His transport approached Aldera, Alderaan's capitol city. Obi-Wan looked out the window and marveled at its beauty. Somehow it made sense that Amira came from here.
The port seemed incredibly busy. When he left the dock area and hired transport into the city he noticed that it was bustling with activity and energy. The driver asked, "Where to sir?" He replied, "Alderaan Palace."
The driver chuckled and replied, "I hope you aren't here for a tour, the Palace is closed today to prepare for the coronation. He asked, "What coronation?" The driver replied, "The Organa coronation. Princess Amira Organa is to be crowned Queen tonight."
Obi-Wan stared at the driver in disbelief and asked, "Did you say Princess Amira Organa?" The driver nodded and answered, "Yes, Alderaan's beloved daughter has come home, and just in time too,her father the King has been ill."
He continued, "We didn't believe it possible as she left Alderaan many years ago to become a Jedi. We had not heard of her for sometime and then suddenly a few weeks ago she came home."
Obi-Wan sat back in his seat and looked out the window. She hadn't said anything about this in her message. Why would she keep it from him? The driver asked, "Are you a Jedi?"
He replied quietly, "Yes." The driver shook his head; "I suppose you have come to fetch her back to Coruscant?" Obi-Wan replied, "No, I've come as a friend just for a visit. I had no idea that the coronation was taking place."
The transport glided up to the Palace gates and the driver said, "I hope you are expected, they're pretty strict about who gets in." He replied, "I don't think I am expected."
The gate guard took down Obi-Wan's information and communicated it to the Palace. He could do nothing but wait. After a few minutes the guard received a reply and he opened the gate saying, "Jedi Kenobi you are permitted entrance to the Palace but you will need to proceed on foot. I cannot allow the taxi beyond this gate."
He thanked him and paid his driver. He proceeded up the footpath through the beautifully manicured gardens. There were people everywhere making frenzied preparations.
He approached the main Palace entrance and to his surprise was admitted immediately. Inside there were also dozens of people running around taking care of last minute details.
A crisply uniformed Palace guard approached him, "Jedi Kenobi, Princess Organa sends her greetings and asked me to escort you to your quarters." Obi-Wan asked, "I am to stay in the Palace?"
The guard nodded, "Yes of course, unless you do not wish to, but you will find it difficult to find lodging in the capitol. There are many people here for the coronation both from on and off world."
He motioned for Obi-Wan to follow him, "Her Highness wishes for you to stay here." He followed him and asked, "Where is the Princess?" The guard replied, "She is with her staff attending to last minute coronation details." The guard dropped Obi-Wan off at his room and left immediately on another errand.
The luxury of the room was far from what he was used to. It was spectacular, decorated in lush fabrics of varying blue and green hues that put the occupant immediately at ease.
He gazed around the room. The furniture was made out of a dark hard wood and impressively carved. It seemed very old. There was a large window with thick flowing draperies that extended from ceiling to floor.
He walked over to it and looked out over the palace grounds. His mind was filled with questions. Why was Amira suddenly casting away her life as a Jedi to become Queen of Alderaan?
He hated to think she no longer wished to be a Jedi because of her ordeal on Macaven. Especially since he blamed himself for not being able to prevent what happened to her. Once she became Queen the possibility of any future together would end.
His heart sank deep in his chest; he didn't want to lose her. He wanted things to go on as they had. Just when he had begun to think it might be possible to have a future together, this happened. Duty and obligation stepped in the way.
He knew his thoughts were selfish. Amira's destiny might very well be as Alderaan's Queen. Who was he to say? She is free to choose. Maybe this was the answer he was looking for. It would simplify things between them. He would continue training Anakin and serving the Republic and she would remain on Alderaan as its Queen.
He shook his head; whom was he kidding. Nothing was going to change how he felt about her. Queen or Jedi he was going to lose her tonight. He was about to turn away from the window when he saw a woman dressed in a long light blue gown moving through the grounds with a Palace guard.
It was Amira; he'd never seen her dressed like this. She looked exactly like a Princess should. He watched her talk to the guard pointing out this or that in the grounds. Then she stopped and turned to look up at his window.
She smiled at him and then turned to continue with her work but her thoughts came to him, "I'm glad you are here." He moved away from the window and sat down on the bed. He lay back and closed his eyes and quieted his mind.
He awoke to a light tapping at the door, "Obi-Wan are you awake?" Then a short laugh, "I know you are in there." He smiled and rose from the bed. He crossed the large room and ran his hands through his hair before opening the door.
Amira stood there looking at him. She was still in the light blue gown that he had seen her in from his window. Her brown curls were loosely pinned at the back of her head. She was more beautiful than he had ever seen her. He wanted to grab her and crush her to him.
She asked, "Can I come in?" He moved away from the door and waved his hand into the room, "By all means your highness." She punched him in the arm on the way in, "I hear that all day; please don't call me that."
He closed the door and playfully rubbed his arm, "Ok Amira." She replied, "I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner. I wanted to, the minute I heard you were here." They stood facing each other.
He replied, "It's good to see you. How are you?" She replied, "Tired, but I am getting better everyday." He looked her over again and said, "Well you look beautiful."
His statement took her by surprise. He had never said that to her before. She smiled, "Thank you Ben." They both grew silent and stood staring at one another uncomfortably.
Amira desperately wanted to throw herself in his arms. She controlled her emotions and said, "I only have a few minutes, but I wanted to see you, I owe you an explanation."
He replied, "No, you don't owe me anything. I know you have a duty to your family and to Alderaan. A duty that existed long before you became a Jedi."
She walked over to the bed and sat down, "I've been away for so long and yet I was able to step into this role so easily. I wouldn't have come except my family was worried sick."
She paused and pulled a piece of lint form her dress before continuing, "A message was dispatched to my parents when I was in route from Macaven to Coruscant saying that I had been wounded and the prognosis was uncertain. When I was strong enough it was decided that I should come home and spend some time with them."
He interrupted her, "You do not need to explain." She shook her head dismissing him, "Yes, Ben I do, please let me continue." He nodded his acceptance.
She continued, "My father's illness was not sudden and he should have stepped down months ago. I didn't know about it until I arrived. I am not the only heir, but my brother Bail is Alderaan's Viceroy and is serving a term in the Senate. Jade is still too young."
He crossed the room and sat down next to her and took her hand in his, "I would be lying if I told you I am thrilled with the idea of you leaving the Jedi order. Above anything else I want your happiness. You do what you must."
She pulled away from him and walked to the window. She stared out of it and said, "My happiness isn't a factor." She sighed, "I can not have what will make me happy." He replied, "You will find happiness again. You will be here with your family."
She sighed, "I was happy as a Jedi, I was happy with…so much is changed now." He remained silent and she continued looking out the window and said, "Maybe it is better this way. On Macaven I discovered I'm not the Jedi I thought I was."
He asked, "Why do you say that?" She shook her head, "I've never experienced another being that strong in the Force and it was disturbing. I was no match for the power of the dark side…"
Obi-Wan walked up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders and spoke softly to her, "You're wrong, no one could have gone through what you did without having doubts. You don't realize how strong you are."
She could feel his breath, warm and soft, on the back of her neck as he continued to speak, "The fact that you are alive and standing here right now is testament to your strength. You have an incredible understanding of the Force, and it makes you very strong."
She had tears forming in her eyes, "We were almost destroyed Ben." He turned her around to face him. He held her by the shoulders and looked into her eyes, "It was my fault; I should have sensed the danger. I should have sensed you needed me that night he took you, but I did not…I was too late…"
He pulled her into his arms and held her closely whispering, "Never doubt your abilities; leave the Jedi if you must to fulfill your obligation to Alderaan, but not because you doubt your abilities. You are a gifted Jedi. Your last effort to distract him was all I needed to get the upper hand. Your courage; your strength saved us both that day."
He drew back and cupped her face in his hands and looked in her eyes. The tears were there, glistening but they did not fall. He said, "I was terrified." His voice wavered, "I almost lost you."
The gravity of his words and the memory of their ordeal weighed down on him. Not trusting himself to speak anymore he leaned forward and kissed her. His lips closed over hers in a slow and gentle kiss.
She began to kiss him back and passion exploded between them. He pulled her into his embrace wrapping his arms around her and kissed her hungrily. She melted into him deepening the kiss and sliding her hands around his neck and shoulders.
Her fingers slid into his hair at the back of his neck. He groaned and pulled her tighter. They clung to each other desperately, knowing this could be the only time they would be able to share an intimate moment like this.
She was lost in feel of his arms, the closeness of his body to hers. She felt not only her own passion but his as well. He savored everything; she was so soft in his arms; her scent, her taste, it was intoxicating. He committed it all to memory.
Slowly she realized what this kiss meant it was an acknowledgement of their love and a farewell all in the same breath. They had no future. She drew away from him apologizing, "We can't…I can't do this." Her voice cracked, "I wish more than anything there was a way for us to be…to have a life together, but we both know there isn't."
She hurried out of the room so he did not see the tears beginning to fall. He was still reeling from the passion that they had shared. He was left with an indescribable longing and sadness.
Amira walked quickly down the hall to her room wiping the remnants of her tears away. Her mother was waiting for her when she stepped inside and closed the door. Lady Mara Organa said, "You look distressed Amira."
She replied, "Yes, I knew I was late for our meeting, my discussion withMaster Kenobi took longer than I thought." Her mother laughed, "Amira, I may not be a Jedi but I know the look of a woman who's been in the arms of her lover, especially my own daughter."
Amira tried to smile and shook her head, "Mother, we are not lovers...but I do love him." She sat down on the edge of her bed and sighed, "Obi-Wan and I have been very good friends for many years, since I first came to the Jedi Temple. As time progressed so did my feelings. This last mission was very difficult and it became impossible to deny what I felt."
Lady Organa sat down next to her daughter and said, "So does he love you?" Amira nodded, "Yes, I believe he does." Her mother asked, "What will you do?" Amira shook her head and said, "It is complicated, too complicated." Lady Organa replied, "That is the nature of love. You fall in love easily enough but from then on it can be very difficult."
Amira sighed and said, "I feel like we are treading impassible waters. The Jedi Code discourages it. We are not supposed to fall in love with each other. Our lives are dedicated to ensuring peace and justice in the Galaxy. Everything must focus on that. Loving each other can be dangerous, a liability if we let our feelings interfere with our duty."
Her mother nodded her head, "Well it seems to me that you cannot control falling in love. It may very well be your destiny. After all, we thought your destiny was to grow up on Alderaan and eventually succeed your father as its ruler. Instead your life took a very different path, one of your own choosing."
Amira gave her mother a halfhearted smile, "It wasn't all my choosing. I believe you and father were against it to begin with." Her mother nodded, "Yes, your father and I had a very difficult time with the prospect of you becoming a Jedi. However, we knew that you were special and eventually we came to understand that you needed to go where your abilities could be nurtured and honed. We are very proud of you."
Amira stood up and crossed the room saying, "And once again I have another duty to fulfill, to Alderaan and I don't have the luxury to follow my heart. All of Alderaan is expecting me to accept the crown."
She walked back and sat down in a chair facing her mother. Lady Organa spoke softly, "Perhaps he would give up being a Jedi to come here and be with you?" Amira shook her head, "and be consort to a Queen? No mother and I would not ask him to. Being a Jedi makes him who he is."
Lady Organa said, "I see." Amira said softly, "I cannot bear it, I cannot tell him goodbye, too go on without him in my life. He has been part of my life for so long."
Her mother replied, "Amira you have always been strong enough. Your Jedi Knight will remain in your heart and in time you may find a way to be together again. No one knows your destiny. Yes, right now Alderaan needs you, but your destiny may not always be rooted to Alderaan as it is now. I want you to be happy.I know your heart lies elsewhere."
"I don't think I can ever be a Jedi again" Amira sighed heavily and her mother came to kneel in front of her taking Amira's hands in hers and asked, "Why is that my daughter?"
She inhaled and exhaled deeply, "There is a dark power out there that terrifies me. It wants to destroy Obi-Wan and myself, perhaps all the Jedi; it nearly ended our lives on Macaven. It was very difficult to defeat."
Lady Organa softly caressed her daughter's hand, "But you did defeat it, and something tells me that the two of you did so because of your feelings for each other. It may have been more powerful than you, but together you beat it."
Amira shook her head, "No our feelings were a liability. The Sith fed off that, exploiting it to his advantage." Her mother smiled knowingly, "Really? Ask yourself, when you used your last bit of strength to hurl your weapon at it; was it solely because of your duty as a Jedi to defeat it?"
She was quiet for a moment than slowly realized the truth, "No it wasn't entirely out of duty…I did it because I love him and would have given my last breath to save him." Her mother smiled at her daughter and said, "So your love for each other was not a liability it made you strong enough to accomplish the impossible."
She nodded and slid from the chair to the floor into her mothers comforting arms. She whispered, "I am afraid we may always be hunted" Amira's mother held her daughter closely and asked, "There are others like the one you destroyed?" She replied, "There are always two, a master and apprentice." Her mother asked, "Why would they hunt you and Master Kenobi?"
Amira pulled away slightly from her mother and looked into her eyes, "Six years ago a Sith, Darth Maul, was dispatched to assassinate Queen Amidala of Naboo. Obi-Wan was still a Padawan then and he and his Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, were assigned to protect the Queen. They confronted Darth Maul in an intense battle but Qui-Gon was killed."
Her mother gasped, "How awful, what happened then?" Amira continued, "Obi-Wan in turn destroyedDarth Maul. The Sith on Macaven was there to assassinate Obi-Wan as revenge for killing his predecessor."
Amira paused for a moment and then continued, her voice lowering, "Now that Obi-Wan and I have destroyed him, it is possible that another will be dispatched to assassinate us…I have felt, since my encounter with the Sith, that they have a darker agenda. I believe they wish to cleanse the galaxy of all the Jedi"
Her mother inhaled sharply, "You can't be serious! He told you this?" Amira shook her head sadly and said, "No…I have felt it." Lady Organa pulled her daughter back into her embrace and replied, "I didn't know this danger existed for you."
Fighting back her tears Amira added, "I am afraid for the Jedi mother, I have felt the power of the dark side and it is formidable." Lady Organa asked, "Does Kenobi believe this too, about the Jedi being hunted."
She nodded, "I think so. We haven't spoken of it, but somehow I know he believes it too." Her mother felt chilled as she contemplated a Republic devoid of Jedi. She changed the subject and asked, "Does he know you are to become Queen? Amira nodded against her mother's shoulder, "He did not until he arrived here."
She moved to stand up and smooth the wrinkles in her gown, "I am going to be late. I need to meet with father before tonight's coronation." Lady Organa stood and fixed her own gown.
As Amira turned to leave her mother stopped her, "Darling, I know this decision was thrust upon you suddenly and so soon after your ordeal on Macaven, your father cannot possibly go on as King and you are the only one who can step in. I am sorry this means giving up your life as a Jedi, but perhaps if you are no longer a Jedi, it will keep you out of the way of the Sith and you will be safer this way."
Amira nodded sadly, "Yes, you are probably right but it will not keep Obi-Wan safe." She left the room. Lady Organa's heart ached for both her daughter and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Obi-Wan made his way out to the palace grounds having decided that the fresh air and tranquil surroundings of the gardens would help him think. He had to walk quite a distance into the gardens to get away from the hustle and bustle of the coronation activities.
He found a quiet alcove in the corner of the gardens. Vines and large overhanging trees, flowers of all colors and types surrounded the area. In the center stood a small fountain encircled by stone benches.
It was sufficiently secluded and was an excellent spot to meditate. He sat on one of the stone benches and stared at the fountain. He was thinking of leaving Alderaan before the coronation took place.
He was finding it impossible to be happy for Amira especially because he knew she was not happy. He wanted her to remain a Jedi, to remain in his life. Staying here to watch her assume a new life served little purpose now.
After tonight when she became Queen and was no longer a Jedi she would be safer, but their time together would be at an end. Leaving now would spare him the pain of saying goodbye but it would be selfish and do nothing to ease his sadness.
He decided to postpone leaving at least until he could talk with her, wish her well and say his goodbyes. He began to meditate. It did not last long. Lady Mara Organa approached him and asked, "Master Kenobi I hope I am not disturbing you."
He rose immediately and bowed to her, "Not at all. What can I do for you my lady?" She asked, "May I sit here?" He motioned for her to sit, "I believe this is your garden my lady."
She laughed, "No, it actually belongs to the people of Alderaan but I do use it from time to time, please sit." She folded her hands in her lap and said, "It is beautiful here is it not?"
He nodded, "Yes it certainly is. Princess Amira spoke of home often and yet I never really knew how beautiful it was." Lady Organa asked, "So you have known my daughter since she came to the Jedi Temple?"
He replied, "Yes, she was very young but quite skilled. She left an immediate impression on me. She ran right into me while racing to class. I had to help her off the floor." He smiled at the memory. Lady Organa laughed, "She did have a habit of that, how gallant of you to help her up."
She continued, "Amira raced around the Palace from the time she learned to walk. She was a brilliant child who never seemed to get any where on time…You know her father was not pleased that she wanted to become a Jedi. You can imagine what a shock it was to learn that the future Queen of Alderaan wanted to run off and become a Jedi Knight.
She smiled at the memory and continued, "He thought about forbidding it, but I had known for a long time that she was special and if we forbade her she would never realize her full potential and might come to resent us for it. I eventually persuaded the King to let her go."
He nodded, "That was a very brave decision as parents. Normally Force sensitive children are identified and removed from their parents as infants. I suppose Amira was identified late because of her status as heir to the throne."
Lady Organa sighed, "I knew the day she was born that she was special. I kept it to myself even though I knew she could not be taken from us. I worried that the Jedi would find out about her after her brothers were born but they never tested any of our children. She sought out the Jedi when they came to Alderaan looking for Force sensitive children. She wanted more than anything to train at the Temple."
He replied, "I can only tell you that she worked hard and became a very skilled and powerful. She had a good life there." Lady Organa asked, "What do you think of my daughter's decision to become Alderaan's Queen?"
He shook his head and said, "I'm sure it was the wisest thing for her to do under the circumstances." Lady Organa asked, "How do you feel about it personally; if I may ask?"
He took a moment before he answered, "I can only hope that the decision she made was not too difficult and did not cause her too much pain or sorrow. The Jedi will lose a gifted knight and I will lose my dearest friend."
Lady Organa replied, "Master Kenobi you will not lose her, she will remain in your heart and you in hers. She may have committed herself to Alderaan for now, but I know my daughter and she is not likely to forget you. One day she may be free to take up the ways of the Jedi again."
He shook his head, "I really cannot blame her if she left her life as a Jedi and never looked back. I fear our encounter on Macaven has left a deep scar." Lady Organa nodded, "How could it not, this dark one, a Sith you call it, he torturedher and came very close to killing both of you."
He looked away and nodded sadly, "Yes he was very powerful…I was not in time to prevent what happened to her. I would have given my life to spare your daughter from that pain."
She looked approvingly at him for the first time since sitting down, "Yes, I believe you would have." She continued, "Master Kenobi, do you love my daughter?" He answered, "Yes of course, she is an important part of my life, my friend."
She looked at him and smiled, "Let me rephrase; are you in love with my daughter?" He paused for a moment and then answered, "Yes my lady." She replied, "Her decision must be most painful."
He simply nodded without saying a word. Lady Organa placed her hand on his shoulder and said, "I believe you share a destiny with my daughter. Do not forget her now that she must travel a different path, the path will change as it invariably does and she will need you or you her…Your love for each other will play a vital role in the future of the galaxy."
He turned to face her. He was sensing that there was more to Lady Mara Organa than many people knew. He replied, "I cannot forget her, she is part of me." She replied, "I wanted to meet you while I had the chance. Things are going to get very hectic here in the coming hours and I might not have had an opportunity to speak with you."
She moved to get up and he stood offering his hand to help her, saying, "It was my pleasure, I can see where the Princess gets her lovely spirit." She acknowledged his complement, "Thank you Master Kenobi, Amira does indeed take after me in many ways." She smiled and strode out of the alcove. He remained to finish meditating.