POST # 39
We'll escape once it's dark, he said.
Escape to where? We'll not only be dodging rebel forces but Capa warriors too. They are excellent trackers we won't have a chance against them. Besides running means admitting to our guilt I would hate to let the old man down. He tries so hard for his people to trust me; this would surely hurt his prestige and cost him the leadership of over 50 years. We have to think of something else."
"The chief was pretty skeptical." Anakin said, scratching his unshaven chin. "I don't think he fell for it"
"And why not?"
"Well let's just say that we don't exactly act like a newly married couple. And these people have eyes-four instead of two." Anakin answered.
"That maid did give me a strange look, when she bought breakfast today-I won't be surprised if she reports directly to the chief himself."
"Anakin I was sick, I just left my bed hours ago! I don't think anyone would expect to find me waltzing in your arms."
He shrugged. I'm just suggesting that we should act more... he made a gesture, "You know more..."
Amidala suddenly stood up. "Anakin! What exactly are you hinting at?"
"Hey! Do not get excited. I'm not suggesting any thing drastic. This an emergency you know,"
"So?" She said in her icy queenly tone.
"Well you can become a common handmaiden and mingle with the lowly scum of Tatooine when the situation calls for it, so why can't you just act a little more... spousally with me. Just for a little while."
Amidala rolled her eyes. "Mooning and fawning over you-over anybody-is something I can't do! It's just not me!"
Shrugging with an affected frown, he slumped into his seat. "Okay fine! As you wish, I have seen monarchs give their lives for their subjects."
"You are not my subject!"
"I am more to you then you ever imagined," He said in an even tone. Anakin stood up and began to pace about.
"But I assure you that you will not find another gallant and brave protector than me." He said puffing up his chest."
"Nor one with an ego so huge, I pity the poor tree that'll have to bear all that weight."
Suddenly Anakin loped over to her. Before she realized what he was up to he grabbed her by the arms and was pulling her to him. Amidala pulled away desperately.
"Anakin! What the Sith's hell are you doing? Take your dirty hands off me now!" she growled.
"Someone's coming," he said still pulling her to him-"It's the chief, comes! Just go along with me,"
"No!" She grunted. "It'll be worse if he ever finds out we aren't married, he'll suspect us of being immoral"
By this time the door was already opening, it was obvious Amidala wouldn't go along so he tried another strategy.
Anakin lifted his hand and brought it down on her cheek with a loud smack. It connected just as the chief stuck his head in, sending her flying dramatically onto the couch.
The chief was shocked. He ran to towards fallen the queen, a couple of his guards ran to restrain the angry man.
Amidala looked at him with disbelief, tears stinging her eyes. Helping her up the chief turned to Anakin.
"You better have a good explanation! Young man" he said. Anakin shook off the guards' grip rudely.
"Chief this is a private matter between husband and wife. I don't think...
"Son you can speak to me freely. Rifts are common between husband and wives especially the newly weds. Things can be worked out peacefully if the matter is cleared though mediation. Most of the village people come to me for advice I think I can help you two. Now what is your problem?"
Anakin looked at the two guards; the chief nodded to them and they left the room.
"She expects me to be faithful to her but waives her responsibility to me. She is always tired or sick or out on official visits." Anakin said in a despairing tone,
"I have been relegated from her list of priorities for just too long," He added in a pained tone as he clutched as his head and pulled at his hair.
"Ask her! Ask her yourself!" He screamed dramatically pointing an angry finger at the prone figure on the couch,
"When did she last come to my bed!" Amidala's eyes went wide and her cheeks flushed red, she looked liked she was going to faint.
"Is it true my daughter that you have neglected your holy duties to your husband?" She gave Anakin a helpless stare-then she lowered her eyes as her face went crimson red. She doubled over on the couch and hid her face pretending to cry.
"She is guilty!" Anakin turned to the chief. "Her tears say so." He said standing over her, his hands on his hips, playing the typically over bearing husband.
"Anakin I can understand how frustrating it is not have your wife's utmost attention. But there are other ways to convince them. Women are delicate and vulnerable if you use your strength against them you could cause permanent damage-besides she could be with child you must be very careful with her.
"Hearing this Amidala's sobs grew louder and her body racked with the effort.
In truth the "poor pathetic creature' couldn't stop laughing. She was laughing so hard that she had to hold her stomach, which made the chief more concerned.
The kind chief's heart ached at the sight of the poor creature. "Anakin I think the healer should have a look at her, I fear that you may have been too rough on her."
"No!" She said bobbing up, eyes read with tears (from laughing too much) " I'm alright" She said between sniffs. She couldn't look at Anakin fearing she would burst again if he made some gesture at her.
"Are you sure?" The chief asked putting his hand on her shoulder.
"Yes! Just get this brute out of here!" She said looking daggers at Anakin. She could not keep up the charade for long, if Anakin did not leave the room she feared she would burst out. As Queen she had the utmost control on her emotions, but Panaka hadn't prepared her for situations this.
"Okay! Okay I'm leaving. Chief! Please talk some sense into her."
Anakin stomped to the door. He looked at Amidala as he reached for the door, doing a little victory dance behind the chief's back before slipping out and slamming the door behind him.
That sent her rolling to the couch again.
The chief looked back and saw Anakin disappear through the door. He nodded his head hopelessly then looked at the poor tormented creature.
The chief started to lecture her. Naturally Amidala's blood was boiling-The husband who had beaten his wife just walked away-the poor wife who'd suffered a slap had to put up with a lecture as well.
"Look daughter as a man with over 75 years behind me I have to tell this one truth, the failure or success of a marriage unfortunately rests solely on the women. If you accept this truth, your life will be much easier.
"Easy!" she said, wiping her tears and making a sad face, her queenly control back into play.
"You just saw him slap me," She said in a sorrowful tone.
"Now miss -you have all the power, now I don't mean in the capacity as queen-you can control him but you can't make him love you, I mean the power that you wield as a woman. If you use your head and pull the right strings then you will have your man begging at your feet. But if you insist on a tug of war then the two of you will be at loggerheads all your life."
Thanks! Thanks but no thanks for the advice! Dear cheify. Amidala was thinking.
"But Anakin is so easy to anger. He has such a temper." She said out loud.
Anakin is headstrong and dominating-to you, your highness anyone less will not do. I'm not sure a weak person could protect you from the many ambitious elements that are always planning and plotting to see you fall. Nor would you be happy with a weak 'yes ma'am' kind of man."
"That is true," Amidala thought. "Yes ma'am, yuck!"
Maybe that's what attracted you to him in the first place his boldness.
"Well er yes! But he was really sweet to me then. He's been grouchy since some days"
"I can understand. It's obvious that he cares a lot about you. He was so upset when he brought you here, my men say he was ready to kill. He seems like a man of action. Is he a soldier by any chance?" The chief asked.
"He is a pilot in the Royal Naboo Security Forces."
"Ah! A pilot! That is why he is so restless and easily agitated." The chief rubbed his a chin for a second.
"He seeks adventure and thrill, he will be bored to death trapped in this small village." He paused, thinking "I will ask my son to entertain him at the warrior village where there are many activities that he will enjoy."
"What kind of activities?" Amidala asked skeptically.
The chief laughed. "Don't worry Anakin will not be with corrupting company. The warrior's idea of fun is mostly sporting competitions and hunting. Anakin will love it. He will come home tired and tamed, from a roaring lion to a purring cat." She gave the chief a satisfied smile.
"I think that is a great idea." She said. And it'll take him out of my hair for a little while, she thought.
"Promise me that you will do your duty then." The chief said wagging a crooked finger at her. Amidala blushed again.
"I... err..hmm," she stammered.
Oh! My God! She thought, how can I be discussing this with a 75-year-old man? Even if I were married, shouldn't I be discussing this my mother."
"I don't think I could face him...err...just yet. Can't you keep him one night? Tomorrow I promise to be a dutiful wife. I just don't feel well enough right now."
"Sure! Sure!" said the chief." I'm sure Liane could arrange that."
The chief gave a satisfied smile. One more good deed done! He thought as he turned to leave the room. He loved to get estranged couples to make up; it gave him a lot of satisfaction.
As soon as he left, Anakin came in. "Looks like the old geyser fell for it." he said grinning.
"Anakin that was quick thinking." She said smiling as he came to stand before her rather proud of himself.
"But your not going to save your neck at my expense!" Anakin noticed that there was something foreboding about the way she was standing with her hands on her hips.
"Uhh! Now look! You know it was necessary-Hey I didn't mean it..." He began to back off as she advanced menacingly towards him. "Now your majesty, be a good sport!"
Amidala grabbed his ear and twisted it hard. He rolled away on the bed, she jumped after him pinching and boxing him with her little fist. Anakin curled into a ball, guffawing-which made her more cross. Grabbing a handful of his hair she pulled it back with all her might.
"Slapping your Queen-Anakin Skywalker you won't get away with it."
Anakin was still laughing as he reached out behind him and catching her by her sleeve he pulled her down. She toppled over him and landed on her back right next to him.
"Ahem!"
They both jumped up. The chief was standing in the doorway.
" I hope I am not interfering?"
"Not at all. In fact you have come at a very good time."
Anakin said jumping from the bed.
"Your daughter here was taking advantage of the restrain that you advised me of," he said.
He was chagrined that the people here did not have the habit of knocking. He would've sensed him but with Amidala so close to him he was oblivious to his other senses.
"Chief you saw what she was doing." He said trying to dispel the awkwardness. The chief gave an uneasy smile. He had already concluded that the young lovers were playing games.
"This happens son. Young couples fight then make up. Soon you two will learn to accept and live with each other's good and bad qualities."
Then turning to Amidala, who was trying to put her hair back in order, he said, "Your highness I got rather embroiled in your little disagreement and completely forgot for what I have come here for in the fist place."
"Ah! Yes! Now I remember. You said that the two of you got married in a very simple ceremony. I have planned a dinner tomorrow where you two will get married again but in a more joyous atmosphere as befits a chief's daughter."
We'll escape once it's dark, he said.
Escape to where? We'll not only be dodging rebel forces but Capa warriors too. They are excellent trackers we won't have a chance against them. Besides running means admitting to our guilt I would hate to let the old man down. He tries so hard for his people to trust me; this would surely hurt his prestige and cost him the leadership of over 50 years. We have to think of something else."
"The chief was pretty skeptical." Anakin said, scratching his unshaven chin. "I don't think he fell for it"
"And why not?"
"Well let's just say that we don't exactly act like a newly married couple. And these people have eyes-four instead of two." Anakin answered.
"That maid did give me a strange look, when she bought breakfast today-I won't be surprised if she reports directly to the chief himself."
"Anakin I was sick, I just left my bed hours ago! I don't think anyone would expect to find me waltzing in your arms."
He shrugged. I'm just suggesting that we should act more... he made a gesture, "You know more..."
Amidala suddenly stood up. "Anakin! What exactly are you hinting at?"
"Hey! Do not get excited. I'm not suggesting any thing drastic. This an emergency you know,"
"So?" She said in her icy queenly tone.
"Well you can become a common handmaiden and mingle with the lowly scum of Tatooine when the situation calls for it, so why can't you just act a little more... spousally with me. Just for a little while."
Amidala rolled her eyes. "Mooning and fawning over you-over anybody-is something I can't do! It's just not me!"
Shrugging with an affected frown, he slumped into his seat. "Okay fine! As you wish, I have seen monarchs give their lives for their subjects."
"You are not my subject!"
"I am more to you then you ever imagined," He said in an even tone. Anakin stood up and began to pace about.
"But I assure you that you will not find another gallant and brave protector than me." He said puffing up his chest."
"Nor one with an ego so huge, I pity the poor tree that'll have to bear all that weight."
Suddenly Anakin loped over to her. Before she realized what he was up to he grabbed her by the arms and was pulling her to him. Amidala pulled away desperately.
"Anakin! What the Sith's hell are you doing? Take your dirty hands off me now!" she growled.
"Someone's coming," he said still pulling her to him-"It's the chief, comes! Just go along with me,"
"No!" She grunted. "It'll be worse if he ever finds out we aren't married, he'll suspect us of being immoral"
By this time the door was already opening, it was obvious Amidala wouldn't go along so he tried another strategy.
Anakin lifted his hand and brought it down on her cheek with a loud smack. It connected just as the chief stuck his head in, sending her flying dramatically onto the couch.
The chief was shocked. He ran to towards fallen the queen, a couple of his guards ran to restrain the angry man.
Amidala looked at him with disbelief, tears stinging her eyes. Helping her up the chief turned to Anakin.
"You better have a good explanation! Young man" he said. Anakin shook off the guards' grip rudely.
"Chief this is a private matter between husband and wife. I don't think...
"Son you can speak to me freely. Rifts are common between husband and wives especially the newly weds. Things can be worked out peacefully if the matter is cleared though mediation. Most of the village people come to me for advice I think I can help you two. Now what is your problem?"
Anakin looked at the two guards; the chief nodded to them and they left the room.
"She expects me to be faithful to her but waives her responsibility to me. She is always tired or sick or out on official visits." Anakin said in a despairing tone,
"I have been relegated from her list of priorities for just too long," He added in a pained tone as he clutched as his head and pulled at his hair.
"Ask her! Ask her yourself!" He screamed dramatically pointing an angry finger at the prone figure on the couch,
"When did she last come to my bed!" Amidala's eyes went wide and her cheeks flushed red, she looked liked she was going to faint.
"Is it true my daughter that you have neglected your holy duties to your husband?" She gave Anakin a helpless stare-then she lowered her eyes as her face went crimson red. She doubled over on the couch and hid her face pretending to cry.
"She is guilty!" Anakin turned to the chief. "Her tears say so." He said standing over her, his hands on his hips, playing the typically over bearing husband.
"Anakin I can understand how frustrating it is not have your wife's utmost attention. But there are other ways to convince them. Women are delicate and vulnerable if you use your strength against them you could cause permanent damage-besides she could be with child you must be very careful with her.
"Hearing this Amidala's sobs grew louder and her body racked with the effort.
In truth the "poor pathetic creature' couldn't stop laughing. She was laughing so hard that she had to hold her stomach, which made the chief more concerned.
The kind chief's heart ached at the sight of the poor creature. "Anakin I think the healer should have a look at her, I fear that you may have been too rough on her."
"No!" She said bobbing up, eyes read with tears (from laughing too much) " I'm alright" She said between sniffs. She couldn't look at Anakin fearing she would burst again if he made some gesture at her.
"Are you sure?" The chief asked putting his hand on her shoulder.
"Yes! Just get this brute out of here!" She said looking daggers at Anakin. She could not keep up the charade for long, if Anakin did not leave the room she feared she would burst out. As Queen she had the utmost control on her emotions, but Panaka hadn't prepared her for situations this.
"Okay! Okay I'm leaving. Chief! Please talk some sense into her."
Anakin stomped to the door. He looked at Amidala as he reached for the door, doing a little victory dance behind the chief's back before slipping out and slamming the door behind him.
That sent her rolling to the couch again.
The chief looked back and saw Anakin disappear through the door. He nodded his head hopelessly then looked at the poor tormented creature.
The chief started to lecture her. Naturally Amidala's blood was boiling-The husband who had beaten his wife just walked away-the poor wife who'd suffered a slap had to put up with a lecture as well.
"Look daughter as a man with over 75 years behind me I have to tell this one truth, the failure or success of a marriage unfortunately rests solely on the women. If you accept this truth, your life will be much easier.
"Easy!" she said, wiping her tears and making a sad face, her queenly control back into play.
"You just saw him slap me," She said in a sorrowful tone.
"Now miss -you have all the power, now I don't mean in the capacity as queen-you can control him but you can't make him love you, I mean the power that you wield as a woman. If you use your head and pull the right strings then you will have your man begging at your feet. But if you insist on a tug of war then the two of you will be at loggerheads all your life."
Thanks! Thanks but no thanks for the advice! Dear cheify. Amidala was thinking.
"But Anakin is so easy to anger. He has such a temper." She said out loud.
Anakin is headstrong and dominating-to you, your highness anyone less will not do. I'm not sure a weak person could protect you from the many ambitious elements that are always planning and plotting to see you fall. Nor would you be happy with a weak 'yes ma'am' kind of man."
"That is true," Amidala thought. "Yes ma'am, yuck!"
Maybe that's what attracted you to him in the first place his boldness.
"Well er yes! But he was really sweet to me then. He's been grouchy since some days"
"I can understand. It's obvious that he cares a lot about you. He was so upset when he brought you here, my men say he was ready to kill. He seems like a man of action. Is he a soldier by any chance?" The chief asked.
"He is a pilot in the Royal Naboo Security Forces."
"Ah! A pilot! That is why he is so restless and easily agitated." The chief rubbed his a chin for a second.
"He seeks adventure and thrill, he will be bored to death trapped in this small village." He paused, thinking "I will ask my son to entertain him at the warrior village where there are many activities that he will enjoy."
"What kind of activities?" Amidala asked skeptically.
The chief laughed. "Don't worry Anakin will not be with corrupting company. The warrior's idea of fun is mostly sporting competitions and hunting. Anakin will love it. He will come home tired and tamed, from a roaring lion to a purring cat." She gave the chief a satisfied smile.
"I think that is a great idea." She said. And it'll take him out of my hair for a little while, she thought.
"Promise me that you will do your duty then." The chief said wagging a crooked finger at her. Amidala blushed again.
"I... err..hmm," she stammered.
Oh! My God! She thought, how can I be discussing this with a 75-year-old man? Even if I were married, shouldn't I be discussing this my mother."
"I don't think I could face him...err...just yet. Can't you keep him one night? Tomorrow I promise to be a dutiful wife. I just don't feel well enough right now."
"Sure! Sure!" said the chief." I'm sure Liane could arrange that."
The chief gave a satisfied smile. One more good deed done! He thought as he turned to leave the room. He loved to get estranged couples to make up; it gave him a lot of satisfaction.
As soon as he left, Anakin came in. "Looks like the old geyser fell for it." he said grinning.
"Anakin that was quick thinking." She said smiling as he came to stand before her rather proud of himself.
"But your not going to save your neck at my expense!" Anakin noticed that there was something foreboding about the way she was standing with her hands on her hips.
"Uhh! Now look! You know it was necessary-Hey I didn't mean it..." He began to back off as she advanced menacingly towards him. "Now your majesty, be a good sport!"
Amidala grabbed his ear and twisted it hard. He rolled away on the bed, she jumped after him pinching and boxing him with her little fist. Anakin curled into a ball, guffawing-which made her more cross. Grabbing a handful of his hair she pulled it back with all her might.
"Slapping your Queen-Anakin Skywalker you won't get away with it."
Anakin was still laughing as he reached out behind him and catching her by her sleeve he pulled her down. She toppled over him and landed on her back right next to him.
"Ahem!"
They both jumped up. The chief was standing in the doorway.
" I hope I am not interfering?"
"Not at all. In fact you have come at a very good time."
Anakin said jumping from the bed.
"Your daughter here was taking advantage of the restrain that you advised me of," he said.
He was chagrined that the people here did not have the habit of knocking. He would've sensed him but with Amidala so close to him he was oblivious to his other senses.
"Chief you saw what she was doing." He said trying to dispel the awkwardness. The chief gave an uneasy smile. He had already concluded that the young lovers were playing games.
"This happens son. Young couples fight then make up. Soon you two will learn to accept and live with each other's good and bad qualities."
Then turning to Amidala, who was trying to put her hair back in order, he said, "Your highness I got rather embroiled in your little disagreement and completely forgot for what I have come here for in the fist place."
"Ah! Yes! Now I remember. You said that the two of you got married in a very simple ceremony. I have planned a dinner tomorrow where you two will get married again but in a more joyous atmosphere as befits a chief's daughter."