Chapter 5

Obi-Wan turned to Padmé as tears started to silently spill down her cheeks. She made no noise, but simply stood there, staring at the door where Anakin had left.

"Padmé", Obi-Wan said helplessly. "I'm sorry."

He did not know what she would have said if the chiming of the holocommunicator had not suddenly interrupted. Still silent, she brushed the tears from her face and strolled over to the dias. "Chancellor Palpatine," she greeted the image that appeared in front of her. "I am glad that you received my message about the peace proposal."

The Supreme Chancellor smiled evenly at her. "Yes, Senator Amidala, it was an interesting proposal and one that I will have to reflect on for a bit longer. Perhaps we could schedule an appointment to discuss it? I'd much rather discuss it in person."

Padmé nodded. "That would be fine, Chancellor." She turned back towards Obi-Wan for a moment, noticing that he was still standing there calmly. "When is best for you?"

The Chancellor had noticed her gaze off to the side. "Am I interrupting something, madam? I didn't realize you had company."

"No sir," she smiled thinly at him. "Master Kenobi only stopped by for a moment."

Obi-Wan wondered if that was a hint to leave.

"Ah! Master Kenobi!" the Chancellor exclaimed. "Is Anakin with him?"

"No, Chancellor, I'm sorry to say that he's not."

"Well, I will have to catch up with the two of them at a later date. I'm afraid I wasn't able to thank them properly for my rescue aboard Count Dooku's ship." He gave her a great, wide smile.

"Oh, I'm sure they know, Chancellor," Padmé replied. "I'm sure Master Kenobi will let Anakin know you were thinking of him."

"Of course," he said graciously. "In any event, if you contact my assistant she will be able to give you a list of times when I'm available. I'm sure that you and Senator Organa will be able to find a time that is convenient for you."

Padmé nodded. "Good evening, Chancellor Palpatine."

The transmission cut out, and Padmé's head dropped forward slightly. Obi-Wan noticed now that her makeup had smudged, there were dark lines underneath her eyes. He wondered if it was a lack of sleep from the baby, or from Anakin.

She finally turned toward Obi-Wan, collecting herself. "Obi-Wan," she said. "I'm afraid for him."

Obi-Wan sighed for what seemed like the millionth time that night. "I am too."

Padmé moved to the nearest chair and sat down, looking exhausted. "I'm worried about you as well, Padmé," Obi-Wan commented. "How are you handling this?"

She looked into her hands. "It's been hard. I've had to sit here while my husband tears around the Outer Rim, fighting who knows what…"

"Husband?" Obi-Wan asked. He knew he should not interrupt, but he had had a few too many surprises today.

The hands twisted around even more. "We were married on Naboo, shortly after Geonosis."

Three years? They had managed to hide this from him for three years? Was he absolutely blind?

But over those past three years, he had noticed a change in Anakin. He had become more at peace with his anger. His arrogance had turned into confidence. But in turn, Anakin's fear had grown immensely. Now, fear controlled Anakin's emotions, his actions, and his life. Suddenly, a lot of things were beginning to make sense to Obi-Wan.

"Please help us, Obi-Wan," she begged softly. "I know that the Order needs him more than ever right now. I tried to stop what was happening, but I couldn't hold it in anymore. I couldn't pretend that I didn't love him."

She stopped, staring at something that wasn't there. "I've never been more afraid in my life, but I've never been happier, either."

Obi-Wan hated to interrupt her, but he needed to find Anakin before he did something… well, stupid. "Padmé, do you know where he might have gone?"

She paused for a moment before speaking. "I hope he did not go see the Chancellor. He trusts Palpatine for some reason, but I'm becoming more aware that he manipulates Anakin." She exhaled loudly. "I know that's treason for me to speak like that. Please don't repeat that to anyone."

"No, Padmé, you're right." Obi-Wan knew now that he could trust her. "The Jedi Council has noticed the same things that you have. He's stayed in power for far too long."

Padmé nodded. "I think you had better go after him."

Obi-Wan turned to leave, but her soft voice stopped him. "We really do need your help, Obi-Wan."

He stopped just outside the door. He knew he was about to dig himself in a hole that he would never get out of. "I will help you, Padmé," he promised. "And we'll help Anakin too."