When Padmé opened her eyes, Qui-Gon's were staring right at her. No. Not staring. They were glaring at her. And no longer were they fire on water. They were more like ice-cold blue.
Firm hands on her arms gently moved her backward.
"Your highness." He held her gaze, also holding her at arm's length. 'This is most unexpected."
Padmé's brows furrowed in surprise. "You know who I am?"
"Of course I do. I'm a Jedi."
The statement was made without the slightest hint of pride. Another trait of the man that she admired. But several questions still needed answering.
"If you knew I was the queen, then why did you allow me to come into town?"
Qui-Gon finally removed his hands and Padmé trembled from the sudden loss of warmth.
"I thought you would be best protected in my company."
Ah, Padmé thought. Even the Jedi Master didn't trust his young apprentice.
Hopefully though, her protection wasn't the only reason she was with him. Perhaps he wanted to be with her – he just didn't know it yet. Maybe he needed a little convincing.
Padmé pouted her bottom lip and purposefully put on the sultry face she had been practicing in the mirror the last few days, and then began walking slowly towards Qui-Gon.
"Perhaps there are other reasons you wished for my company, Master Jedi." She purred in a low voice, which she had also been practicing on Sabé.
"Padmé." Qui-Gon inhaled deeply and scooted across the wall, indicating with his hand for her to sit next to him. "I have a duty to perform, not only to protect and serve you, but your staff, the Chancellor, the Republic, even the entire Galaxy. I'm afraid I don't have time for a relationship."
Even when attempting to ditch her, he was a gentleman, Padmé thought. The small smile he gave her crinkled the corners of his eyes and Padmé's heart swelled. Maybe she could change his mind. She was sure she could, so she boldly placed her small hand over his muscular thigh, moving it back and forth in a slow caress.
"I understand that few Jedi settle down, but I'm not asking for your complete and total commitment, Qui-Gon. I'm willing to share you with the entire galaxy if I have to. I understand."
Padmé looked on Qui-Gon with a hopeful and confident expression, but noted his smile had faded and his next words were much more stern.
"No, I don't think you do." He stood up and paced a few steps, and then turned to her, tucking his hands deep within the sleeves of his robe. "I pledged my life to someone a long time ago."
"I'm sorry. I didn't know." Padmé felt the blush of embarrassment rise to her cheeks. "Who is she?"
Qui-Gon looked off in the distance, his face contorting as if accessing a painful memory, and Padmé was suddenly sorry she had asked.
"Her name was Tahl. She was a Jedi." He paused for a long moment. "She died."
"Oh." Padmé responded quietly as she rose to stand in front of Qui-Gon, glancing up into his face. He was so very tall.
"Maybe it's time to let her go. I can help you, Qui-Gon." Padmé dared to run her fingers up the broad chest to settle over his heart, which was beating slow and steady, but the look on his face now rang of pity and Padmé immediately removed her hand and stepped back.
What a fool you are Padmé Amidala! She silently cursed herself.
"Padmé. You are just a child. One of these days when you grow up, you will meet someone who will love you and respect you."
By then, it will be too late, Padmé interjected silently as her eyes cast down to the porch floor.
She couldn't look at him any more, especially when he was wearing that patronizing expression. And especially now that he knew.
Thank the gods it's night! At least he couldn't see how truly embarrassed she was. Her face was practically burning.
But what about tomorrow? She would have to look at him sooner or later!
A child! He had called her a child!
No, no, no! She could never look the man in the face again after this! But where could she go?
Qui-Gon noticed a myriad of emotions pass across the young queen's face. Shock, embarrassment, anger, and then back to embarrassment again. He had tried to be as polite as he could, but sometimes honesty is best in these types of situations. Plus, he didn't wish to give the girl any false hopes.
Without warning from either her or the Force, Qui-Gon watched helplessly as Padmé Amidala turned and vaulted over the porch wall.
In three strides he was leaning over the wall, gazing after her petite figure as she ran through the darkened Mos Espa alleys. She was obviously going back to the ship. There was no place else she could go.
Qui-Gon removed and activated his comlink.
"Obi-Wan?"
"Yes, Master." Came the reply within seconds.
"I need you to head into town and find the queen. When you find her, escort her back to the ship."
The obvious question of why hung in the air, and Qui-Gon was grateful that his apprentice hadn't spoken it. But he knew it was only a matter of time. Sooner or later, he was going to have to explain what had happened.