The distant thunder of battle could be heard through the hallways of the Theed palace as Padmé ran through them in search of the King. The news of the attack had come to her in her private suite, and she assumed Qui-Gon would be in the council room meeting with his advisors and generals.
She hadn't spoken to him since early that morning when he had walked in on Obi-Wan and herself. The shame of allowing her passion to overrule her better judgment and the obvious pain that she had caused the King had stolen any words of explanation. Not that she could explain away her actions. There was no excuse. What she had been attempting to prevent is what actually had occurred and it sickened her. She never meant to cause Qui-Gon harm.
Now, she sought him out, unsure if he would even allow her an audience, but concerned with his state of mind, as well as the state of Naboo.
She eased her way through the crowed of advisors gathered about the war council room to glance upon the holographic display of the battle which was occurring right outside of Theed. The troops had thankfully lured away the Federation army from the city in order to save as many Naboo civilians as possible.
Looking for an opportunity to approach the King, Padmé waited behind the gathering of officers, her eyes glancing up as a large hologram flickered to life and a tall Neimoidian came into view.
"You will regret this invasion, Gunray." Qui-Gon addressed the Federation leader as soon as communications were established.
"It is not I who will have regrets, your highness." The Neimoidian hissed out. "If you would have listened and agreed to our treaty, then these actions would not have been necessary. It is your own stubbornness that has brought this about."
Qui-Gon stood unwavering in the face of his opponent. "Your greed and villainy are about to come to an end, Gunray. Whatever happens here today, know this. You, nor any of your troops will leave Naboo alive."
Cackling laughter came across the comm as Qui-Gon's threat obviously humored the Federation leader. "We shall see."
The hologram was disconnected and the King once more addressed his generals.
"I want all starfighters to concentrate on Gunray's vessel. All ground troops are to engage the droid army outside Theed. Leave one battalion to guard the city gate."
"Yes, your highness."
Orders flew into comlinks and Qui-Gon focused again upon the holographic display of the battle. His head however, slowly dropped down as a result to the gentle touch of a hand upon his arm.
"May I speak to you in private?"
There was a trace of bitterness in his eyes, along with pain, and worry, all underlying the bold confidence that the king usually displayed, but Padmé was uncertain if it was due to the conflict or her own selfish actions. She was also uncertain if Qui-Gon would even speak to her, but as he took her hand and led her to his adjoining office, hope flared within her heart.
Qui-Gon sat himself upon the edge of the desk and waited as Padmé tried to find her voice.
What should she say? Everything she had rehearsed all morning now seemed inadequate.
"The battle is going well?" She finally asked, skirting the real issue.
"We are advancing." Qui-Gon answered simply as he once again waited patiently.
"Perhaps you should release Knight Kenobi. He could possibly be of some assistance."
At the mention of the young man's name, the King abruptly rose from the desk and began pacing.
"I will not. Nor will I have anything to do with the Republic or its Knights of the Order. I have found them untrustworthy and manipulative."
"Manipulative? How can you say that?"
His pacing steps had stopped and Qui-Gon was now standing in an open doorway leading to a balcony. Beyond the city, the smoke from the explosions of the ensuing battle could be seen. When he began speaking once more, his words were edged with grief, quiet, and his voice rough.
"Obi-Wan told me what he did to you and against my better judgment, I believed him, although I suspect he did not speak truth. But what choice do I have? If I am to have a life with you, I have to believe him, or else I would go mad."
"What?" Padmé asked incredulously. What was he talking about? What had Obi-Wan said?
"You do still want a life with me, do you not?"
Padmé looked across the room at the man who had turned from his stance in the doorway. Even from this position, she could see the hopeful anticipation in his eyes, but she could also see that something was lost. The blue eyes no longer had the spark in them they once had, and she knew she was to blame. Padmé vowed she would do whatever it took to replace that spark.
"Yes, my lord."
A small smile lit the older man's face, replaced immediately by shock as Padmé let out a loud gasp.
The King of Naboo turned back toward the balcony to see a warrior approaching him.The kind of which he had never seen before in his life. Not with his own eyes. But he had seen pictures of them in the various holonovels that lined his shelves.
Glowing yellow orbs glaring at him from beneath a black cloak, brandishing a red lightsaber.
Qui-Gon frantically glanced to his desk where Obi-Wan's lightsaber lay, weighed his options, and then glanced toward the doorway, a mixture of relief and disappointment coursing through him as he discovered that Padmé had fled.
He turned back around to face his opponent, his hand inching toward the knight's confiscated lightsaber, knowing that his chances of survival were slim. According to Qui-Gon's readings, no Jedi had ever defeated a Sith Lord before, and he was just a man.