All right, I usually do Author's Notes, etc at the end of chapters, but I feel an issue needs addressing. Delores brought up a point I intended to talk about anyway - the fact that Padmé is fourteen and Obi-Wan is eleven years older than her. Most people would think this is creepy and indeed, by today's standards, Obi-Wan would be a criminal. However, a mere one hundred and fifty years ago, it was very commonplace to have girls married away this young, to men a decade or more older. So no, I'm not changing either of their ages (although I'm debating having Obi-Wan celebrate his twenty-fifth birthday at some point). But there's not going to be any sex whatsoever in this story, either. This is because: 1. Can we say "statutory rape"? and 2. I cannot write it. Simply can't. So when Padmé refers to her 'vows' in this chapter, she's referring to a vow of virginity. It seems like something that might occur on Naboo. Young girls, especially ones going into politics, like Padmé, might take a vow like this.

In my mind, at least.

Chapter 2

Sabé was worried. It was late in the morning, and no one had seen Padmé since the previous evening. Worse, no one could find the Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi, and they were afraid that she was in some danger and he'd sensed it and run after her. Not that they didn't trust him, but everyone wanted to know if the queen was in danger, naturally.

Sabé's duty was to search the palace grounds for her lady. So far, she had covered the throne room chambers, Padmé's quarters, the handmaiden quarters, and the kitchen/dining areas. Next, she was onto the gardens. She knew Padmé and the young Jedi had been walking there often.

She saw a purple robe through some bushes. Ah, she's found her now. The queen must have simply taken a nap and slept longer than she meant to. Sabé continued around, until she saw the full scene.

"Your Highness!"

Padmé was lying on her long cape, in the arms of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Both were asleep (and thankfully clothed!) beneath some brush, his leg draped across hers, but were woken with a start at Sabé's outburst. They immediately scooted apart.

"Oh, Sabé! It's only you." She smiled, slightly embarrassed but not at all apologetic. In fact, the Jedi even looked more embarrassed.

"We need to go. It's urgent." She tried glaring at Padmé, but as always it and no effect.

"All right." They both rose and he lifted the cape from the floor, shaking the dust. Sabé saw the other side--yes, it was ruined. Padmé lifted her hair so he could clip it on. He did it much too slowly for Sabé's liking, and she was almost certain that she saw him plant a gentle kiss on the back of her neck. The queen turned, a look in her eyes that Sabé had never seen before. Kenobi regarded her with pure adoration and tipped her chin up for a kiss. It was then that Sabé interrupted again, clearing her throat. Padmé repeated her reaction, smiling sheepishly, this time at both of them.

"I'll see you later." She squeezed his hand as they moved apart.

When they were out of earshot, Sabé pulled her friend aside. "What did you think you were doing?"

"Oh, Sabé, it was the most wonderful night ever."

"You didn't sleep with him, did you?" She knew her face registered pure shock.

"Of course not! I remembered my vows. But...I think I wanted to!" She grinned, twirling around to see her skirts spin.

"I've never seen you this way about anyone except Palo," Sabé said, surveying her twirling form.

"This is different. Obi-Wan is different." She stopped, cheeks pink and eyes bubbling.

"You're in love. Aren't you?"

"Mmn, if this is what love feels like, then I certainly hope so." She grinned even wider, causing Sabé to smile. She took Padmé's hands in her own.

"I am glad to see you so happy. But Captain Panaka is going to throw a fit when he hears where you were!"

"Oh, Sabé, please don't tell him! You know what he'll say."

"A Queen must always be on call for her people," Sabé replied, doing her best imitation.

"And it will get Obi-Wan in trouble, you know it will."

Sabé certainly didn't want that. But could she lie to the Captain? He'd see right through her. "Oh, you're such a mess! Here." She produced a small cloth, dipped it in a vial of liquid from her cloak, and began rubbing at the bright red lipstick all over Padmé's face.

"Is it really that bad?" Sabé nodded. Padmé got a dreamy look in her eyes. "He smudged my immovable makeup."

"And did quite a fine job of it!"

"Oh, he's got amazing lips, Sabé. And we kissed until we couldn't possibly kiss anymore. That was when we fell asleep."

"Silly girl," she chided, using it as a tern or endearment. Come on, we've got to inform the Captain that you're all right." She began walking but Padmé remained stationary.

"He's going to kill me, isn't he?"

Sabé sighed. "What are you talking about? I'm sure the girls will want to hear everything. I'll talk to Panaka."

"Thank you so much! You're the best friend I've ever had!"

She smiled. "I know."

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