. "Princess Kiva. If she ends up liking him, she'll do in anything in her power to keep him. She's 16 standard years."
Kirana had to laugh. "A sixteen year old princess is that bad?"
"She is horrible, one of the most arrogant people in the universe! She is worse than the prince himself," said Heti.
"Well, we'll just see about that. I'm not scared of a little princess." Kirana laughed once again.
"I think you should be getting ready now, dinner will be served soon. Do need any help?" asked Heti.
"Uh, no, thank you. I'll manage on my own," replied Kirana.
Heti nodded and left the room, leaving Kirana alone.
"Ah...much better," said Obi-Wan as he stepped out of the shower. Wrapped in a towel, he walked towards the dresser, where he looked for something to wear. Oddly, there was nothing there. Puzzled, he stood thinking when he heard a soft knock at the door. The door opened and there stood a servant girl, holding a pair of clothes. Her face flushed red as she saw Obi-Wan.
"I'mI'm so sorry Sir, to interrupt you. But here are your clothes for tonight," she stammered.
Obi-Wan smiled politely. "It's okay, thank you." She put the clothes on the dresser and quickly left the room.
He stared at the clothes she had left him. He picked them up. They were very elegant and sophisticated. He had never worn anything so fancy. He smiled. A nice clean tunic and his robe was all he needed, he was simple and didn't need all this.
What a mess they had gotten themselves in. First of all, what should have been a simple journey to Tatooine to rescue Shmi turned into a battle with a tatooed monster, then they found themselves attacked mercilessly by pirates, and finally landed in this strange planet with a conniving prince. He frowned. He didn't like the Prince at all. He also didn't like the way he had stared at Kirana. She had told him that Prince Xaviour was harmless, but how could she be so sure?That man isn't trustworthy, that's for sure. Obi-Wan didn't realize why it bothered him so much. It was unlike him to feel this way.
"You don't trust him," said Qui-Gon as he stood behind Obi-Wan, already dressed.
Obi-Wan turned around in surprise. He had been so busy thinking, that he hadn't realized his Master had entered the room.
"No, I don't. There's just something about him...," started Obi-Wan.
Qui-Gon shook his head. "Do not set your anxiety on him, it is not worth it. Keep your concentration focused where it should be."
"Yes, Master," said Obi-Wan.
Finally, Qui-Gon broke into a smile. "You look very nice, Obi-wan."
"Thank you Master, and so do you. I've never seen you so dressed up before," said Obi-Wan.
Qui-Gon laughed. "I know, padawan. It's a change for me. Well, I think we are ready to go. I wonder if Shmi is already dressed?" asked Qui-Gon, more to himself than anyone.
Obi-Wan looked at his Master's twinkling eyes.He looks rather eager to see Shmi. He smiled to himself. When Obi-Wan didn't answer, Qui-Gon looked at him, noticing the look of amusement on his padawan's face.
Obi-wan grinned. "You are eager to see Shmi, aren't you?"
Qui-Gon felt his face flush. "No, what are you talking about?"
Obi-Wan looked him straight in the eye. "Come on Master, must you hide it from me?"
Qui-Gon looked away. "Hide? I'm not hiding anything," he insisted.
Now Obi-Wan had to laugh. He raised his eyebrows. "You like her, don't you?"
But Qui-Gon shook his head slightly. "Shmi is a marvelous person. She is warm and kind, as well as... beautiful."
Obi-Wan couldn't believe his ears. His Master, whom he had known so long, was in love! What would the council say? But from observing the expression on his mentor's face, he could tell it was not the best time to say so. He just smiled and reached for his lightsaber. He clipped it on his trousers just out of view from the outside of his suit, but within easy reach, just in case anything happened. v"Ready?" called out Qui-Gon who was already at the door.
Obi-Wan nodded as they both left the room.
"Hmm... not bad," said Kirana as she looked at herself in the mirror.
As soon as Heti had left, she had gone straight to bathe and then picked a dress to wear. She wasn't used to wearing dresses, in fact, she rarely wore them at all. She heard a knock at her door and she walked across the room to open it.
Obi-Wan stood there. "Well Kirana," his words died on his lips when he saw her. She looked absolutely stunning, wearing a long, sleeveless silver dress that looked beautiful with her slim, yet muscular body.
Kirana felt her face heat up when she stared at Obi-Wan. He was dressed in a white suit and white trousers which accentuated his strong, lean frame. She smiled shyly at his stare.
Obi-Wan walked up to her and put his arms around her waist. "You look so beautiful."
"Thanks," she replied as he slowly kissed her on her lips. He smelled wonderful, a spicy musk scent. She traced his jaw line with her finger. "You look so handsome, Obi."
"Thank you," replied Obi-Wan as he playfully nuzzled her neck. Kirana then tried to pull away.
"Come on, we should be going," she said.
Obi-Wan grinned. "All right, my lady," he said as he bowed.
Kirana rolled her eyes and pushed him out the door.
"Shmi, may I come in?" asked Qui-Gon as he stood in front of her chamber.
"Yes," called out Shmi.
Qui-Gon opened the door and he looked at her in surprise. At that moment, she had never seemed more beautiful than she did now. She wore a long, simple yet elegant dark blue dress.
Shmi gave him a shy smile as she felt butterflies rise in her stomach. Why did her heart jump whenever she was near him? He looked very handsome, wearing a white suit that went perfectly with his tall, strong features.
"You look beautiful, Shmi," said Qui-Gon.
Shmi smiled. "Thank you,"
"Shall we go?" asked Qui-Gon, holding out his arm.
"Yes," and then the both of them left the room together.
Kirana and Obi-Wan entered the dining room, which was quite spacious and lavishly decorated. A large table was already filled with people and the Prince sat at the head of the table. As soon as he saw Kirana, he smiled. He got up and walked towards them.
Smiling, he kissed Kirana's hand. "You look ravishing,"
Kirana blushed and smiled. "Thank you, your Highness."
"Why don't you and your party come this way?" He held Kirana's hand and led her to the empty seats right next to where he sat.
Obi-Wan frowned and followed them. He took a seat across from her and was also next to the Prince. Moments later, Qui-Gon and Shmi entered and joined them. Sitting next to Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon noticed the expression on his padawan's face. In his mind, he said,Obi-Wan, remember what I told you.
Yes, Master, Obi-Wan replied.
Several servants walked around the room, serving trays full of exotic dishes. Kirana felt her mouth water. She had not eaten in many hours.
"So, are all Jedi Knights from Coruscant?" asked Xaviour.
Qui-Gon shook his head. "No, not all, Your Highness. The Jedi Council live on Coruscant in the Jedi Temple. Many apprentices are trained there."
"I see, so you are an apprentice to Qui-Gon?" said Xaviour, looking directly at Kirana.
"No, Master Jinn is not my Master. My Master is on Coruscant and was unable to come. Master Jinn is Obi-Wan's Master," she pointed to Obi-Wan.
"Interesting," said Xaviour as he glanced from Obi-Wan to Kirana. "I have never seen Jedi fight before, that is something I would like to see," he said, looking at them expectantly.
"Well, we often train, maybe you can come and watch, if you'd like," offered Kirana, ignoring the look of annoyance she got from Obi-Wan.
Xaviour smiled. "Splendid! I shall see to it."
"So...why is this planet so isolated from others?" asked Obi-Wan.
Xaviour gave him a charming smile. "Because we feel the need to be away from the other worlds, we do things our own way, live our own lifestyle. We don't need interference from outsiders," he looked directly at Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan knew he was referring to him. He looked at Qui-Gon, but he was in a deep conversation with Shmi. He then smiled.
"Maybe a little interference would be good for you. After all, a little influence never hurts anyone," said Obi-Wan returning his smile. He then felt a slight kick under the table and saw Kirana giving him a scolding look. What? I'm only talking. Obi-Wan shrugged his shoulders.
You're offending His Highness. Kirana stared at him.
If Xaviour was indeed offended, he didn't show it. He instead stood up from the table. "Would you like to dance?" asked Xaviour, holding out his hand to Kirana.
She looked from him to Obi-Wan. She knew Obi-Wan would not like it, but she had to be polite. After all, Xaviour was the prince and she didn't want to do anything that would make him upset. She wanted their stay on Zeriaa to be free from arguments and misunderstandings.
"I would be honored, Your Highness,"
Smiling, Xaviour held Kirana's hand and led her away from the table. He then threw a smug look towards Obi-Wan, saying Too bad, Jedi. I have found your weakness.
