The pliant lips beneath him yielded to Obi-Wan's touch. But although Padmé was allowing the kiss to proceed, she was not actively participating in it. The shock of that realization caused the knight to pull away from the luxurious taste and feel of her, the forbearing nature of her countenance wounding him deeply.
"Why did you kiss me?" Padmé asked in an astonished whisper as she began slowly backing away.
"Because I wanted to." The knight responded rather smugly. It was the truth… basically. She was a beacon to his soul and he found himself helplessly drawn to her like a moth to a flame. Right now, all he could think about was devouring those red lips of hers.
But no sooner after the curt statement had left his mouth, Obi-Wan wished he could take it back. The words had done little to ease the awkwardness of the moment or stop the young woman's retreat.
However, instead of allowing her to escape, Obi-Wan chose to pursue her and boldly stepped forward, backing her up against the rough bark of a nearby tree.
"You should remember that I'm engaged." She boldy declared, her eyes bravely challenging the nearness of him.
"To the King." She re-iterated.
"How convenient. I don't know him, but I know this." The young man replied, placing his hands gently along the outer skin her arms, feeling the trembling of her limbs beneath his touch, "He doesn't deserve you."
"I'm afraid it's the other way around." Padmé responded, the upper portion of her chest revealed through the low-cut light blue gown rising and falling with her rapid intake and release of air, her pulse fluttering wildly along her throat.
"I doubt that." Obi-Wan replied, following the focus of the dark brown eyes beneath him, a small victorious smile appearing on his own face as her gaze had moved to his mouth.
But following his statement, her eyes shot back up and her brow furrowed deeply, her words issuing forth vehemently. "What do you know? You don't even know me! And you most certainly don't know my betrothed."
And just like that, the moment was lost. The planet began revolving once more, gravity resumed, and in the distance, voices were calling out her name.
"Let me go." Padmé responded strongly, and Obi-Wan's hands fell limply to his side, helpless to watch the one woman who had ever held his interest step off into the shadows of the Naboo forest, rushing to meet the search party who was looking for her, until she had moved completely out of his sight.
"Damn!" The knight muttered as he kicked his booted toe against a collection of leaves on the forest floor.
Way to go Kenobi. You finally meet the girl of your dreams and you scare her away! Maybe I've been in the Rim too long. Three cycles too long, he continued to grumble to himself.
After being hit on by every female of every species from here to Kratook, it was no wonder that he took advantage of the first decent-looking human female that showed any interest in him!
No, it was more than that, Obi-Wan decided as he continued walking through the forest on his way back to the wrecked Nubian ship. There was something about her.
She was beautiful, yes, but that was only the wrapping. Underneath, lay a bold and intelligent woman, and one he would very much like to get to know better.
But apparently, he had lost his chance.
Obi-Wan sighed heavily as he relocated the vessel and squeezed his way through the collapsed entry that the pirates had cut through the hull. On the opposite side of the damaged hangar, he discovered his ship. Salvageable, but unflyable. The communications weren't even working. R4 was in one piece, but his internal servos were damaged and he was unresponsive.
The young knight sat heavily down on a metallic storage compartment that had fallen from the wall and contemplated his options.
He had no choice but to travel to Theed now. He would have to inquire after a ship in order to get home, and contact the Temple to let them know what had happened to him.
Honestly, he would rather just leave the planet right now and never return. He had already made a fool of himself. It would be easier if he would never have to set eyes on the Lady of Lonessa again.
Grabbing his travel pack from his starfighter, Obi-Wan exited the diplomatic ship and once more made his way through the forest of Naboo. Twilight was settling in, and the noise of a variety of creatures began to fill the air surrounding him. It was quite tranquil, but he found himself anxious in spite of it. Even more anxious, as the lights of a speeder approached in the distance, and the outline of a large man, much taller than himself stepped from the car and bounded toward him.
Obi-Wan hesitated and then stopped completely, his hand twitching toward his lightsaber, but as the man drew closer, the knight could sense the contentment and ease of his nature, and the Jedi relaxed his posture.
When the man had moved even closer, Obi-Wan's brows shot up in surprise. He recognized that face from his studies at the Temple.
"Qui-Gon Jinn." He whispered, anxiety once more building up within him. Had she told the King what he had done? Was it illegal on this planet to make a pass at a betrothed woman? Maybe,the Kingwould be understanding, although he doubted it. If Padme were his, he wouldn't share her with anyone.
The King drew near, standing regal and proud before him, his eyes searching the young man's face, his mouth set in a grim line.
But suddenly, a huge smile spread over the bearded face, crinkling the corners of the blue eyes, and strong arms reached out and pulled the young Knight into a fierce hug. Obi-Wan huffed out a breath, his lungs compressed in the older man's powerful grip.
The King of Naboo released him abruptly and placed him back down upon his feet, grabbing ahold of either of his biceps firmly.
"I owe you great thanks for saving the life of my fianceé." He stated with a grin. "Lady Amidala has informed me that without your assistance, she and her party truly would have perished."
Obi-Wan stood quiet, unable to think of an adequate response.
The King apparently did not take noticeof his silence and put a strong arm about the knight's shoulders, ushering him through the forest toward his speeder.
"Come. I insist that you join us at the palace to dine. After that, you may be on your way."
Obi-Wan followed numbly, his steps dragging him along, mumbling to himself as the speeder engine's fired and the King directed them toward Theed.
"Damn."