Chapter 5

Jessamyn and Beru were fawning over the bridesmaid's dress. Jess was to wear it in the upcoming ceremony, and she was modeling it so Shmi could make the final alterations.

"Who would've thought it, Jessamyn Lars, space pirate, wearing a pink gown in her step-cousin's wedding," Beru teased.

"Savor it, sister, 'cause it ain't happening again," Jessamyn laughed as Shmi marked the hem. She was glad to be able to take Beru's mind off her recent ordeal, if only for a little while.

Padme had awakened from her nap and checked the chronometer. Her eyes widened. She'd slept almost the entire afternoon away. Jumping from bed, she ran to the refresher for a quick shower. She had to meet with Senator Bail Organa in about two hours. Why did Obi-Wan let me sleep so long? she thought as she washed her hair. I'm sure he knew about our meeting. She knew about his on leave assignment, for him and Anakin to work with the Senatorial Loyalist Committee as much as possible, and to be discreet about it.

She was just putting her soft brown up into a serviceable knot when she heard the door open and close and knew Obi-Wan had returned.

"Did you give me a Force sleep suggestion?" she called out from the bedroom, mock sternly. "That's the only way to explain why I slept so long this afternoon."

He was distracted as he came into the bedroom where she was putting on her earbobs. Her smile faded when she saw the look on his face. "Obi-Wan, can you talk about it?" she asked gently.

"No, I'm afraid not, love, but I can tell you this," he said soberly. "Anakin's sister-in-law is here."

"On Coruscant?"

"No, here in the Jedi Temple. She's staying with Shmi for the time being. Something terrible has happened to her, I fear."

Padme nodded. "I sense it too. If it's as bad as I fear, then she could be here for the long haul." She took a deep breath and then changed the subject. "Do you want to ride with me to Bail's office tonight where the meeting's supposed to be?"

"No, I think I'll stay in tonight and meditate for a while. Besides, I should be discreet about this new assignment, Angel, and showing up with you at the Senate building wouldn't exactly be discreet." He smiled tiredly.

Her eyes softened even more and she made her way over to him, slipping her arms around him and kissing him softly. Just as they were beginning to enjoy it, she heard a beeping from her comlink. "Duty calls," she murmured against his lips.

"Of course. Let me know what happens at the meeting." He kissed her one last time and watched as she walked out of the bedroom. A moment later, he heard the door to the apartment close softly and knew he was alone.

Darth Sidious narrowed his eyes at the blue image before him. "You and your lust for your nephew's wife has almost ruined everything," he snarled. "She's now taking refuge in the Jedi Temple."

"That's too bad," Kent Lars said. "That little whore ran and hid behind her mother-in-law's skirts."

"Enough!" Sidious snapped. "I have an assignment for you, my friend. One that's more important than your lust for that young woman."

"What would that be, my lord?"

"I want you to kill Anakin Skywalker's wife, Senator Lara Naberrie. She will be remaining on Naboo after their honeymoon, but will be coming back to Coruscant for the fall session of Congress. Assassinate her then, and Skywalker will be perfect for luring to the darkside of the Force. Once you do that, you'll be able to snatch the object of your lust."

"Yes, my lord." The transmission went dead, and Darth Sidious smiled evilly.

Enjoy your marriage and honeymoon, Skywalker, he thought to himself. Because it will be the beginning of the end for you. The Chosen One will be a Sith Lord soon.