Chapter 6

There were days in which he fully understood Master Kenobi in keeping Anakin Skywalker down on earth. The boy could be a pain in the neck. If there was anything that did not went well for the Padawan he instantly started to act childish and foolish, mostly in addition to grumbling.

And it was often enough the Chancellor to listen to Anakin's grumblings. Of course Anakin's disliking on a few of the Order's most important tasks would be very welcome when turning him later, but that day was yet far away- and sometimes he was wondering if this day would finally come at all!

Tonight the Padawan was mocking on Kenobi's concern about his so called attachment to a certain senator, formerly Queen to Naboo, Padme Amidala.

Fact was Anakin had not seen nor spoken to Amidala since he had been 9 years old; nonetheless the Padawan was admiring her and seemed to be obviously in love.

In love to a person he doesn't know. Amidala is no girl anymore, but a woman. A respected senator I need to add. She wouldn't even feel flattered…, would she?

He sighed and took a deep sip from his wine. Alcohol made this evening as all the others with Anakin easier to stand.

Sometimes it felt to him like parentage not mentorship anymore, but that would also lead him to forbidden paths since attachment was not well seen at the Sith Order as well. It was accepted, yes, as a necessity, but every Sith was told to keep it low, even to his or her own family.

He was no spouse, no father; he was nothing to anyone. His very own family members were just a few far related ones back on Naboo to which he did not stay in touch with. A few months ago his cousin Valpaun passed by. When He had learnt he ordered his body back to Naboo, but he was not present at his funeral.

There has been no connection once, there will be none. In this case I'm like Anakin. I have nobody to call family beside my order. Different is he craves for one, I do not!

"Sir? You ok?"

Palpatine recognized that he had indeed shut his eyes and had a little nap while his young visitor had still went on in his stories.

"I'm sorry, my young friend, but I had not had time to calm down and rest lately. Days in office are long and here, at home,…" he sighed apologetically.

"You're not married, are you? Or have been?"

Surprised about this more than personal question made him open his mouth. The boy had not dare to ask him such before; he didn't seemed to be interested in it though, so why now that question?

Palpatine forced a little smile on his lips.

"Well" he hesitated as if looking for the perfect words although these were already chosen, "No, I'd never been. I'd also never been engaged nor living with my partner in life. Why are you asking?"

"You're sad…all the time I'd known you, Sir" the teenager replied shyly, "First I'd thought it was just a matter of time, but that feeling had worsen a lot in the last few years."

"Indeed? Has it?" Palpatine was not even aware of owning such regret or sadness, but nonetheless the Padawan was the opinion to feel somewhat related to these.

Nonsense!

"I'm sorry if I'd been…"

"No, no, Anakin, go on" the Chancellor requested the young boy, "You're one of the very few that are still honest to me. I appreciate it…"

Anakin hesitated a few heart beats long. He seemed not to be sure if daring to speak freely at all or if it was just an offer the Chancellor told him to only be friendly and open.

"Well,…you'd never seen with any female…within the last years."

"Sly Moore…"

"She isn't that female, is she?"

"I see, now I know what you're telling me: female companionship?" Palpatine tried to leave that frozen smile on his lips.

"Companionship or relationship. May I speak freely?"

The Chancellor chuckled: "I thought you already did."

I suppose I do know by now what you're about to say. I'd heard the rumours about me too: I was supposed to be gay or probably impotent, since I refuse to date for years.

Honestly I haven't dated because I didn't want to become involved in any rumours, but sadly this made me an issue!

Out of a sudden the boy seemed to be ashamed because talking about something personal that was not actual his business quite openly. Nonetheless Palpatine did not feel uncomfortable at all; it was just a little confusing to him discussing such subjects with a barely grown up!

Anakin is 16. What can a 16 year old teenager teach me? Especially a Padawan?

Finally Anakin decided to go on: "People were talking a lot, Sire,…but I'm sure you're well aware of that…but that is probably because they haven't seen you with females at all. Is there…uhm…anyone?"

Palpatine forced that smile to stretch his lips to a grin: "Well, yes I hadn't been seen with female companionship for a long time, but,…well, no, that doesn't mean there is not anyone for me. I personally prefer to keep my private life a secret. It might be hard to understand but,…living in relationships at my age and especially in my position is quite a challenge."

"So there is someone. A female?"

Palpatine just felt himself nodding as an answer.

And who is this supposed to be??