The Empire

Part One: The Jedi Prince

A/N: The Empire, by Cariel and Jody, is written in three parts, beginning with the far more innocent days of the Skywalker Dynasty in order to set the stage for the tragedy that inevitably unfolds. Packed full of cultural misunderstandings, questions of morality, and searching for identity, it is bloody without being gruesome and deals with adult situations and topics that may be unfit for younger readers. For good or for evil, Anakin and Dormé are volatile together, bringing out the best and the worst in each other which you will come to see in this unique novel-length AU fic.

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Prince Anakin Skywalker, son of Shmi Bhraj Skywalker and Qui-Gon Jinn, adopted son of Emperor Cliegg Skywalker, was not only the Crown Prince of the Coruscanti Empire, but also the manifestation of an ancient Jedi prophecy. Politics was never a favourite for the young prince who preferred action to diplomacy, but he tolerated it because it was expected of him. This evening, politics was the furtheset thing on his mind as he joined his friend onto the stone ledge that overlooked the lake beyond. Though he wasn’t fond of great bodies of water—in truth, they terrified the Tatooine native—he could tolerate it when he was distracted, which in this case, was his childhood crush, Queen Amidala.

Padmé ascended the throne after her mother’s death during the Separatist occupation of Naboo five years ago. It was during that time when Anakin first met his father, Qui-Gon Jinn and began training as a Jedi under the tutelage of his half-brother Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Currently, the young queen, like Anakin’s mother and stepfather, had just completed a series of complicated meetings pertaining to the Naboo-Coruscanti alliance and their relations with the Neimodians. While the empire and the Nabooan kingdom had always been in allegiance when it came to matters pertaining to the spice trade, matters, at times, could become intense. However today, the meetings went along without too much trouble and now in an act of good will, the Naboo Royal house had invited the young prince and his family to join them for dinner and an evening at Varykino, a grand cottage that bordered a mansion in the lake country of Naboo.

Anakin was relieved that he didn’t have to attend any of meetings and was more than relieved that he was able to spend much of his time on Naboo training with Obi-Wan instead. For now, the Jedi Knight was attending a meeting of another sort -with the elders of the Jedi Order back in Theed. Anakin didn’t need to ask his brother what it was about, for it usually pertained to his progress and training, which the Jedi prince was proud to learn, was progressing far ahead of schedule.

Unfortunately, while his skills with the Force was formidable, his levels of maturity left much to be desired. The young prince was quite spoiled and there were few people who didn’t encourage this in one way or another, namely his brother. Even before his father’s sudden death at the hands of a Sith lord—whom was later killed by Obi-Wan—Anakin was considered the favoured of the two boys. Despite the scandal of his mother’s illicit relationship with the Jedi Knight, Anakin’s stepfather Cliegg Skywalker had graciously accepted the boy as though he were his own. Anakin Skywalker was destined for great things and would never know or understand hardship. Yet the young boy didn’t see it this way and was prone to being moody and temperamental if matters didn’t work in his favour.

He quietly studied the young queen with silent intensity that she would often tease him about. Having just completed an enjoyable and private dinner with the young queen, the fifteen-year-old was confident that tonight would be the perfect opportunity to share his first kiss with the beautiful Naboo queen. Even the Force was in agreement with this assessment, or so Anakin believed, for the moons were both full—lovers moons she once told him—and the stars shone brighter than usual, causing the water ahead to sparkle and shine. Even Anakin couldn’t ignore the beauty of this moment.

‘Lovely isn’t it, Ani?’ Padmé breathed as though reading the Padawan’s thoughts.

The young prince nodded as his eyes drifted to her. A more perfect moment, he couldn’t have imagined if he tried. Feeling her eyes briefly settle on him, the Jedi prince gave a shy smile as he gently reached out to brush his fingers against her bare arm. ‘It is,’ he murmured back in reply. Had the young prince been more in tune with the queen’s emotions, he would have immediately sensed her rising confusion and concern, but his thoughts were elsewhere and, as such, this was entirely missed.

‘Ani?’ she softly asked in warning obviously questioning his actions.

This was hardly what Anakin registered as he mistook her statement as shy encouragement. His shy smile faded and grew serious as Anakin leant in, feeling her watching him closely. But as he leant in to steal a taste of her lips, the prince found his lips not touching hers, rather the space she once inhabited.

‘Anakin Skywalker, what in the name of the gods do you think you’re doing?’

Reality always did have a way of interfering with dreams like nothing else. Caught completely off guard, Anakin was entirely speechless and could only stare at her in disbelief. The queen, on the other hand, was not and she frowned in obvious displeasure.

‘You can’t just kiss a girl without knowing if she even likes you. Surely your training with the Jedi has taught you to read emotions,’ she continued in quiet but firm tones.

The young prince furrowed his brow trying to shield his thoughts despite knowing Padmé wasn’t Force sensitive. ‘I wouldn’t have tried if I wasn’t certain that you shared my love,’ he softly replied as he struggled to ignore his aching heart.

The older maiden’s expression softened at his words marking her gentle understanding of the young teenager’s crush. ‘I’m sorry, Ani, but it was never my intention to give you such an impression. I care about you, that is true, but you are too much like a little brother—’ she began.

‘But we’re to marry one day!’ Anakin cut in trying desperately to have her see things his way.

Padmé glanced away at his words and through the Force, even Anakin couldn’t ignore the sadness felt from her. ‘Just because are expected to marry, doesn’t mean we are meant for each other. It just means we’re fulfilling the political duties and responsibilities demanded of us,’ the Naboo queen stated softly.

Pulling the hood of her cloak over her head, she was able to obscure her features from the Jedi prince, but not her emotions. Suddenly, all the signs he was meant to see but couldn’t because of his arrogance, became painfully clear. ‘Do you not feel anything for me? Nothing at all?’ Anakin asked in a barely audible whisper. ‘Is our marriage really to be just about unifying our kingdoms, nothing more?’ The queen’s silence gave him all the answers he dreaded and yet desperately needed to know. Anakin closed his eyes and cursed the lump felt in his throat. ‘But I love you,’ he whispered not understanding how everything had gone from picturesque to entirely wrong so quickly.

‘I’m sorry. I’m not the angel you want me to be, Anakin,’ she replied softly.

For a moment, Anakin didn’t respond. He only nodded weakly in reply. ‘I’m sorry too,’ he murmured finally before watching as the young queen cast him one last apologetic look before departing inside.

Only when he was alone, the young prince cursed her name, swearing he would forever hate her that never again would he ever speak to the queen who broke his heart in too, anything to numb the ache that throbbed in his chest. Little did he realize that in two months it would the furthest thing from his mind. That the all-powerful love he believed he felt for his angel would become but a distant memory. For it would not be an angel, nor a queen who would lay claim to the young prince’s heart or complete his soul. But an ordinary woman whose determination and courage would ensure her destiny would forever be intertwined with the young prince’s.

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Anakin could never forget this moment if he tried. For it was the first time he set eyes on her. It was so much like the first time he saw Queen Amidala during his first visit to the Naboo palace. He was a youngling then, barely able to comprehend the fact his life was much different than most.

Are you an angel? was his first words to the queen upon first meeting her.

What sort of royal name is Skywalker? was Padmé’s to him. It was the beginning of Anakin’s first childhood crush, but it wasn’t his last.

The young handmaiden in training that the young Jedi prince now found hismelf watching however would be. Anakin knew literally nothing aobu ther -not even her name yet he just knew she was perfect for him. It wasn’t just her beauty, though her long chestnut hair and petite form certainly didn’t go unnoticed, rather it was her fiery spirit.

‘Great gods, that one really is quite vicious,’ Padmé murmured softly as they both watched as the handmaidens-to-be trained from the entrance of the Dojo’s main hall. ‘I dare ask where they found her,’ she continued softly as she watched the young girl proceed to soundly beat her opponent with appalling force. ‘She’s so barbaric,’ the young woman concluded as she gave her friend a glance to get catch his reaction. But Anakin had barely even registered the queens words as he watched the young fighter intently.

‘I think she’s perfect—for what her duties would require of her,’ the teenaged prince murmured as he tried to hide the fact his thoughts were elsewhere.

Padmé, however, saw through his attempts to hide his emotions and raised a brow in reply before giggling softly. ‘Please tell me you don’t fancy her, Ani.’

Anakin frowned as he continued to stare at the young maiden. ‘Don’t call me that. I’m not a youngling anymore,’ he remarked in annoyance.

Hardly fazed, the young queen just gave him a grin as she laughed softly. ‘Oh fine then, oh mighty Chosen One, whose’s true powers lie in his ability to scare away maidens with his ever charming I’m going to hunt you gaze,’ she teased lightheartedly.

Anakin however hardly found this funny and gave her a sharp look as his cheeks burned. ‘Oh shut up, already!’ he hissed in embarrassment as he recalled the first time Padmé teased him for watching her for too long. Padmé only smirked in reply as Anakin rolled his eyes and shook his head. As much as he regarded her as a friend, Padmé had a tendency to get on his nerves; this was one such moment. Deciding then he had about enough of the queen’s behaviour, Ankain focused his attentions solely on the handmaiden who had caught his eye.

It would seem, during their little argument, he had missed something, for now the young girl was pinned to a mat by an older but equally petite woman who was speaking to her. Anakin didn’t need to be Force sensitive to pick up on her humilation as it radiated from her silent firm expression. Though he knew better Anakin couldn’t deny the fact he wanted to defend her from her instructor whom he thought was being hard on her.

‘I’ve seen enough. We should go,’ Padmé remarked casually, drawing Anakin’s attention to her once more. Nevertheless, he didn’t reply for he wanted to see the young girl fight more, though for now it seemed the spar was quite over.

‘Come now Anakin, we should get back to the main halls. Besides, aren’t you hungry its almost time for breakfast,’ she tried once again.

The Jedi prince furrowed his brow, as food was by far the last thing on his mind. The young handmaiden was now swiftly rising to her feet. He wished he could hear what they were saying but he was too far away. However, he could feel her frustration growing even more powerful and knew she must have lost the argument. It was a feeling Anakin knew only too well, for he was still a Padawan and under the tutelage of his older half brother Obi-Wan. With this in mind, Anakin decided to muster up his nerve and approach the young handmaiden to offer words of comfort. Nevertheless, this was not meant to be, for as he moved to fully enter the training hall he was stopped by Padmé.

‘Anakin, let’s go. Our presence will only interfere with their training if we remain any longer,’ she said in gentle but firm tones.

Not one to so easily stand down, the Jedi prince was about to argue that he was neither hungry, nor saw how they were intrupting anything when he found himself frozen in place, for the young handmaiden who had caught his attention was now watching the prince intently. Meeting her gaze, Anakin found himself unable to look away, though in truth, it was the last thing he wanted to do. She studied him with a look of guarded curiousity and held his gaze with a ferocity that matched his own. But before Anakin could make sense of it all, the young girl’s mentor was demanding her attention just as Padmé was demanding his own. As their gaze was brought to an abrupt end, Anakin couldnt help but feel as though he had touched upon something that needed further exploration, for it was as though he had peered into a possibility that was waiting for the right moment to begin. As he departed, the strange thoughts soon were forgotten, leaving in their wake the memory of her fiery spirit and beautiful amber eyes.

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After only a few weeks off the streets, Dormé tried desperately to fit in with the other handmaidens who were mostly of noble birth. Dormé herself adopted her grandfather’s surname and title. As he happened to be a duke, she dubbed herself Lady Dormé Jaffa, though her mother had in fact been disowned. No one needed to know this minor detail. However, after leaving the home of her drunken father, Dormé was having a hard time fitting in. Today was no different.

Though Dormé was only thirteen, she certainly had a mouth on her. Reason being, she felt she had to be defensive of herself because of her background. All the other girls in handmaiden training were of noble birth, the richest being Moteé’s family. But Moteé was different from the other girls. She appeared calm, proud, and graceful, the epitome of good breeding and good education. However, Moteé was easily able to fool anyone and this was the case upon Dormé’s first meeting of her. Since then she had learned appearances can be deceiving.

Moteé was perhaps the eldest of the handmaidens-in-training, nearly sixteen, and very astute. She did not care about making the best impression or being the most talented. She quickly took Dormé under her wing, feeling kindred to the girl of lower class and wanting to mould her into her best friend, as she was bored with the other simpering upper-class girls whom she found to be ‘trifle bores’. Neither Moteé nor Dormé liked being told what to do by someone other than the senator. Taking orders from elder handmaidens was something they would have to get used to though... Whilst sparring, the pair decided to spice things up a bit, throwing in a few dangerous moves for fun. Of course, Saché had to ruin it.

‘What do you two think you’re doing?’ her mentor, Lady Saché Maberrie, demanded of her. ‘Do you have any idea how dangerous that is?’

‘Of course we know how dangerous it is,’ Dormé tossed back at her, ‘why else would we be giving it a go?’

‘If you were so aware of that fact then why are you two attempting to do this without someone spotting you? You are both very lucky that you didn’t slip the discs in yours spines.’ Saché said with a frown before adding. ‘I admire your interest in learning and advancing your skills but please let’s not forget to use our common sense.’

‘No one is going to be around to spot us when we’re defending our mistress,’ Saché retorted, unpleased with the older woman’s look on her face. She could not believe Saché was calling her out like this, saying she did not have any common sense. What a witch, she thought, looking to Moteé and barely resisting the urge to roll her eyes.

Saché raised a brow in agitated response as she neared Dormé. ‘Yes, I am well aware of that because I am going to make sure you are properly trained so that it will not be necessary. But I can’t do that now can I if you two go off and get yourselves hurt from trying to do formations neither of you are fully trained to do. If you wish I can show you both how to do the formations properly.’ She began wishing she had Sabé’s patience and trying desperately to give them a second chance.

As if we weren’t doing it properly, Dormé thought though she stepped aside to let Saché do her thing. Folding her arms, she waited for Saché to hurry up already. Saché was huffing and this gave Dormé some satisfaction, though she did not know why. She caught Moteé’s secret eye roll and could not help giggling.

‘You both think you can do a better job at this?’ Saché snapped demanding their attentions as she motioned to the mat. ‘Fine then. Let’s see what you’ve got. Attack me, I dare you.’

Dormé smirked, knowing the elder woman’s arrogance would work in her favour. Even after Saché defeated Moteé, Dormé was unfazed. ‘Very well,’ she replied haughtily before moving in for a slight variation on the dangerous move. She was light on her feet and aggressive in her attack. Believing foolishly after a moment that she had the upper hand, Dormé’s pride was her downfall and soon the more advanced woman struck her swiftly and powerfully. Disarmed, Dormé fell with a slight exclamation of pain. She glared up at Saché, wanting to spit in her face and curse at her, but new she herself was in the wrong as much as she was loathed to admit it. She clutched her arm, perfectly seething with anger, but she bit back her words for she was too proud to say anything yet.

‘You will learn in the future that you must never underestimate your opponents. While you have the fire and energy to embrace the fight, you cannot forget to watch yourself as well. If you’re not keeping an eye out on yourself they certainly will and not for reasons you’d like. Might I also warn you that the next time you try and speak to me in that fashion I will not be so kind. I am here to train you, not to placate to your delusions of grandeur.’

Dormé could not deny there was truth to Lady Saché’s words and she did take them to heart, but she was young and immature and it would not be until sometime later that she learnt her lesson. Rising from the ground, glaring at Saché, she hissed, ‘Delusions? I certainly don’t see how defeating a student so cruelly shows anything but an oppressive tutor.’

That was the last straw for the older handmaiden who now glared at her in shock and agitation. ‘I’m an oppressive tutor? Listen, young one, unlike lady Sabé, I don’t have patience for your foolish nonsense. This is not a game and you are no heroine out to save the day. This is very real. I’m not here to play games; I’m here to ensure that you are ready to serve your Queen properly and to the fullest of your capabilities.’

‘When have I ever said that I was a heroine?’ Dormé shot back at her.

‘Very well. Seeing you know so much about being a tutor and teaching perhaps you’d care to enlighten me about how a student should be taught.’ She challenged.

The two women were nearly the same height and faced each other off until Saché backed up. Dormé took that as a mark in her favour and smirked, folding her arms defiantly instead of reaching for her sword again. ‘Combat training,’ Dormé said, ‘Get us in there with some real situations where we can hone our skills.’

‘You really believe you are ready for the frontlines? You couldn’t even defend yourself against me and I was going easy on you. How do you expect to hold your own nevermind protect your queen against a real enemy?’ Saché snapped back once more moving in to face her pupil in challenge.

‘Well maybe if you wouldn’t coddle us we would be able to be on the frontlines,’ she hissed in response. Dormé felt the tension between them was sharp enough to cut like one of their blades.

‘Coddle you? Make up your mind Lady Dormé. One minute I’m too oppressive the next, I’m going too easy on you. Fine you want a taste of the frontlines, then I’ll be more than happy to give it to you.’ Without warning Saché moved in to attack her movements swift and agile as all the while she spoke in commanding tones. ‘On the frontlines, there is no warning; there is no time for preparation. You must rely on gut instincts and quick thinking. At this time, you lack both of these traits. That is why you are here and that is why I have been given the task to train you.

Completely unarmed, Dormé attempted to reach for her weapon, but already Lady Saché attacked and utterly defeated her once more. ‘That wasn’t fair!’ she shouted at Saché, boiling with rage and tears stinging behind her lids.

‘Now are you ready to listen and learn?’

Saché’s speech rang through her clamorously and she indeed had learnt her lesson. Rising to her feet, she hardened, clenching her jaw and bowing stiffly to her.

‘Lady Dormé, real life is never fair. That is why you are here: to even the odds.’ She stated simply before moving to offer a hand to the young girl. As Dormé clenched her jaw and stiffly bowed Saché bowed in reply as was tradition. ‘If you wish to learn more you may return after training and I will teach you what I know, but it is ultimately up to you.’

Knowing it was futile to make any further comments, Dormé receded. If one’s opinion was not valued, then they would not receive it! She made a silent promise to herself that she would learn everything she could from this woman who had something against her and it would inevitably pay off one of these days. She nodded firmly and decided she would remain silent unless directly addressed.

It was then her eyes made contact with his.

Having only just joined Queen Amidala’s court, Dormé had only seen the Queen a few times, usually from afar. Though she spent the previous few months on the streets after escaping her less-than-pleasant home life, she had always looked up to them, wishing she had the carefree life of a royal, brought up in luxury and not having to worry about money enough to put food on the table. She adored the ornate gowns and jewels, people waiting on them hand and foot, eating whatever they pleased, going to fancy parties, travelling the galaxy, doing whatever they pleased….

The last thing she expected was to see her mistress so close for the first time in the middle of a training session, just after her mentor humiliated her. She was thoroughly out of breath, sweating and angry, but this boy, who now held her gaze, caused her to forget about the last hour and a half of training. It was not only his intense blue eyes that she found intriguing. Judging by his garb, he was not of Naboo, but from where, she could not place, nor why he was accompanying her mistress. Everything about him was groomed and pristine, but there was something slightly askew in his garb that leant to her curiosity. As if he was not completely at ease in the almost restrictive clothing…as if…

But whatever aspect of him she was about to discover, she was promptly pulled back to reality when Saché spoke to her again to gain her attention.

The rest of the day was spent in contemplation about the strange boy with the deep, blue eyes instead of anything remotely having to do with her training.

---

Having wandered into the handmaiden wing of the grand palace, Anakin cursed himself for not putting the mysterious girl’s Force signature to memory. While the handmaiden quarters were small by comparison to the rest of the palace, it was still vast, which now left the prince at a loss as where to begin his search. Ever since he first saw the young maiden in the dojo, all Anakin could think about was how to find a way to speak to her or at the very least to see her again. Upon asking Padmé of the girl’s name, the Queen admitted that she would go out of her way not to get too close to the handmaidens-in-training, for it interfered with her good judgement when it came time for her to choose who would serve in her entourage. While this was understandable, it did little to help Anakin in his quest.

Almost every single one of the young maidens he had encountered had long, brown hair and amber eyes. Naturally, it was because they were not only handmaidens, but also the queen’s decoys. Unfortunately, it also meant that he would have to find another way to narrow his search. Catching sight of the petite woman who had been training the young maiden, he approached. It was obvious that she was hardly happy to see him, but Anakin kept his chin up and took on the role that his titles demanded of him.

‘May I ask why His Majesty is in handmaidens’ wing?’ the handmaiden began in cool but professional tones.

Anakin furrowed his brow and tried to be as polite as he could given the situation.‘I am looking for someone; a young lady who was training with you earlier this morning at the dojo,’ he began, as the older handmaiden raised an elegant brow. ‘She was sparring with you alongside another,’ he continued before his cheeks warmed at the sight of the older handmaiden’s look of amusement.

‘I spar with all of the girls here because it is my duty to train them, but if you could tell me her name, I could have her speak to you,’ she politely said as Anakin gave a frustrated sigh.

‘If I knew her name, don’t you think I would have given it already?’ he snapped as his eyes flickered around the atrium that marked the centre of the handmaidens’ wing. ‘All I know was that she was sparring with you early this morning. She’s about your height and stature, has long brown hair and amber eyes,’ he said briskly.

The handmaiden laughed as she shook her head. ‘Milord, all of the girls, save for a few, bear that appearance. They are specifically chosen for this reason, as I’m certain you already know the reasons why,’ she stated with a hint of a frown as Anakin rolled his eyes.

Deciding he had about enough of this pointless discussion, he moved away. ‘Nevermind, you’re obviously utterly useless. I’ll find her myself.’ he snapped. But for all of his intentions to find her Anakin was soon stopped in his tracks as he found himself glaring at the older handmaiden who now held his arm in a vice like grip.

‘Young sir, with all due respects you aren’t even allowed here, at least not without Her Majesty accompanying you or the chief of security,’ the older woman stated in fierce tones. ‘If it were not for the fact you are Queen Amidala’s friend, I would have had security escort you out a long time ago -royality or not.’

‘You wouldn’t dare, you filthy witch!’ Anakin growled in reply while returning her fierce gaze readily.

After the morning’s intense training session, Dormé and the other handmaidens-in-training were given an afternoon break. She showered and changed into her handmaiden gown, readying herself for whatever else the day would bring (for she was still getting used to their schedule). However, just as she was putting up her hair, she overheard her mentor arguing with someone in the atrium. Poking her head out of her room, in an attempt to find something that would make her feel better about her mentor’s harsh lesson. What she didn’t expect to hear was the voice of a boy.

Anakin caught sight of the young girl from the corner of his eye. ‘By the Force, it’s her,’ he breathed in relief. Then without another word, he wrenched himself free of the handmaiden’s grasp before moving to where the young handmaiden was located. He had no intentions of departing without making himself known to her and would stop at nothing until he had at least learnt her name.

It couldn’t possibly be... But before Dormé concluded her thoughts, she spotted his tall figure. She was too shocked to hear what he said because he was approaching.

From the moment he saw her, Anakin immediately lost all sense of his surroundings so that the only thing he registered was her presence. A sheepish smile crept into his features and for a moment Anakin felt as though his breath had caught in his throat. As he approached her the young prince found himself at a loss for words.

But it didn’t matter for the older handmaiden was swift to attempt to stop him once more. ‘Just what do you think you’re doing? This is hardly appropriate behaviour young sir and if I were you I’d leave before Lady Tamé returns. For she is not nearly as forgiving as I am,’ the older handmaiden snapped in obvious frustration.

‘Well you’re not me so you’ll just have to deal with it now won’t you? And I dare this Lady Tamé to try and remove me,’ he hissed in reply. Without another word, he continued to approach the young lady he wanted to speak with.

Speachless, Saché could only gape for a moment in disbelief and fury at the snobbish, spoiled prince who continued to approach Dormé as though there was no one else in the atrium. Throwing her hands up in the air, she shook her head and quickly approached the principle handmaiden in the hopes that perhaps cooler head would prevail. For she knew if she were to attempt this discussion again it was certain she would lose her job for assaulting a member of the Coruscanti royal house.

Anakin, however, paid her no more heed as he neared the handmaiden in question. Growing shy once more he offered a hint of a smile as he looked almost apologetic. Wishing his throat didn’t feel as dry as it did or that he didn’t have to command himself to breathe, Anakin attempted to appear as confident as he normally would be if it wasn’t for her. ‘Hello, I saw you training earlier today. I just wanted you to know I thought you were quite good,’ he began politely.

Dormé couldn’t move. If she commanded her feet to take her back to her private quarters, they most certainly weren’t listening. Her eyes remained locked on his as though she had never seen a boy before and a knot caught in her throat. She didn’t need to get into anymore trouble with her mentor than she already was. If it weren’t for her curiosity, she wouldn’t have remained. Her hand instinctively went to the grip of her newly acquired, royal issue wakizashi as he drew closer. She would have attempted to do with physical damage if he hadn’t stopped within an appropriate distance. Her life on the streets had taught her to be quite wary of strangers, even if they were handsome ones. At his words, she flushed pink in her cheeks.

Her eyes met his once more and Anakin felt as though time for a moment stood still. Once more her gaze was strong and guarded, but curious and entirely enthralling. The fact her fingers had instinctivally moved to her blade did not go unnoticed by Anakin who promptly stopped himself from attempt to get closer. Once more his instincts were proven correct, she truly was fiery and was hardly unnerved by the fact she was in the presence of royalty. The thought brought another hint of a smile to his lips. If he wasn’t already so nervous he might have been amused by this brazen silent challenge. But his thoughts were elsewhere and at his polite statement she began to speak.

‘Oh,’ she began, but found she had to clear her throat to be heard. ‘I saw you too—I mean...thank you,’ she stammered slightly, ‘Sir—’ But then she realised she didn’t know his name and cursed herself for speaking so inadequately.

Her voice was rich and elegant, bearing a hint of an accent that Anakin wasn’t familiar with. Though he knew it was native to Naboo the prince wasn’t certain of the dialect and was more than intrigued because of it. It was only the beginning of the many questions he wanted to ask her but couldn’t quite find the nerve to do so.

His smile widened and grew boyish as she thanked him. But he was however, startled to discover that she did not know his name. Anakin was so used to growing up under the public eye that he though that everyone would know who he was, even when he wasn’t clad in the garbs of royalty. Raising a brow in surprise, Anakin would have believed that the girl before him was teasing if it wasn’t the fact he could sense otherwise through the Force. ‘I’m sorry I should probably introduce myself,’ he began trying to recover from his initial shock. Remembering his manners and wanting to make a proper first impression he bowed in greeting. ‘My name is Anakin Skywalker and who might you be?’ he asked kindly as for the moment he completely forgot to mention his title.

She didn’t quite understand this boy and his mannerisms. First he was smiling, then he was raising an eyebrow at her, and finally being all regal. It was all quite confusing. When he introduced himself, she wracked her brain. Skywalker? she wondered. Where have I heard that before? If Dormé had been more keen on politics and if she had had a formal education, she would have known who the Skywalkers were. As it was, she could barely read or write, let alone know galatic history. This was also now part of her handmaiden training, which was much harder for her to grasp (though in time she would become fluent in three languages and second-best decoy after Lady Sabé) than training with weaponry. Forgetting her manners, she replied, ‘Dormé J-Jaffa.’ She only paused slightly between forename and surname. She still had to get used to the new surname. Dormé decided, however, that Sir Anakin looked silly when he bowed.

The name was immediately put to memory and upon learning it Anakin began to relax slightly. He recalled hearing this name before and vaguelly remembered that there was a rather renowned Duke that bore that name. Although Anakin couldn’t be certain the two were related. In reality it wasn’t something he really cared much about. The young woman intrigued him and this was a rare thing indeed for the Jedi Prince. ‘It’s a pleasure to meet you Lady Dormé,’ he replied in more kind tones. However despite his hope to continue this conversation it would seem others were just as eager to draw it to a close.

Dormé didn’t think she would ever get used to people referring to her as a ‘lady’. As her fellow handmaidens-in-training enjoyed reminding her, she was far from a lady in both mannerisms and albeit sometimes appearance and bearing. Before she had a chance to reply to Sir Anakin, the old mistress Mistress Tamé was barging in to interrupt. She hoped she wouldn’t berate her for speaking to this interesting boy.

‘You’re presence here isn’t necessary, nor it is appropriate. I’m going to have to ask you to leave now,’ came an accented voice from behind him. Anakin closed his eyes and gave a frustrated sigh as he attempted to clear his thoughts. Upon opening them the prince gave Dormé an apologetic look before turning to face the woman he would soon learn was Lady Tamé.

‘On whose authority? Yours? Might I remind you of whom it is you are addressing?’ he stated in firm tones. The elderly woman frowned and was hardly daunted by his statement.

‘Might I remind you, young prince, that you are standing on foreign soil. So long as you remain on Naboo you are to respect and follow the rules and legislations set forth by the ruling monarchy. Just as we are required to respect the rules set by the ruling house, when we are in the Coruscanti empire,’ she replied smoothly. Anakin felt his cheeks burn at her words, as it took all of his willpower not to give into his urge to punch the woman before him. Reminding himself that no proper Jedi would ever harm an unarmed opponent—though Tamé was hardly unarmed—and that hitting a woman was beyond unforgivable Anakin managed to contain his rage.

To Dormé’s surprise, Sir Anakin was far from impressed with being yelled at, but that was not the most suprising revelation. Mistress Tamé referred to him as a prince. Dormé snickered, thinking she was just demeaning him, but when Sir Anakin claimed that the queen had given him permission, she grew quiet once more. Further defense revealed that he was Prince of the Coruscanti Empire, though she wasn’t certain what that entailed, just that he was a royal.

‘The queen has given me personal permission to visit any and all areas of the palace. If you have a problem with that madam then I suggest you take it up with her,’ he stated in cold tones. Turning his back to the woman he gave Dormé another apologetic look. ‘I’m terribly sorry about that---’ the prince never did get to finish his sentence. For he suddenly found himself being grabbed by the arm and whirled around to face the fiery headmaster who was none too happy.

‘I do not care who you are or your rank. You will show some manners young man and you will respect laws of the Naboo. Now it is time for you to leave!’ she snapped while practically dragging the shocked Jedi Prince away from the young maiden.

‘You have no right to tell me what to do or when to leave! I am the Prince of the Coruscanti Empire and you will respect me!’ he shouted as he jerked his arm free from the old woman’s vice like grasp.

‘I have done nothing to deserve this treatment and I promise you that my mother will hear of this, as will Queen Amidala!’ he snapped in reply.

Her eyes bugged out as her cheeks flushed fully red now. Dormé had no idea what to say or do. She looked from Mistress Tamé to Sir Anakin-- Sir? No, not sir. Sire? What should I call him? Her head spun trying to figure out what she was supposed to refer to him as because forms of address was something they learnt last week, but she had quite forgotten the addresses she didn’t use everyday. Master? No, he’s not our master... Er... my liege? But that sounds too, erm, personal. My lord? Your Majesty? But that’s what we call Queen Amidala, so would that work? Is it different for princes?

Tamé folded her arms and glared at him as Anakin proceeded to shout at her. ‘Fine then. We can both tell them together,’ she stated in cool tones. Anakin was hardly expecting this reaction for he had grown so used to others cowering at him because of the fact he was royalty.

‘Well then, young prince, shall we depart?’ she continued before giving a sharp look to Dormé’s trainer who was snickering herself. Anakin too glared at the petite woman and scowled. Returning his attentions to the old woman once more he gave a stiff nod. ‘We’ll leave when I’m finished,’ he stated in snobbish tones to which the head mistress raised a brow and remained silent.

Hardly impressed at the fact someone of such a low rank would dare challenge him in front of Lady Dormé no less, Anakin swore he would ensure this hag would be severly punished. But, hardly forgetting the reason he was here, Anakin returned his attentions to the lovely young handmaiden-in-training once more. It was then he noticed that she was blushing deeply and vaguelly realised his own cheeks were beginning to warm as well.

Your Grace, Dormé thought. Yes, that’s it. Your Grace. So busy thinking about how to address him, she didn’t hear the exchange between Mistress Tamé and His Majesty the prince. Dormé didn’t know why he had decided to speak with her. Maybe it was to make fun of her and was just being nice before the queen pulled her aside to inform her she was not chosen to be a handmaiden. It would go along with how the others in training and those who had just become handmaidens treated her. It was as if they could sniff out that she was not of the gentry. Dormé often felt so beneath them that she was only worthy of serving them, not a queen.

Anakin immediately felt her mood shift and didn’t know what to make of it. He rather missed the guarded, but curious spirit of moments ago and soon realised that she truly didn’t know who he was until his argument. Once more, he was reminded of the strange embarrassment he felt upon hearing her snicker. Her formal reply and timid but proper reaction only encouraged this mindset. Just as the burning shame he could feel through the Force pouring from Dormé caused his cheeks to burn crimson as well. Suddenly Anakin wished he wouldn’t have announced his title, though it was hardly something that normally made him feel ashamed. ‘Once again, I’d liked to apologise for all of this. I only wanted to tell you that I was impressed with your skills earlier today, and to wish you the best in your training,’ he remarked gently as his bravery began to wear thin causing him to grow a little shy once more.

‘T-thank you, Your Grace,’ she said properly this time. Her eyes dropped to the floor, knowing she was unworthy of looking him in the eye. She bowed to him, feeling as though she wanted to disappear.

He could feel all eyes on him now and was incredibly tempted to use a Jedi tactic or mindtrick as the unskilled referred to it to send them away. Anakin could have just as easily ordered them to leave but he didn’t want to argue further with the old hag that waited impatiently for him to finish. ‘...I...uh...’ Anakin bit his lip and cursed himself for his lack of bravery. Gone was the cocky, arrogant prince of moments ago, leaving behind only the awkward teenager who was trying desperately to impress his crush.

Frowning he glanced behind him and glared at the headmistress. ‘Do you mind? I’d like a moment alone with Lady Dormé, or is that too much to ask,’ he growled at the old woman who gave a hint of a smirk.

‘As you wish, your grace,’ she stated in clipped tones before moving away but keeping a sharp eye on him still. Anakin bristled at her tone but remained silent, as he didn’t want to make the young lady before him any more uncomfortable.

‘...You don’t need to do that,’ he murmured awkwardly as he feared that he just ruined his chances of gaining her friendship or more exactly winning her heart. ‘And I’d prefer if you just called me Anakin,’ he added sheepishly. Had he been more aware of his emotions and thoughts the young prince would have realised the reasons for his awkwardness was not fear rather it was his desire to be seen beyond the masks of titles. Outside of Obi-Wan, no one regarded him in this light, not even Padmé to whom he believed was his only friend. For a moment, he caught sight of her gaze and felt his cheeks warm further because of it. Her eyes were so intriguing to him that Anakin couldn’t help but feel as though he could study them for hours. They held mysteries he wanted to learn but almost as soon as she looked up at him her eyes dropped and he felt a rush of disapointment for it.

Dormé wanted to escape or disappear, but she knew it was improper to leave unless dismissed when in the presence of those who were of higher rank. After bowing to him, she kept her eyes on the floor, even when he said she didn’t have to. However, when he said he would prefer she call him Anakin, she looked up hesitantly. ‘Yes, Sir Anakin,’ she replied, her eyes still falling out of sheer humiliation. She ought to have known who he was to begin with.

Her reply was still timid and once more Anakin wished he could go back and swallow his statement of earlier. He wanted the fiery young handmaiden he saw in the Dojo back and hated how her shy but proper behaviour was making him feel so awkward and vulnerable. Which of course was proposterous because as a Jedi prince Anakin had no reason to feel this way. Nevermind the fact it was a handmaiden -no a handmaiden in training no less that was making him feel this way. But try as he might to ignore it Anakin found himself unable to slip into his usual mannerisms of the arrogant nobility.

It was then that he found himself reminded of the fact he would have to return to the main halls to continue his training with his brother. As loathed as he was to depart, he knew time wasn’t on his side at least for now. But he would be here for the next couple of days and focusing on this prospect he found a little of his courage returning. ‘It was nice meeting you Lady Dormé. I wish I could stay a little longer, but I—well I have training of my own,’ he admitted shyly before adding with an almost boyish smile.

‘You have training?’ Dormé asked without thinking, having briefly forgot their stations when her curiousity took over.

Anakin nodded slightly at her sudden question as he felt a rush of hope to her lack of formality. Perhaps there was hope yet. ‘I train with my older half-brother, Obi-Wan. Its similiar to how you train but different too,’ he explained unsure how to describe his Force training to her. Soon this thought took flight, as did all other conscious thoughts, as Anakin found himself under her gaze once more.

For a moment, he was rendered speachless as he could only return her gaze in silence before remembering what he wanted to tell her. In an attempt to pull himself together once more Anakin blurted out, ‘I’m going to be here for a couple of days, I hope to see you again,’ he added a little too quickly to deny his obvious nerves.

The thirteen-year-old, who had only recently entered the elevated position of handmaiden-in-training, was not used to being around people that were higher ranking. It was easy for her to forget herself, but studying his blue eyes once more, something unmistakeably intriguing took hold of her again. ‘I hope so too.’

‘I will be seeing you then, Lady Dormé,’ he said with a kind smile before stepping back and reluctantly turning away to depart having completely forgotten his arguement with the headmistress. However even in his need to hurry back it didn’t stop him from glancing back at the mysterious handmaiden who had come to haunt his thoughts.

Dormé watched as the older boy, whom she now knew as a prince said farewell to her and headed out of the handmaidens’ apartment. She watched as he left, wondering why he seemed to genuinely want to speak with her. Ultimately she wanted to know why her of all people. But just as she was once again considering the idea that he might have been playing a trick on her, he turned back to give her another curious look. She remained completely still though a smile now worked its way across her features. Dormé decided she wouldn’t mind seeing him again soon.