Would you believe I'm already writing the sequel for this one? Just so you know, there will only be 6 stories in this series, and then I can move onto the next story, which I have to admit has already been lightly planned. Thanks for your reviews, keep them coming! WARNING sappy love scene ahead!

Chapter 3

Anakin and Padme got off the transport and started to make their way to the Palace. R2 trundled along behind. "If I grew up here, I don't think I'd ever leave."

"I doubt that." Padme laughed.

"True," Anakin said, "It's just so peaceful, you'd never know there had been a battle here," Anakin said wistfully, "It's the place I'd like to retire, to forget about what I've seen."

"Can Jedi retire?" Padme asked.

"Not really, but I have a feeling something's going to happen, and if I survive, I would like to retire, Jedi become Lost, there have only been 20 so far, but it does happen. If a Jedi gets too old though to do field work, they usually stay in the Temple teaching."

"The first time I saw the Capital, I was very young... I'd never seen a waterfall before. I thought they were so beautiful... I never dreamed one day I'd live in the palace." Padme said.

"Well, tell me, did you dream of power and politics when you were a little girl?" Anakin smiled.

"No!" Padme laughed, "That was the last thing I thought of, but the more history I studied, the more I realized how much good politicians could do. After school, I became a Senatorial advisor with such a passion that, before I knew it, I was elected Queen. For the most part it was because of my conviction that reform was possible. I wasn't the youngest Queen ever elected, but now that I think back on it, I'm not sure I was old enough. I'm not sure I was ready."

"The people you served thought you did a good job. I heard they tried to amend the Constitution so you could stay in office." Anakin said.

"Popular rule is not democracy, Ani. It gives the people what they want, not what they need. And, truthfully, I was relieved when my two terms were up. So were my parents. They worried about me during the blockade and couldn't wait for it all to be over. Actually, I was hoping to have a family by now... My sisters have the most amazing, wonderful kids... But when the Queen asked me to serve as Senator, I couldn't refuse her."

"I agree! I think the Republic needs you... I'm glad you chose to serve. I feel things are going to happen in our generation that will change the galaxy in profound ways." And I'm in the middle, but then, so are you, Anakin silently added.

"I think so too." He knows more than he's letting on Padme thought.

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In the Palace, Queen Jamillia was seated in the thrown, flanked by her handmaidens and advisors. Guards were at the door. Padme walked in, Anakin following closely behind.

"We've been worried about you. I'm so glad you're safe, Padmé." The Queen said, taking her hand.

"Thank you, Your Highness. I only wish I could have served you better by staying on Coruscant for the vote."

"Given the circumstances, Senator, you know it was the only decision Her Highness could have made." Sio Bibble said.

"How many systems have joined Count Dooku and the separatists?" the Queen asked.

"Thousands. And more are leaving the Republic every day. If the Senate votes to create an army, I'm sure it's going to push us into a civil war." Padme replied.

"It's unthinkable! There hasn't been a full scale war since the formation of the Republic!" Sio Bibble argued.

"Do you see any way, through negotiations, to bring the separatists back into the Republic?" the Queen looked worried.

"Not if they feel threatened. The separatists don't have an army, but if they are provoked, they will move to defend themselves. I'm sure of that. And with no time or money to build an army, my guess is they will turn to the Commerce Guilds or the Trade Federation for help." Padme said. Anakin knew a lot on the situation they were discussing having actively tried to negotiate with them, but he remained silent. It was not in his mandate to get politically involved.

"The armies of commerce! Why has nothing been done in the Senate to restrain them?"

"I'm afraid that, despite the Chancellor's best efforts, there are still many bureaucrats, judges, and even Senators on the payrolls of the Guilds." Padme said, Yes, his BEST efforts, Anakin thought, having seen the Chancellor, instead of trying to diminish the corruption, use it for his own means.

"It's outrageous that, after all of those hearings, and four trials in the Supreme Court, Nute Gunray is still the Viceroy of the Trade Federation. I fear the Senate is powerless to resolve this crisis. Do those money mongers control everything?" Sio Bibble asked, Pretty much, Anakin thought.

"Remember, Counsellor, the courts were able to reduce the Federation's armies. That's a move in the right direction." the Queen said.

"There are rumours, Your Highness, that the Trade Federation Army was not reduced as they were ordered." Padme said, Rumours that have been checked out, give the Jedi credit, Padme, they were reduced, and have been secretly built up again. Anakin added.

"We must keep our faith in the Republic. The day we stop believing democracy can work is the day we lose it." the Queen said.

"Let's pray that day never comes." Padme said.

"In the meantime, we must consider your own safety." the Queen said as Sio Bibble signalled the dismissal of the other advisors and attendants.

"What is your suggestion, Master Jedi?" Sio Bibble asked.

"I am not a Master yet," Anakin said, "But any place chosen would have to have fairly isolated."

"I was thinking I would stay in the Lake Country. There are some places up there that are very isolated." Padme said, looking away from Anakin. "Jedi Skywalker will have not trouble seeing people arrive from up there."

"Skywalker?" the Queen asked, "Anakin Skywalker?"

Anakin looked over to the Queen, "Yes?" he asked.

"We were allies of the Zenoma Sekot," the Queen said, "They always spoke of you and Master Kenobi with great respect. We were very grieved to here of their destruction, would you happen to know who was responsible?"

"Unfortunately no, I arrived after it had occurred, and was on a mission, since no one alive, I had to continue my mission. The council sent a Jedi later, there was not much found out about it."

"I am sorry," the Queen said, sympathetically at Anakin's pain, "we all had friends on that planet." Padme looked on in shock, that this boy had witnessed that. No wonder he had grown up so much. The Queen quickly changed the subject. "Padmé, I had an audience with your father yesterday. I told him what was happening. He hopes you will visit your mother before you leave... your family's very worried about you."

"Thank you, your Highness." Padme looked worried as they all exited the room.

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Padme, Anakin and R2 walked down a street in Theed. It looked like any average safe street that Anakin had been to, children playing and the elderly sitting and watching. Anakin was back in his Jedi robes while Padme had changed to a simple dress. She stopped suddenly and pointed, "There's my house!" She rushed forward, Anakin hanging back slightly. "What? Don't say you're shy!"

"No, but I…" Anakin said untruthfully.

Shouts from two little girls interrupted him, they came running towards Padme.

"Ryoo! Pooja!" She cried, hugging each girl in turn. "Go wake up R2." she whispered to the girls as she put them down.

"R2!" they shouted as they hugged the droid. R2 whistled in greeting as Padme laughed at the sight. The two girls stayed and played with R2 as Anakin and Padme carried on toward the house.

They entered to see Sola, Padme's sister come into the main room with a big bowl of food. "They're eating over at Jev Narran's later, Mom. They just had a snack. They'll be fine." she said over her shoulder. As she put the bowl down she saw Anakin, Padme and Ruwee, Padme's father, come in, "Padmé! You're late. Mom was worried." They hugged.

"We walked. Anakin, this is my sister, Sola." Padme gestured to Anakin

"Hello, Anakin."

"Hello." he replied.

Sole sat down with a big bowl of steaming food, "...and this is my mother." padme said.

"You're just in time for dinner. I hope you're hungry, Anakin." Jobal said.

"A little." Anakin replied.

"He's being polite, Mum. We're starving." Padme said.

Ruwee grinned, "You came to the right place at the right time."

Everyone sat down and passed the food. "Honey, it's so good to see you safe. We
were so worried."

Padme gave her mother a dirty look as Ruwee smiled as he watched.

"Dear…" he said, grinning.

"I know, I know... but I had to say it. Now it's done." Jobal said, with a smile as well.

"Well, this is exciting! Do you know, Anakin, you're the first boyfriend my sister's ever brought home?" Sola said, as Anakin suddenly had a chocking fit.

"Sola!" Padme scolded as she rolled her eyes. "He isn't my boyfriend! He's a Jedi assigned by the Senate to protect me."

"A bodyguard!" Jobal said, "Oh, Padme! They didn't tell us it was that serious!"

"It's not, Mom, I promise." Padme glanced at her mother, "Anyway, Anakin's a friend. I've known him for years. Remember that little boy who was with the Jedi during the blockade crisis?" They nodded, "He grew up."

"Honey, when are you going to settle down? Haven't you had enough of that life? I certainly have!"

"Mom, I'm not in any danger."

"Is she?" Ruwee asked Anakin, who so far had said very little.

"Yes ...I'm afraid she is." Anakin said truthfully.

"But not much." Padme said quickly.

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In the garden, Anakin and Ruwee walked, Anakin had expressed an interest in the plants as Master Yoda had taught him a lot about various kinds and past an interest into him. "Sometimes I wish I'd travelled more... but I must say, I'm happy here." Ruwee was saying.

"Padmé tells me you teach at the university?" Anakin asked.

Ruwee nodded, "Yes, and before that, I was a builder. I also worked for the refugee relief movement when I was very young."

--------------------

Padme, Sola and Jobal cleared the table, "Why haven't you told us about him?" Jobal asked.

"What's there to talk about? He's just a boy." Padme said.

"A boy? Have you seen the way he looks at you?" Sola said bluntly.

"Sola - stop it!"

"It's obvious he has feelings for you. Are you saying, little baby sister, that you haven't noticed?"

"I'm not your baby sister, Sola. Anakin and I are friends... our relationship is strictly professional. Mom, would you tell her to stop it?"

Sola laughed, "Well, maybe you haven't noticed the way he looks at you. I think you're afraid to."

"Cut it out." Padme said.

"Sola's just concerned... we all are." Jobal said.

"Oh, Mom, you're impossible. What I'm doing is important."

"You've done your service, Padmé. It's time you had a life of your own. You're missing so much!" she said.

---------------------

Ruwee stopped walking and turned to Anakin, "Now tell me, son. How serious is this thing? How much danger is my daughter really in?"

"There have been two attempts on her life. Chances are there'll be more. Master Obi Wan is tracking down the assassins. I'm sure he'll find out who they are. This situation, won't last long."

"I don't want anything to happen to her."

"I won't let it," Anakin promised.

---------------

In Padme's bedroom, Padme was throwing some clothes into a bag. "Don't worry, this won't take long."

"I just want to get there before dark." Padme continued packing as Anakin looked around the room. "You still live at home?"

"I move around so much, I've never had a place of my own. Official residences have no warmth. I feel good here. I feel at home."

"I never had a real home. Home was always where Obi Wan was." Anakin picked up a hologram, "Is this you?"

The hologram showed Padme surrounded by lots of little green creatures, one was in her arms, they were all beaming. "That was when I went with the relief group to Shadda-Bi-Boran. Their sun was imploding, and the planet was dying. I was helping to relocate the children. See that little one I'm holding? His name was N'a-kee-tula, which means sweetheart. He was so full of life. All those kids were. They were never able to adapt... to live off their native planet."

Anakin nodded, having seen that happen before. He picked up another hologram of Padme at age ten/eleven. She was wearing official robes and was standing between two legislators. She had a severe expression. "My first day as an Apprentice legislator. Notice the difference?" she asked as she pulled a face. Anakin smiled as he put the holograms down side by side.

-------------------------------

Obi Wan landed on the platform on Kamino. He got out of his ship and made his way through the howling wind to the tower on the far side of the platform. The dor slid open to reveal a shaft of white light. Obi Wan went into the corridor. It was long and white. He pushed his rain soaked hood away from his face. Taun We greeted him, "Master Jedi, so good to see you." Obi Wan wiped the rain from his face and blinked in surprise, "The Prime Minister expects you."

Obi Wan looked wary, "I'm expected?"

"Of course! He is anxious to meet you. After all these years, we were beginning to think you weren't coming. Now please, this way!" Obi Wan masked his surprise as they made their way along the corridor. They entered Lama Su's office. Lama Su rose from his chair which was spoon shaped. "May I present Lama Su, Prime Minister of Kamino... and this is Master Jedi…"

"Obi-Wan Kenobi." Lama Su indicated for him to sit in a chair, but he remained standing. Taun We hovered nearby.

"I trust you are going to enjoy your stay." Lama Su began, "We are most happy you have arrived at the best part of the season."

"You make me feel most welcome."

"Please…" Lama Su gestured to a chair, "And now to business. You will be delighted to hear we are on schedule. Two hundred thousand units are ready, with another million well on the way."

"That is... good news." Obi Wan improvised.

"Please tell your Master Sifo-Dyas that we have every confidence his order will be met on time and in full. He is well, I hope."

"I'm sorry? Master - ?"

"Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas. He's still a leading member of the Jedi Council, is he not?"

"Master Sifo-Dyas was killed almost ten years ago."

"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that. But I'm sure he would have been proud of the army we've built for him."

"The army?"

"Yes, a clone army. And, I must say, one of the finest we've ever created."

"Tell me, Prime Minister, when my Master first contacted you about the army, did he say who it was for?" Obi Wan was trying to get some information without looking stupid.

"Of course he did. This army is for the Republic. But you must be anxious to inspect the units for yourself."

"That's why I'm here." Obi Wan said. Obi Wan and Lama Su rose and walked to the door.

---------------------------

Anakin and Padme disembarked from a water speeder at the base of a lodge on an island in the middle of the lake. They walked up the stairs from the water. They stopped at a balustrade, Padme looking out at the shimmering lake and the mountains beyond. "When I was in Level Three, we used to come here for school retreat. See that island? We used to swim there every day. I love the water."

"I do too. I guess it comes from growing up on a desert planet."

"We used to lie on the sand and let the sun dry us and try to guess the names of the birds singing."

"I don't like sand." Anakin frowned, looking away from the view, "It's coarse and rough and irritating, and it gets everywhere. Not like here. Here everything's soft... and smooth…" He looked at Padme intensely, Padme looked shyly up at him from under her lashes and then looked away.

"There was a very old man who lived on the island. He used to make glass out of sand - and vases and necklaces out of the glass. They were magical." she said quietly.

"Everything here is magical." Anakin said, looking straight at her.

"You could look into the glass and see the water. The way it ripples and moves. It looked so real... but it wasn't." she said, looking down his body, and up to his face.

"Sometimes, when you believe something to be real, it becomes real." Anakin looked into her eyes, Padme looked right back, losing herself in those eyes.

"I used to think if you looked too deeply into glass, you would lose yourself." she said unsteadily.

"I think it's true…" Anakin said, leaning his head down and gently kissing her on the lips, Padme didn't resist. It was sweet and warm and sensuously innocent.

Padme broke the kiss, realising what they were doing, "No, I shouldn't have done that."

Anakin looked away, confused at the feelings rushing through him, "I'm sorry. When I'm around you, my mind is no longer my own." He walked away, looking for dangers.

---------------------------------

Obi Wan and Lama Su walked out to a balcony with Tuan We. Below was a parade ground filled with thousands of troops. "Magnificent, aren't they?" Lama Su said proudly. Obi Wan could only nod. They walked through the clone centre and came to a classroom, filled with identical boys learning, "We take great pride in our combat education and training programs. This group was created about five years ago."

"You mentioned growth acceleration…"

"Oh yes, it's essential. Otherwise, a mature clone would take a lifetime to grow. Now, we can do it in half the time. Those items you saw on the parade ground were started ten years ago, when Sifo-Dyas first placed the order, and they're already mature."

They then arrived at a eating area, Taun We following. The clones looked identical, dressed in red and eating at uniform tables. "You'll find they are totally obedient, taking any order without question. We modified their genetic structure to make them less independent than the original host."

"Who was the original host?" Obi Wan asked curiously.

"A bounty hunter called Jango Fett. We felt a Jedi would be the perfect choice, but Sifo-Dyas hand-picked Jango Fett himself."

"Where is this bounty hunter now?"

"Oh, we keep him here." As they walked through the corridor, Lama Su continued, "Apart from his pay, which is considerable, Fett demanded only one thing - an unaltered clone for himself. Curious, isn't it?"

"Unaltered?"

"Pure genetic replication. No tampering with the structure to make it more docile... and no growth acceleration."

"I would very much like to meet this Jango Fett." Obi Wan said, Maybe he's the one who wants to kill the Senator.

"I would be most happy to arrange it, for you." Taun We said as she bowed and left.

------------------------

Padme sat on a blanket in a meadow. After much persuasion from Padme, Anakin had joined her on the blanket. The field was lush and green and at a distance Shaaks were grazing contently.

Padme picked up a flower, they were both in a coy mood, "I don't know…" she said.

"Sure you do... you just don't want to tell me." Anakin smiled, all the while keeping his senses alert.

"Are you going to use one of your Jedi mind tricks on me?"

"They only work on the weak-minded. You are anything but weak-minded."

"All right... I was twelve. His name was Palo. We were both in the Legislative Youth Program. He was a few years older then I... very cute... dark curly hair... dreamy eyes." Padme looked over to see Anakin was delightfully ruffled, obviously slightly jealous.

"All right, I get the picture... whatever happened to him?" Anakin wanted to know if the road was clear for them, but only to be pursued after the assignment. He needed to keep his focus on the now really, but there was nothing around at the moment.

"I went into public service. He went on to become an artist."

"Maybe he was the smart one." Anakin said with a smile.

"You really don't like politicians, do you?"

"I like two or three, but I'm not really sure about one of them." Anakin's flirting with me! Anakin smiled at the joyin that thought that escaped her mind, "I don't think the system works." he said seriously.

"How would you have it work?"

"We need a system where the politicians sit down and discuss the problem, agree what's in the best interests of all the people, and then do it."

"That is exactly what we do. The trouble is that people don't always agree. In fact, they hardly ever do." Padme was showing some waning over the difficulties of being a Senator.

"The place is too corrupt," Anakin said, "You've seen this, the majority of the people do what is in their own best interests, not everyone else's." Anakin looked into the distance, looking thoughtful, "The only problem, is that with that much power any system we put in place will eventually become corrupted."

Padme looked at him, "You really have studied this haven't you?"

"Part of my training, very boring," Anakin said, "My lessons took me o the Senate, a very serious place, even more so in the last few years," Anakin looked slyly at Padme to see if she got the dig.

"You're making fun of me!" She exclaimed.

"Oh no, I'd be much too frightened to tease a Senator." Anakin said sarcastically.

"You're so bad!" Padme picked up a piece of fruit and threw it at him. Anakin, with his quick reflexes, easily caught it, and the next two thrown at him.

"You're always so serious." he said.

"I'm so serious!" she said incredulously.

Anakin smiled and started to juggle the fruit, Padme threw more at him, and he juggled those as well until there were to many and he lost control, dropping them, causing the fruit to fall on his head. They both laughed at the hilarity. Anakin held up his finger with another idea, he went up to a Shaak and waved his hands around until the Shaak got mad and started chasing him. Padme laughed at the sight of a mighty Jedi running from a dumb animal.

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Padme ran over a hill, Anakin riding a Shaak closely following, the only problem was that Anakin was facing his tail. As Anakin attempted to stand on the galloping Shaak, it bucked causing Anakin to fall off. Padme laughed, but Anakin lay still. She quickly ran to Anakin where he lay face down. "Ani, Ani! Are you alright?" she said as she turned him over. He started laughing and she took a swing at him for the worry he caused, he caught her arm and before they knew it they were rolling around in the grass with Padme ending up on top of him, They looked in each others eyes. Suddenly noticing their close contact sat up and moved away from each other. As Anakin stood up he offered her a hand, which she took and they were no longer as self conscious. Anakin leapt onto the Shaak with Padme scrambling up behind. As she put her arms around his waist and leant against his back, Anakin dug his heels into the Shaak, spurring it forward as they road away.

-----------------------

Taun We and Obi Wan stood in front of Jango Fett's apartment. As Taun We waved her hand a muted bell rang. The door opened to reveal a 10 year old boy, Boba Fett. He was identical to the boys in the class room.

"Boba, is your father here?" Taun We asked.

"Yep." Boba answered after a brief pause.

"May we see him?"

"Sure."

After another pause, Boba stepped aside allowing them through. Obi Wan looked around the white apartment, it seemed too clean for a 10 year old to be living there.

"Dad! Taun We's here!"

Jango Fett came from the bedroom wearing a jumpsuit. He was unshaven and mean looking. He looked at Obi Wan suspiciously. "Jango, welcome back. Was your trip productive?"

"Fairly." Obi Wan and Jango studied each other, Boba looking at them oth.

"This is Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi. He's come to check on our progress."

"That right?" Jango looked at Obi Wan coldly.

"Your clones are very impressive. You must be very proud."

"I'm just a simple man, trying to make my way in the universe, Master Jedi."

"Aren't we all?" Obi Wan sees some body armour on the floor of the bedroom, Jango saw the look and quickly blocked the view. "Ever make your way as far into the interior as Coruscant?"

"Once or twice."

"Recently?"

Jango eyed Obi Wan carefully, "Possibly…"

"Then you must know Master Sifo-Dyas?"

"Boba, close the door." Jango said in Huttese, a language he didn't know Obi Wan knew. Boba moved to the door as Jango smiled thinly at Obi Wan, "Master who?"

"Sifo-Dyas. Is he not the Jedi who hired you for this job?"

"Never heard of him."

"Really." Obi Wan said disbelievingly.

"I was recruited by a man called Darth Tyranus on one of the moons of Bogden."

"No? I thought…"

"Sifo-Dyas told us to expect him." Taun We interrupted, "And he showed up just when your Jedi Master said he would. We have kept the Jedi's involvement a secret until your arrival, just as your Master requested."

"Curious…"

"Do you like your army?" Jango asked.

"I look forward to seeing them in action."

Jango grinned, "They'll do their job well, I'll guarantee that."

"Thanks for your time, Jango."

"Always a pleasure to meet a Jedi." As Taun We and Obi Wan left. Jango turned to his son in deep thought.

"What is it, Dad?"

"Pack your things. We're leaving."

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A setting sun touched the peaks of the mountains as the lake glowed with a rosy light. The lodge glowed with floating lamps. A servant placed fruit in front of Padme, Anakin was not eating but instead looked out at the view, keeping watch for trouble. Anakin had a mischievous grin on his face, which Padme could not see. She had tried to get him to sit and eat, but he kept saying that it was his job to protect her and that Jedi needed very little food to keep going. He subtely, without even looking moved her piece of fruit as she was about to pierce it with a fork. She frowned and tried again. It moved again. She looked at Anakin who still stood by the door looking away from her. "You did that?"

"What?" he asked all innocent as her turned to face her.

Padme scowled at him as she jabbed at the fruit. Anakin, subtly moving his hand lifts the fruit to hover in front of her. "That! Now stop it!" she demanded, laughing, Anakin merely grinned with more mischief. She reached for the fruit and it looped, "Anakin!"

Anakin moved his finger and the fruit flew to his place at the table, Padme had had it set, though Anakin had not sat there, despite encouragement. He lifted a knife and sliced the fruit before sending it back, all with the force, "If Master Obi-Wan caught me doing this, he'd be very grumpy." Padme jabbed the fruit in mid air and started eating it.

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It was night time in the lodge. Anakin stood at the door watching Padme in the firelight. As she looked up Anakin walked over to kiss her. "Anakin, no." she aid standing up.

"From the moment I met you, all those years ago, a day hasn't gone by when I haven't thought of you. And now that I'm with you again, I'm in agony. The closer I get to you, the worse it gets. The thought of not being with you makes my stomach turn over - my mouth goes dry. I feel dizzy. I can't breathe. I'm haunted by the kiss you should never have given me. My heart is beating, hoping that kiss will not become a scar. You are in my very soul, tormenting me. What can I do? I will do anything you ask…" he said, obviously in pain.

Padme looked into the flames, we could do this, we would be happy, but then, it wouldn't be politically expedient. It would cause to many problems, the political ramifications and the problems more personal. It would never work, just remind yourself that. Padme met his eyes and then looked away.

"If you are suffering as much as I am, tell me." he begged. I'm a Jedi, I shouldn't beg, but I can do no less with Padme.

"...I can't. We can't. It's just not possible."

"Anything's possible. Padmé, please listen…"

"You listen. We live in a real world. Come back to it. You're a Jedi Knight. I'm a Senator. If you follow your thoughts through to conclusion, they will take us to a place we cannot go... regardless of the way we feel about each other."

"Then you do feel something!" Anakin said, feeling that he had some head way.

"The political problems for a Senator to marry a Jedi would be too great. A Jedi is supposed to have no connections, What greater connection could you have than to marry a Senator, the council would never agree."

"You're asking me to be rational. That is something I know I cannot do with you. Believe me, I wish I could wish my feelings away... but I can't."

"I am not going to give in to this. I have more important things to do than fall in love."

They stared at the fire, Anakin thinking, "The Jedi council would allow the marriage, but as for the other, we could keep it a secret, no one outside the council would know"

"Then we'd be living a lie - one we couldn't keep up even if we wanted to. My sister saw it. So did my mother. I couldn't do that. Could you, Anakin? Could you live like
that?"

Anakin thought some more, Could I keep this from Obi Wan? "No. You're right. It would destroy us." He bent his head and went outside leaving Padme alone to face what had happened alone. She had just given up her only chance at a family and happiness because of politics. She knew she would never feel the same about anyone else, and would never marry anyone with whom she felt less.

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