The high chancellor thrust his finger in the page’s face. “See here, I want to know where they are. Now!” His round cheeks flushed with anger, the Umdallan’s words echoed through the banquet hall, causing the elaborate chandelier overhead to chime as though stirred by a breeze.
“H-high Chancellor Arckes, I-I will go and check the hangar again.” The page, a boy no more than ten years of age, trembled, beads of sweat trickling down his gaunt face. Gray eyes searched Arckes’s for any sign of compassion. There were none. “Right away.” He bowed hastily and scurried out the door.
Arckes sank into his thickly padded chair. “Your highness, I apologize for my tone. Perhaps now we shall see results.”
Princess Adia sighed inwardly. Why must he always throw his weight around like that? “Of course. You actions are understandable. Completely. Say no more about it.” Her dark blue eyes closed briefly as she summoned the strength needed for the rest of the evening. Dinner. Small talk. Polite good-byes. Adia wished she could sink into the floor and disappear. But the heir to the throne must bear all social functions, no matter how boring, with grace and dignity.
“Here they are!” The page had returned, trailed by two men clad in nearly identical garb; white tunics, white pants, dusty-colored brown robes and black belts. Dangling from the belts were lightsabers.
The younger of the two men watched everything with undisguised interest, taking in his surroundings as though cataloguing them for later review. When he saw Princess Adia, however, the interest chanced from clinical to personal. Her coppery hair was pulled back and held up, yet was still long enough to spill past her shoulders, bare in the revealing white gown. A black jeweled necklace adorned her pale, slender throat and matching earrings reflected the artificial glow of the overhead chandeliers. She had a delicate elegance about her that the harsh make-up on her youthful face failed to disguise, an innocence glowing from her very soul. She is gorgeous!
Adia rose regally, every motion refined by years of studying proper etiquette and social behavior. “Welcome.” The false smile turned sincere upon spotting the young Jedi. Something about his faint smile and intense blue eyes made her happy to be at the before-dreaded meeting. Protocol dictated that she address his companion first. “Master Qui Gon Jinn.” She bowed slightly, mindful of her gown’s plunging neckline. Adia’s gaze turned back to the younger Jedi. “Welcome, Obi-Wan Kenobi.” How stupid of me! I can feel my heart beating faster just saying his name. “I am honored by your presence.” The princess gestured toward the rotund man seated to her right. “This is High Chancellor Arckes, my advisor.”
“It is an honor,” Arckes responded with a broad, toothy grin.
It was all Obi-Wan could do not to laugh at the excessive display of politeness. Knowing Qui Gon would not approve of his apprentice laughing at the High Chancellor of Umdalla, he contented himself with watching Princess Adia while Qui Gon replied to the official welcome. “It is an honor for us as well, your highness. Chancellor Velorum regrets that he was unable to come himself; however, situations arose which has to be dealt with by him personally.”
Adia inclined her head. “Of course. Completely understandable.” They all sat down at the expensive table inlaid with rare Axesan wood and continued the meal almost entirely in silence, save the occasional proper small talk. Any diplomat would have dubbed the meeting was a complete success.
Just before the Jedi were scheduled to depart, the page rushed into the dining hall, face flushed from running. “Princess! There is an-an acid torrent on the way. No ships may leave the planet tonight.”
Adia felt a surge of happiness but quickly pushed it aside. “The two of you will have to stay the night. I apologize for the inconvenience, but there is no predicting the torrents. The page will make up rooms for you. Again, I am truly sorry for the inconvenience.” But she wasn’t. In fact, Adia was inordinately pleased that Obi-Wan would be under her roof for the night. Get ahold of yourself, Adia, this is ridiculous!
The young Jedi, who could sense Adia’s rising spirits, wondered if her mood was lightened for the same reason his did. Now there is a chance I can get to know her.
Qui Gon glanced sharply at his apprentice. The boy was still poor at hiding his feelings. The Jedi only hoped Obi-Wan’s infatuation with the girl wouldn’t cause an interstellar incident. “I am honored by our offer, highness, and accept gratefully.”
“Wonderful! High Chancellor Arckes, will you show them to their rooms, please?”
“Yes, Princess! Of course.” The portly man grinned again and rose from the table.
Obi-Wan rose to follow Qui Gon, then paused, staring hopefully at Princess Adia. “Highness, might I get a tour of the grounds before retiring? Doubtless there won’t be time in the morning.”
A glowing smile lit her face. “Certainly. I’ll give you one myself. I could use a walk after that delicious dinner. High Chancellor, Master Qui Gon, I shall see you in the morning.” As the departed, she held her hand out to Obi-Wan. “We go.”
Qui Gon whispered quickly in his apprentice’s ear, “Remember who she is. And who you are.”
Blushing a bit, Obi-Wan took Adia’s hand gently in his and allowed her to lead him outside. Being so close to her made it harder to control emotions. She smelled faintly of vanilla and flowers and her skin seemed to glow in the barely-there light of the garden.
After a moment of indecision, Adia asked quietly, “Would it be alright if I wash my face?” He nodded, unsure how to respond to the request. Smiling again, Adia knelt beside the nearby creek and splashed water on her face until it was clear of make-up, wiping the water away with the hem of her dress. When she turned to face Obi-Wan again she looked even more stunning than before, her natural beauty far surpassing anything the cosmetics could produce. Outside the protective dome surrounding the palace and its gardens, acid rain fell, creating steady, soothing background music. “That’s better.”
She clasped Obi-Wan’s hand again. Adia couldn’t stand the thought of losing contact completely. “My mother started these gardens before she died. She imported plants from all corners of the galaxy. Gardening was her passion. Now father hires people to keep it up. Soon I’ll be hiring them.” No sadness colored the statement, only reason.
Obi-Wan wondered whether her detachment came from her acceptance of facts or long training to conceal her true feelings. “Will you miss him?”
“No. I hardly know him.” Adia laughed softly. “I know the maids better than I know my father. He wants it that way. He has been dying since before I was born. He didn’t want me to get too attached.” Adia sat down unceremoniously on the nearest bench, a stone affair sporting high, sculptured sides. “But he’s my father.” For the first time, her regret gave way to true sadness and tears filled the princess’s eyes. She kept her gaze on the ground before her. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” Obi-Wan hesitantly sat down beside Adia, gently putting his arm around her shoulders. “I want you to be able to talk to me. About anything.”
Glistening storm-gray eyes met his. She allowed a small smile to twist the edges of her full lips. “You know, I hear that a lot. But no one else says it because they mean it. They just want to get on the princess’s good side.”
With his free hand, Obi-Wan wiped away Adia’s tears. Unwilling to pull the hand away, he traced the line of her cheek with his fingers. “I mean it. You have a light inside you. I could tell from the moment I saw you.”
“It doesn’t matter, though. I am supposed to smile, be polite and do whatever Arckes tells me.” A self-deprecating laugh escaped her. “Any light I have inside will have to stay right where it is.”
“It shouldn’t be that way.” His hand moved behind her neck, pulling her closer. Qui Gon’s warning repeated itself over in his mind. Remember who she is. And who you are. But so close to Adia, the words held no meaning. His eyes asking silently for permission to continue, the Jedi leaned forward.
Adia’s mind was inundated with conflicting desires. She wanted to feel his lips on hers more than anything, but years of diplomatic training and conduct lessons warned her against allowing the liaison to proceed any further. Rejecting all the brainwashing foisted on her, Adia tilted her head and breathlessly awaited her first kiss. Within the space of a few heartbeats, their lips met. Both seemed unsure of precisely what to do. Instead they let their hearts guide them, instinct covering what experience lacked.
When the kiss ended, Obi-Wan and Adia spent several moments simply staring into each others’ eyes. The world around them vanished, melted away until they were alone in the universe.
Or almost alone.
“Obi-Wan!” The young Jedi wheeled around at the sound of Qui Gon’s voice echoing through the garden. “Come here for a moment.”
“Yes, Master.” Obi-Wan released his hold on Adia and hurried over to Qui Gon. “What is it?”
The older man raised his eyebrows. “You think I don’t know exactly what is happening out here? Hmm? I hasn’t been that long since I was young myself. And you radiate your emotions through the Force. Did you somehow misunderstand my earlier warning?”
“No, Master. I-I understood.”
“Then you ignored it?”
“No! Yes. I-I suppose.”
“You suppose? So you aren’t even certain what you’ve done?”
Obi-Wan stared fixedly at the ground. “I know.”
“And what have you done? Enlighten me.”
Fighting down feelings of anger and shame, Obi-Wan replied, “I have fallen in love.”
“No, my young padawan, you have fallen in lust. Equally as consuming but not nearly as long-lasting. Adia is a beautiful young woman. You want her. Fine. But you must learn to control such impulses.” Qui Gon held his apprentice by the shoulders. “She is a princess, destined to rule this planet once her father crosses over. She-”
Obi-Wan looked into Qui Gon’s eyes and hoped his mentor would se his true feelings there. Love, not lust, guided him. “How can you know her destiny? How can you know Adia isn’t meant to be with me?”
The Jedi’s eyes softened but his resolve stayed firm. “I know much that you have yet to learn, Obi-Wan. You must learn to trust my advice. What you feel for Adia may seem like it could conquer any obstacle, but what about when you must leave tomorrow? And you must leave. There is no question about that. She must stay. Will this love you feel endure a lifetime of separation?”
Obi-Wan’s eyes strayed to Adia. She sat on the bench, watching him. When Adia saw him looking at her, she managed a reassuring smile bright enough to make him melt inside. “I hope it will.” He shook his head. “I wish I could promise you that I will leave tomorrow and act as if Adia is just another dignitary. I can’t. I know you don’t believe it, but I love her. I will do everything in my power to make sure tomorrow is not the last time I see her. Please say you understand. I need for you to understand.”
The elder Jedi released his grip on Obi-Wan’s shoulders. “I do understand. More than you’ll ever know.” He glanced over at Adia. “Go. Spend what time you have left together.” And Qui Gon went back inside.
Feeling both relieved and worried, Obi-Wan returned to Adia’s side. In the back of his mind, he wondered if all in his power would be enough to keep the moonlit garden from being the last place they were alone together. “He won’t be back.” Obi-Wan smiled at the princess, pulling her close again. “We have a bit more time.”
“And tomorrow you’ll leave, probably forever.” Adia laid her head on his chest and sighed. “I don’t want tomorrow to come.”
“I should not have beaten you. Not with that move,” Qui Gon admonished his apprentice. “You were distracted. Again.”
“I’m sorry, Master.” Obi-Wan sat down on a nearby chair. “It’s just . . . it’s been three months! I can’t stand being away from her.”
“That is the price you pay for love. Pain and love often walk the same path. Now focus. We’ll go again-” the informal beep signaling an incoming communication cut him off, “after I answer that.” Qui Gon clicked on the intercom. “Yes?”
“Chancellor Velorum has requested your presence at a meeting with Viceroy B’a’ru of Milrea. Also, he has asked that your apprentice show the viceroy’s wife around the city.”
“I was unaware that the viceroy is married.”
“Yes. He recently wed Adia Hurst’e’a of Umdalla. You are to report to conference room A. The queen will meet your apprentice there.”
“Understood.” Qui Gon rose and studied Obi-Wan’s face. He looked every bit as pale and pained as the Jedi had expected. He had felt his apprentice’s violent shock at the news of Adia’s marriage. “I am sorry. The was no way to refuse the chancellor’s request.”
“Yes. Yes, of course.” Knowing nothing he said could make Obi-Wan feel any better, Qui Gon headed off to meet with the viceroy. “Married . . .” The door chimed. “Just a minute.” Obi-Wan briefly tried to center himself, then gave up and answered the door.
Adia looked older than before. Her light had dimmed, and her eyes spoke of the toll her new responsibilities had taken. She hurriedly waved away her accompanying guard. “I-I wanted to see you.”
A thousand half-thoughts flooded Obi-Wan’s mind and fought for the night to be spoken first. “I’m supposed to show you around the city.”
“That was the only way I could think of to get to see you.” All-too-familiar tears obscured her dark gray eyes. “I’ve missed you so-”
“You’re married.”
A nod of confirmation.
“You love him?”
A negative shake.
“Why?” A million questions bound together in a single word. Three months of longing fueled by one night of memories laid bare. “Why?”
Tears flowing freely now, Adia checked to be sure the door had closed behind her. “My father arranged it. I had no choice.” Her tone became desperate. “Please don’t hate me! I couldn’t live with myself if you did. Tell me you don’t hate me.”
Unable to hold back a moment longer, Obi-Wan pulled Adia into a passionate embrace. He showered kisses across her face and down her neck, eventually lingering on her lips. “I could never hate you. I love you.”
“Take me away.” Desperation gave her a wild, frantic appearance. “I don’t love him. I don’t want to spend my life being nothing more than some aging diplomat’s only chance at an heir!”
“But how? I have to finish my training. Master Qui Gon-”
“I know.” Adia took a step back and dried her tears. “I’m sorry. I should go. I’ll say I . . . have a headache. We leave this afternoon. I’m sorry.” The door hissed open.
“Adia, wait!”
The door hissed shut.
For a moment, time stood still. Obi-Wan knew he could either run down the hall after the woman he loved and throw away his future, give up all hope of ever becoming a Jedi Master, or he could stand as he was, let Adia leave with her husband and never see her again. Conscious of every tiny sensation, every useless muscle twinge and mental spasm trying to thwart his efforts, Obi-Wan stood where he was.
“Wait!” Obi-Wan ran toward Viceroy Ba’a’ru and his wife as they ascended the gangplank of their transport.
The viceroy’s pale orange eyes narrowed. “Young Jedi, is there a problem? I have been informed our departure is cleared.” None of the severe wrinkles on his pale blue face resembled laugh lines.
“I-I . . . Could I speak to your wife for a moment?”
“A briefmoment, Jedi. We have other meetings awaiting us.”
“Of course.” He politely took Adia’s hand and led her a few feet away. Though a greater portion of his mind wanted to hold her close and promise never to let her go again, Obi-Wan knew better than to try anything so rash until he knew it to be necessary. “Adia . . . I should have run after you.”
She bit her lower lip to control the overwhelming emotions. “No. No, you were right.” Adia’s eyes never left the ground. “There isn’t a place for us. There never was.” She glanced back at the viceroy, who pointedly tapped his wrist chrono. “I have to go. I . . . no, I won’t. It isn’t fair. To either of us. Good-bye.”
“Please, Adia-”
She dropped his hand. “Good-bye. I won’t forget you.”
Obi-Wan knew that there had to be a certain, perfect combination of words that would make her stay, some magic spell he could cast. But if the words were indeed out there, Obi-Wan didn’t know them. “Don’t leave.”
A wistful smile, never touching the sad eyes. “In another life . . .” Adia turned away, murmured something to her husband and boarded the transport. She never looked back.
“Obi-Wan!” Qui Gon walked across the docking bay as Adia’s transport lifted off. “Come on back to the room. You need more practice.” He lowered his voice and put a hand on his apprentice’s shoulder. “And something to help you forget.”
“I will never forget.”
“No, but you will move on. Someday this pain will seem far away and long ago. Someday those happy memories will help you move forward, give you strength to go on instead of holding you back. Trust me.”
“I do.”