Author's Note: This is actually a sequel to the original story…but for convenience to readers and myself, I decided to proceed on the original story with chapter "12" and so forth.

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CHAPTER TWELVE

"I'll get it!" She flung the words back to Dormé who sat in the middle of the living area floor surrounded by images and samples of fabric, flowers, materials, and wine. Champagne had been quickly marked off the list of items needed for the upcoming wedding!

What Dormé had initially thought was to be a three-month wait, had turned to six, giving them plenty of time to prepare an elaborate Nubian ceremony.Master Kenobi had only postponed his diplomatic mission just long enough to propose to Padmé before he had left . She had been sad to see him go, but her despair was different than before. This time, it was laced with hope and Padmé had been walking on air, anxiously awaiting his return.

The young senator now stood stunned, surprised to see Anakin Skywalker standing in her doorway. With a simple nod, he brushed past her and entered the apartment. Somewhat confused, she darted in front of him and Dormé was quickly on her feet, glaring at him from behind the Padme's shoulder.

"Anakin! What are you doing here?"

"I came to inform you there has been a ...difficulty with Master Kenobi's mission."

Panic seized Padmé. "What sort of difficulty?"

Anakin continued, unblinking. "Apparently, one of the political factions on the planet has taken Master Kenobi hostage and is demanding a liaison from the Council to act as negotiator for their demands. I have been the one chosen to represent the Council."

The cloud that Padmé had previously been walking on quickly turned into a thick mire, a dark abyss that was pulling her helplessly into its void. She found it nearly impossible to speak.

"Why are you telling me this?" She knew it was rare for Jedi to inform those outside of the Order of their business, even if she was a member of the Senate.

"I am aware of the impending nuptials between you and my Master. I thought you should know." He suddenly turned to leave but her firm grasp on his cloak stopped his movement.

"I'm coming with you."

He turned with somewhat of an incredulous look and nearly laughed. "No you're not."

"Yes, I am."

At that moment, Dormé chose to speak up. "Mi'Lady, surely Obi-Wan's apprentice," she intentionally enunciated the word, "can handle this mission by himself. After all, " she met Anakin's piercing gaze. "Anakin is the most powerful Jedi in the Universe…even more powerful than Master Yoda."

The confident stare of the young servant infuriated him, knowing full well what Dormé implied. He had no choice.

"My ship leaves in 30 minutes. Be there on time, or I'm leaving without you."

Twenty-eight minutes later found Padmé loaded onto Anakin's ship. Her brief goodbye to Dormé back at her apartment included a quick explanation to the Chancellor for her abrupt departure. She knew it would not be excused and that she probably risked her political position for her decision, but this was Obi-Wan. She had to help him if she could.

Little did she know, but the Chancellor would not be receiving the intended message. Before the ship pulled away from the docking port, Dormé had hidden herself in its vast storage compartment.