"Milady," a metallic voice sounded in her ear.

Shooting straight up in bed, Padme's eyes flew open. To her right, a thin droid waited patiently, holding a measuring device. Padme was relieved to see that Anakin's side of the bed was empty. He was most likely in the meditation room, completing his morning exercises.

Padme realized the droid was waiting for a response. "Yes?" she mumbled.

"I am here to take measurements for your costume," the droid explained mechanically.

"Oh," Padme responded, yawning. "Very well." She slowly crawled out of bed, gritting her teeth as her sore feet hit the floor.

Moments later, the droid was finished and headed out the door, looking for Anakin. With a wistful backward glance at the bed, Padme headed for the shower.

STUDIO 5, ONE HOUR LATER

"Hello, Threepio," Padme called, as she entered the studio.

"Good morning, Mistress Liri," he responded, inclining his head. "Where is Master Kaide?"

"He will be along momentarily," she said, sitting on the floor. Slowly, she began the torturous process of stretching her sore muscles, trying to work out some of the ache.

Minutes later, Anakin strode into the studio looking embarrassed.

"Pad-, Liri," he began. "Where are my boots? All I could find were these things." He gestured to his feet, which were encased in some dark, soft skinned slippers that laced up the side.

"Until we memorize the rest of this routine, your boots do not exist," she retorted. He frowned but it was quickly replaced by a look of chagrin. "You should consider yourself lucky," she continued, gesturing to her own pointy toed shoes. Anakin couldn't help but laugh.

Taking their place in the middle of the dance floor, they were in each other arms as Threepio started the music.

FIVE HOURS LATER

"Now it is time to learn the art of The Bend," Threepio called. Anakin and Padme set aside the remainder of their lunch and walked over to the cushioned surface the droid was standing on.

"Master Kaide, if you would just stand here... Now, Mistress Liri, please face him," Threepio instructed, as they turned to each other. "Mistress, please angle yourself just a bit... Yes, that's the way."

Listening intently to Threepio's instructions, Anakin smiled as he saw Padme gently recline over his arm. Her moves were precise yet graceful. At least this move was something he could master on the first try. Entrenched in his own thoughts, Anakin never saw the R-2 unit roll into the studio.

"Feerooooo!" the small droid whistled happily, seeing his owners. Startled, Anakin spun around, his hands automatically going for his hidden light saber. The sudden movement sent Padme sprawling to the ground.

"Oh dear," Threepio fretted. "Now look at what you've done, Artoo!"

Gingerly, Padme sat up, glaring at Anakin. "No, no Artoo, it wasn't your fault. My partner should have been a bit more careful with his hold on me."

Apologizing profusely, Anakin kneeled down to help her up. She took his hand and stood, brushing herself off as the small droid made its way towards them.

Extending a silver tray towards him, Artoo gave Anakin a small piece of parchment. Opening it, Anakin read the message, his face growing pale.

"What is it?" Padme asked, looking frightened.

"They've completed the draw. We're going to be the first team to compete," he replied.

Artoo seemed to digest that for a moment before whistling a few more times and heading back out of the room.

"It seems Master Kenobi has arranged for R-2 to work as a messenger here at the School," Threepio translated. "He will be nearby in case of any danger. Oh my, what danger!"

"Don't worry Threepio," Padme said reassuringly. "We are safe here."

Unbeknownst to the group, a small spy droid hovered silently outside the window before streaking away.