Obi-Wan sensed rather than watched Padmé exit the ship and leave for Mos Espa, dressed in local clothing. After a few seconds frustration, he lifted his seemingly increasing weakened form and made his way quietly to the bridge, creating a momentary distraction for the guards so he could be alone.
Something felt wrong.
Padmé he knew was in no immediate danger, but something within the depths of the Force nagged at his conscience. His heart was trying to tell him something that was almost inaudible…even with his weakened condition, under all the beads of sweat and a pounding bloodstream, he longed and yearned to be out there with her.
To protect her.
Be with her.
…love her.
He finally admitted to himself the feelings that tugged at his soul and screamed from a distant in his ears. He had no doubt it was the will of the Force. While sleeping he meditated and many visions—although incomplete—passed through his mental being and left him curious and cautious.
This path he was treading was indeed dangerous and extremely forbidden. Yet with every insight into the Force with meditation, something kept telling him that this was right and that the Force was the cause to the immediate attraction.
He could neither confirm nor deny the feelings that dwelled deep inside.
One thing he knew for certain…
He was starting to fall in love with Handmaiden Padmé Naberrie. Protector and servant to Her Highness Queen Amidala.
Master Qui-Gon he knew would never accept this. Nor would the Jedi Council.
If knowledge of this discovery ever reached either party…
Obi-Wan wiped his forehead with his sleeve. They would not find out. Not now, not ever. He would enjoy whatever time he shared with the beautiful handmaiden and hope that he would continue to see her after they reached Coruscant. He sensed a well-hidden turmoil boiling inside Padmé…and could only guess she was feeling the same towards him.
Whatever the reason, he was certain about his feelings and trusted the Force enough to keep his secret.
He smiled as the small form of Padmé in the distance stopped to look back at the ship for a moments reflection…in a startling effort, he managed to create a small wind gust to sweep past her in reassurance that he was watching over her and would be there within a quick breath should something go wrong. Weak or not, he would defend her to his very last.
He couldn't tell if she smiled or not, but guessed she knew for she nodded and turned back around to continue on with her journey to Qui-Gon and Yané.
Time to prepare for the viewing of the Podrace.
This little boy Qui-Gon spoke of better win.