Chapter Three
The hiss of the loading ramp hydraulics echoed about the expansive palace hangar as the Naboo cruiser docked, the Jedi Master's wary glance sweeping back and forth about the broad space, his hand resting lightly upon the weapon which hung from his belt.
Surely, they wouldn't be attacked here, Padmé thought, noting the surrounding royal guard and handmaidens. Perhaps, the Sith was just taking advantage of her being out of her element, having been stuck on Tatooine for a length of time. He may be brave, but he wasn't stupid. She was well guarded here. The Theed Palace was a fortress. He would never be able to gain entry without her being aware of it.
Would he?
The two-day travel from Coruscant had exhausted the Naboo leader, and she informed her entourage that she would be resting in her chambers for a while. Qui-Gon Jinn accompanied her there, and stood at the doorway, almost as if he were going to follow her in. Padmé turned a curious eye upon him.
"If you see anything out of the ordinary or hear anything, let me know. I'll be right outside the door."
She promised she would and then entered the third floor suite with a sigh, accompanied by two handmaidens. Rabé took her cloak and prepared her bed, while Sabé changed out of her disguise.
Once she was settled, the handmaidens secured the balcony doors, drew the long, red velvet draperies closed, and then left her alone to rest.
It was but only a few minutes later that Padmé's breathing deepened and the red curtains split open, black, booted feet stepping forth onto the shiny marble floor. The hum of an activated lightsaber glowing red into the dimness of the shaded room did not disturb the sleeping young woman, even as it hovered over her form, but there was hesitation in the intruder's movements, as yellow eyes took in the fine features of his target, the slow, steady rise of the pale skin revealed to his wanton gaze where her sleeping gown had fallen open.
A huff of breath escaped the warrior's nose as his internal struggles seemed to cease, his weapon held high, as a gloved hand hovered over her face to silence the scream that would certainly follow her realization of his presence
But then the door to the chamber hissed open and a low-voiced command thwarted his actions.
"Put down your weapon."
The face hidden beneath the black shroud turned its malevolent glare toward its unexpected opponent, a leering smile revealed upon his face as Padmé's eyes popped open to witness the scene.
"You will not escape me again, Jedi. Your death and the queen's capture will indeed make my Master proud."
"And who is your Master?" Qui-Gon eased his way into the room, the green glow of his lit 'saber preceding him.
"You should not concern yourself with him, but with the one who stands before you."
The cultured tones were still in his voice, Qui-Gon noted, overcome with the despair of what he was about to do. He didn't have a choice, but it was such a shame. Obi-Wan had had such a bright future ahead of him. He would've made a powerful Jedi.
His hesitation was interrupted by the rapid thrust and swing of the Sith's lightsaber, which Qui-Gon parried as he called upon the Force to aid him in battle. Powerful indeed. The dark side of the Force was strong in Obi-Wan.
The Jedi Master stepped back as the Sith drove forward, a series of rapid swings were aimed at his head. He blocked each of them, feeling the power behind them jar his bones.
"Fight me, old man." Obi-Wan hissed at him, but for some reason, Qui-Gon could not go on the offensive. He grabbed the warrior's wrist during the next series of blocks and held tightly onto the Sith's weapon-bearing arm.
"Padawan." He pleaded. "Don't do this."
The word seemed to shake the warrior, as Obi-Wan stumbled back, blinking in confusion.
"Qui-Gon?" Issued from his mouth before the young man fell to the floor, knocked unconscious by a vase-wielding Queen.