Chapter Eleven

Must...tell...his Master.

But first, he must be able to cross that overly-crowded dance floor. A feat in itself if he were entirely sober.

Nevertheless, it's something he has to do. If only his Master knew Padme Amidala was in love with him, he was sure it would make a huge difference! Didn't his Master once tell him he considered Padme to be one the bravest and honest women he has ever known? That was a long time ago, but surely his Master's opinion hadn't changed.

And during those rare moments when Obi-Wan lost control of his serenity, when the Senate had made what he considered to be a bad decision - when he called every senator he could name a son-of-a-sith, he never mentioned Senator Amidala's name, not once.

His Master didn't like politicians. Didn't trusted them.

But he trusted Padme. He had said so.

Could he like her as well? Was it possible he loved her?

Anakin had been by the man's side for seven years. He knew Obi-Wan better than anyone, and Anakin realized that if his Master was in love with Padme, he would never admit it. Not without knowing Padme shared his feelings.

Which is why Anakin had to tell him.

If only the floor would stop shifting beneath his feet.

He had a bad feeling about this. Negotiating through this bumping, gyrating mob was like trying to rescue his Master from those clawing, nabbing gundarks. Perhaps if he used his lightsaber, he could get through more easily.

Okay. Bad idea.

But beyond his reach, and out of voice range for sure, Obi-Wan was escorting his voluptuous young companion away from the crowd and out onto the balustrade - the dimly lit, lavishly decorated, romantic balustrade.

Must...hurry.

The young man continued to bump his way through the rhythmically jerking and rotating bodies with an occasional slurred, "Scuse me," and cleared a path just in time to see his Master tenderly cup the young woman's face and lower his mouth to hers. Her dark hair obscured the kiss, but it was obvious to Anakin that his Master was making out with the much-too-young niece of Master Windu.

"Nooooooo!" he exclaimed, only realizing his effort was in vain. The music was far too loud for anyone to hear his agonized plea.

He was going to be sick. And it wasn't due to the alcohol he had consumed.

A glance to his left revealed the Organas clinking their wine glasses together, both wearing these ridiculously besotted grins upon their faces. Did they not realize what was going on? This was a sign! It was the end of the Galaxy! All would be consumed by fire and grief!

Another glance to his right didn't provide much hope either. There was Mace Windu, all serene and serious as usual, nodding his head in full lecture mode, facing a petite young female who bore a striking resemblance to Anakin's earlier dance partner.

What the hell?

A command from Master Windu sent his conversation companion toward Anakin, and once again, the young man's world began to spin.

"Just who I was wanting to see!," Delphi flipped her dark hair over her shoulder, a broad, flirtatious smile lighting her face. "Come on. I need your help."

"Wait, wait a sec..." Anakin stammered, gathering his jumbled thoughts. "Do you have a twin sister?"

"No, silly. You're drunk. Good. That'll make things much more fun. Maybe you can get me a drink as well. Uncle Mace won't let me near the bar."

"Stop...stop talking! You're talking too much." No more. No more drinking, Anakin inwardly declares as he grabs his head to stop it from spinning. "Who...if you're here...then who...who's out there?"

A hand flung toward the open balcony doors reveals nothing but flickering candles and a dark, empty space. Now it's Delphi's turn to look confused.

"Come on, you have to help me."

"I'm not dancing. I can't."

"Not that silly. I want you to introduce me to someone." Delphi's cool hand was on Anakin's overheated skin, rotating him around to where a group of Masters were conferring near the banquet tables.

"See that Jedi over there? The one with the long tentacles."

"Master Fisto?" Anakin supplied.

"Yes. That's the one. Kit Fisto, and he's a Master as well." Delphi cooed followed by a seductive grin. "Introduce me to him."

"Are you serious?" Were they even compatible? Did it matter?

"Absolutely!" Delphi exclaimed, lightly punching Anakin in the arm. "I like his smile and I bet he is amazing in the water."

"That's the last time, Breha. No more of your matchmaking schemes."

"Oh, Bail, you know it was worth it."

The royal couple from Alderaan touched their wine glasses together before exchanging loving glances and a single kiss.

"How did he take the news?" Breha asked, watching the new lovers stroll arm in arm out through Grand Hall exit.

"Like most men do when they find out a beautiful woman actually loves them. He was in shock. Grateful, but in shock. How did you know?"

"That he is in love with her as well?" Breha answered her husband's question with one of her own, reveling in her moment of glory. "I'm a woman. It was obvious."

"Enough said," Bail replied with a smile, gathering his wife closer for another brief kiss.