I know i need to update more (sorry)

The glass of Nubian wine was shaking in Padmé's hand. Her anxiety was getting the best of her as she waited for the moment she could be reunited with Anakin. She hadn't seen him since their first meeting and didn't expect to run into him; for she assumed he was as stressed as she was from the threat her security team had recived.

Don't worry, everything will be okay. Anakin is your strong, protective husband. He won't let anything happen to you. A voice of reason in Padmé assured.

Since she last counted she still had thirty seconds to use before she was to meet Anakin in their "secret spot".

Padmé used those thirty seconds to let her mind ponder the dreaded threat on her safety. It made no sense to her

I have no enemies I know of because I am trying to end this war as quickly as possible so the republic can return to its normal priorities and for the jedi to return safe which, of course, included Anakin. The only one seeking harm on me would be someone oriented with the separatists. Realizing the obvious, Padmé gave up in defeat. She had a matter of seconds until she departed for her meeting with Anakin.

…4-3-2-1. With that thought Padmé departed her location at the refreshment table and headed to their secluded spot behind the pillar. She hoped that she would go unnoticed as she scurried through the crowd of people gathered for an occasion in her honor. That was going to be difficult.

"Senator Amidala!" Padmé heard someone call from behind her. She rolled her eyes out of frustration and put on her smiling politician's mask for the unknown guest.

When Padmé turned she found a tall black haired young man standing behind her. The first thing she noticed was his light green eyes. They reminded her of Naboo in the beginning of spring. Everything was just beginning to flourish in the coming good weather but the plants weren't a rich green but rather a light, gentle green showing you that the flora was at the start of its seasonal life.

The eyes also reminded her of someone. She couldn't recall who but she could never forget eyes like that. She hardly noticed she was staring when the beholder of the crystal green eyes finally spoke.

"It's been so long, Padmé," Padmé was startled at the familiarity used by him. She must have known him. "Age has only made you more beautiful." With that statement the man reached for her hand and gave it a light kiss that matched the gentleness of his eyes.

The feel of his lips on her skin made her think of her childhood.

…his name was Palo. He was a few years older than I.

…he had dark hair, dreamy eyes.

Padmé tried to contain it but she just couldn't "PALO!"

The man smiled at Padmé because he was so glad she remembered him.

"I haven't seen you in so long, how are you?" Padmé was so excited to see her good friend. Only after she asked him the question did she realize she had to be somewhere else. She wanted to scold herself for not thinking of her previous engagement.

"…been painting many Naboo landscapes which kept me grounded on Naboo for quite awhile."

She had to respond quickly and leave as soon as possible.

"That sounds wonderful Palo. I'm so sorry but I've heard there are some issues concerning party details. I must attend to them as quickly as I can so I'm afraid we will have to continue this conversation some other time."

"Of course m'lady." He bowed before her and disappeared quickly much to Padmé's relief.

She stalked to the pillar and took a deep breath before entering into the shadows which shielded the two star-crossed lovers.

No words were spoken among the two at first. Padmé ran into the waiting arms of Anakin and received a needy kiss which showed Padmé the worry he held for her. The reality of the situation hit her with more of an impact this time. She now knew she was in great danger.

It was Padmé who broke the kiss to demand what was going on.

"Anakin what's the matter? You kissed me as if it is the last time you will see me."

Anakin turned away from Padmé so she could not see the look of torture in his eyes and the quivering of his lip as thoughts of what could happen to Padmé that night flased through his mind. He couldn't show her his weakness for it would only worry her and it was her birthday celebration.

Anakin spoke with is back turned, "The transmission is virtually untraceable," feeling repetitive he continued, "it is extremely dangerous for you. I don't trust anyone else with your security but I following you like a shadow will only raise suspicion."

"I understand Anakin," she said as she rested a gentle hand on his shoulder as an act of comfort, "You don't have to hide from me."

Unable to hide his feelings anymore, Anakin burst. "I know you understand but you don't realize how much I worry," He turned to face her, "when you didn't come on time, I was going out of my mind. I thought you were hurt and part of me wanted to seach relentlessly for you but the rational part of me stayed here and figured you were occupied at the moment. I can't lose you Padmé."

Padmé saw the unshed tears gathering in his eyes. The emotion in his voice only made her love him more for how much he cared and didn't hide himself around her.

Padmé grabbed the back of Anakin's neck to have his full attention. She gazed deep into his deep cerulean eyes. Though Palo had dreamy eyes, Anakin's made her soul melt any time her brown eyes met his blue ones. She knew she could see the lake at Varykino shining in his eyes every time she even glanced at them for a split second. Anakin held the eyes that made her feel every emotion at once.

"Listen to me Anakin," She spoke softly but sternly, "I can take care of myself. If anything happens to me you can lock me in a tower in the outer rim to ensure my safety."

At that comment Anakin smiled a true flash of white. Padmé was glad that she could lighten the mood even though she wasn't so sure nothing would happen to her.

As long as Anakin is calm. Padmé thought.

Watching him smile his smile that always left her breathless made her smile with him. She had the sudden desire to kiss him and knew he wouldn't mind if she did.

Padmé, with her hand still at Anakin's neck, pulled him down to her for a kiss that took him by surprise. He was still smiling while they we kissing. His somber state obviously lost, the couple tasted each other's lips without a care until Anakin sensed distress coming form his master.

He quickly broke the kiss. Padmé was shocked at his swift conlusion to a kiss that was as spectacular as their previous one.

"I'm sorry Padmé, Obi-Wan is looking for me with some urgent news." A look of sorrow made it's presence on Anakin's face. "I will return back here in thirty standard minutes."

"I will be here," was Padmé's quick reply.

Anakin kissed Padmé on the lips tenderly before departing in search of his master.

Once again, Padmé was alone.

Anakin was slightly upset that his time with Padmé was interrupted but if his senses were correct, and they usually were, his master had something urgent to tell him.

As soon as Anakin spotted Obi-Wan he broke out running.

"Master, I sensed your distress. Do you have important news?" Anakin simply asked.

"Anakin! Where in the blazes have you been.? Oh, never mind. With some meditation I have discovered that the mysterious caller is strong in the force. He has the ability to cloak his presence and manipulate the force. He is not as talented as a Jedi but I sense some dark power in him."

Different emotions shot across Anakin's face. The main ones were shock and worry. Anakin had to find Padmé. She was in even more danger now.

Padmé still stood where Anakin and she had last conversed. She felt empty again.

Think positive Padmé. A voice of reason told her.

I will find Palo and catch up with him. She was about to leave walk from behind the pillar when a rather large hand grabbed her by the forearm.

She turned around but she fell into unconsciousness after feeling another hand on her forehead willing her to sleep…