The midday meal was a boisterous affair, due to the presence of numerous Gungans as well as Naboo citizens, the feast being an open buffet offering a variety of foods to the likings of all present. The conversations were numerous and loud and the room quite crowded.
Padmé was seated at the head of the enormous rich teakwood table with Boss Nass seated to her right and her other distinguished guest to her immediate left. She has been assured by Captain Panaka prior to the meal that the knight would be assigned this seat, but now she discovered that his close proximity was making her a bit self-conscious.
Never before had Padmé been shy about eating in front of men, but she found herself absently playing with her food, her attention focused on the handsome Jedi seated next to her who was engrossed in conversation with Governor Bibble and Captain Panaka who also sat nearby.
"This awareness you mentioned," Bibble was saying. "Comes to you readily or do you request it?"
"I've always been fascinated by Force sensitivity, Knight Kenobi. I would also be interested in hearing your view of this entity you spoke of." Captain Panaka added.
After a moment of thought, Obi-Wan began speaking, and Padmé immediately noticed a hush fell over the room, the majority of the guests focusing their attention on the young Jedi.
"The Force surrounds us all, penetrates us, binds us together. All of us." His hand swept out in an arc, encompassing those seated along the long rectangular table. "Contrary to popular belief, the Jedi do not manipulate the Force for their own benefit. It's the Force that uses us. I am its humble servant, and in this respect, I serve you all. And I am honored to do so."
Speaking his final words, the young man had turned his gaze upon the queen and smiled gently before returning his attention back to his meal, apparently oblivious to the fact that he had been the center of attention.
Separate conversations ensued around the room as Padmé continued to pick away at her food, bolstering her courage to speak.
She was amazed to find herself fidgeting so. The reason being, that she had come to the realization that sitting beside her was the man of her dreams. Sabé had asked her once what she considered the perfect man would be like. Without hesitation, she had told her handmaiden that he would be humble, strong, courageous, honest, good with children, friendly, and intelligent.
She gazed upon the young knight, recognizing with slight awe that the embodiment of her desires was sitting right next to her, and she was extremely nervous about that fact.
Was he even interested in her?
Her intense scrutiny of his attractive features apparently drew his attention, because he lifted his head and gave her a questioning glance.
Opening a mouth that had suddenly gone quite dry, Padmé leaned slightly toward him. "Would you care to join me in a tour of the city, Knight Kenobi?"
"Obi-Wan." The Jedi responded with a tilted grin. "Please call me Obi-Wan."
Padmé quivered as the young man's hand covered her own as it lay on the table.
"I would love to, but I'm afraid I promised Jar-Jar to help set up tonight's aquatic laser show."
The young woman forced a smile to hide her disappointment.
"But perhaps I can join you for evening meal?"
"I'd like that." She answered softly as his hand gave hers a final squeeze before releasing it.
Obi-Wan then turned his attention to the opposite end of the table, at which point the tall Gungan he was looking at rose and began walking toward them.
"Jar-Jar, my friend. Are you ready to get started?"
"After yousa!" The Gungan announced proudly, following which the majority of the diners rose from their seats to congregate about the room before preparing to move outside for the evening's laser show.
Obi-Wan bowed once more before his exit. "If you'll excuse us, your highness." He stated with a smile, locking his sparkling gaze with her own and then turned to join the lanky creature, ushering him from the dining hall with a friendly arm slung about his shoulders.