Chapter 10: You Betrayed Me

In the deep recesses of her dreamless sleep, Padmé felt something brush against her mind. Slipping out of her warm bed, she walked straight to the door without grabbing her robe or slippers.

He was waiting for her.

Out into the empty hallway Padmé stole, gliding along without making a sound. The coolness of night made her shiver, but she did not notice this, nor did the young woman realize that her feet carried her not to the sparring room but to the bolted doors of the Forbidden Room.

They were wide open and revealed a cloaked being who patiently stood in the center of the room facing Padmé, his hidden eye's penetrating her.

Still, she did not hesitate but, without blinking, crossed the threshold of which no being had been past in the past three years. Moments later, a barefoot Padmé came to stand in front of the Phantom, seemingly not noticing the intimidating way in which the specter silently regarded her.

You did not come he hissed in an accusation as the Phantom slowly began to prowl about her, circling her entranced body.

She said nothing in her defense but just continued to stand there.

I knew it the Phantom whispered, lightly brushing her forearm with a gloved hand. I knew you would not come of your own will- a chance I gave you. No angel would give damned mere mortal like me the courtesy of being treated like a human being

As he reached out and gently caressed her face, Padmé closed her eyes and practically glowed under his touch.

Though perfect you are, I cannot help but forget that, like me, you are part of this life and don't understand what I've been through the Phantom whispered reverently.

Suddenly, the warmth of his glove left her face, and Padmé's eyes flew open in shock.

And why should you? he spat. Anger permeated from his being as the Phantom began to pace again. Yet, I barely know you but I… I…

When he whipped around, Padmé was already striding towards him with the two practice sticks in her small hands. Her eager demeanor and almost overwhelmingly adoring look undid the Phantom and, for a few minutes, student and master stared at each other in silence.

Without any warning, the pole flew into his outstretched hand and he began a furious attack on the young woman. For hours they dueled, and Padmé steadily grew better.

Around three in the morning, Padmé's weary body gave out and she collapsed into the Phantom's waiting arms. With great care so as to not awaken her, he carried the angel stealthily through the hallways of the Jedi Temple.

In her room, he gently laid Padmé down on her bed but seemed most unwilling to leave. For a few minutes, he just stood there watching her breath in and out in peaceful slumber.

Someday, my Padmé he vowed with a fervor you shall love me

Whipping around, the Phantom left unnoticed.

Or, so he thought.

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