How the day seemed to drag on for the young prince, whose thoughts continually returned to his brief encounter with the lovely Lady Dormé earlier that afternoon. But time must always pass and this was no different for the Jedi Prince who spent the rest of his day training in an old dojo in another part of the palace. When nightfall came, Anakin found himself attending the formal gatherings and celebrations that members of the nobility often entertained. Anakin enjoyed these gatherings because it gave him a chance to mingle with others his own age that shared similiar upbringings to his own. It wasn’t that they were his friends, but they were far more amusing than the stuffy politicians and nobility that his mother -and stepfather- mingled with.

On this particular evening Anakin was more than eager to take advantage of his parent’s distraction to slip away. However it wasnt’ to say that his personal guards didn’t keep a sharp eye on him -though as a Jedi Padawan Anakin hardly felt their presence was necessary. Nor did it ever stop him from doing as he pleased which was the case on this particular night. During his explorations during his first visits to Naboo Anakin had discovered what older handmaidens had nicknamed the ghost halls. It was a series of secret security passages used in times of danger that would ensure the Queen’s safe departure away from the palace.

However escaping to safety was the last thing Anakin had in mind as he snuck off towards the secret entrance at the back of the throne room with two of his compatriots. Though he had already informed his security that their presence was no longer required Anakin could still feel their eyes on him. It was frustrating to say the least though to his relief they at least had enough sense to leave him alone and more importantly not report his actions to his mother. Then of course, there was Padmé who warned him not to try it.

For gods sake, Anakin, you can’t be serious! I’m far too old to be playing games in the ghost halls and you are too! she had chided him when he suggested she join them for a little fun.

Who said anything about playing games in the ghost halls? I have other things in mind, he remarked at the time with a proud smirk.

Padmé just rolled her eyes. It wasn’t the first time Anakin had snuck off to fly the royal fighter class ships only to be chased down by both his own and Naboo security. I wouldn’t try that again if I were you. You know what happened the last time you tried that stunt,’ she warned him to which Anakin promised his friend that he wouldn’t do anything that would get him into that kind of trouble. After all, he had no intention of stealing the royal fighters and taking them for a ride. This time he had something far different in mind.

‘Are you sure this is such a good idea?’ asked Kei Breemu in concern as he glanced over his shoulder.

The young prince just rolled his eyes to the youngest boy as he continued to lead the way. ‘If you’re having second thoughts, Kei, now’s the time to turn around before we really get deep into the tunnels and you get lost,’ Anakin replied with a cocky grin.

The eldest of the boys, Mikal Panaka, chuckled in reply causing Kei’s cheeks to burn.

‘But what if we caught?’ the youngest continued as he glanced over his shoulder half expecting to see security coming for them.

‘We won’t get caught. Trust me. I know what I’m doing,’ Anakin stated proudly as he continued to lead them to down the tunnels before opening another secret door. The two boys soon followed the prince into another corridor where he led them to another secret door that would take them to the handmaidens’ wing. While Anakin really didn’t want them around, he had made the mistake of bragging to them about his new girlfriend. Now they wanted to see for themselves this mysterious handmaiden whose beauty outshone Queen Amidala’s and more importantly learn if her fellow maiden’s were as lovely as she was said to be.

‘So you think they’ll still be awake? Or maybe we’ll catch them by surprise,’ Mikal remarked with an impish grin.

Anakin scowled and swiftly turned to face the eldest boy in annoyance. ‘Shut-up! Do you want the hag to hear you?’ he hissed as they neared the door Anakin believed would take them to the atrium.

Now it was Kei’s turn to smirk as he made face to the older boy who scowled.

In truth, Anakin hoped that Dormé would be awake as well although in reality he was far too nervous to openly contemplate the fantasies Mikal entertained, but was far too determined to see her again, whatever the consequences, to fall prey to his fears. As they approached another hidden door, Anakin opened it slowly, as he could sense many Force signatures nearby. While he was certain they had arrived to their destination, when he stepped out into the room, he soon realized they weren’t in the gardens at all. He couldn’t sense the life energy of foliage, but he could sense there were some plants in this room despite the fact it was too dark to see. Taking a moment to let his eyes adjust to the darkness, Anakin soon stumbled forward as one of his compatriots bump into him. ‘Watch it you fool!’ he whispered in sharp tones before uttering a curse in Huttese as Kei apologised in equally soft tones.

Pausing for a moment, Anakin tried to get his bearings but to his annoyance and embarrassment, he had no idea of just where they were. Though part of him demanded he turn on the lights, he was loathed to take the chance, lest the hag who was sure to embarrass him in front of the two boys, or worse, in front of Lady Dormé, catch them. Nevertheless, once their eyes had adjusted to the darkness, the three teenagers continued their journey out of the small room they had found themselves in and into another hallway. This area, too, was unlit and upon reaching its end, Anakin caught sight of a pale light peeping through the miniscule divided between the door and the wall and grew hopeful. ‘See, what did I tell you? I know what I’m doing,’ he whispered proudly before opening the door and stepping into the currently vacant living rooms of the handmaidens. Upon entering, Anakin fell silent as he promptly realised his mistake. Believing it was too late now to turn away, Anakin furrowed his brow and used the Force to guide him to where the handmaidens were resting. Upon finding their location, the Jedi prince gave a proud smirk and quietly motioned them to follow his lead as he headed down the hallway that would lead to their private quarters and what he hoped to discover was Dormé’s.

Sixteen-year-old Moteé snuck off early that evening. Though she tried to persuade Dormé to join her, the young girl said she had been embarrassed once already that day and was in no mood to have it happen again. So Moteé left the palace to find something diverting on her own. After exploring the night life in the heart of Theed, she returned to the palace in a much better to the dimly lit hallways in the handmaidens’ quarters, she navigated through easily, but something caught her attention. She had not expected to hear male voices in the inner part of their apartments. ‘Who’s there?’ she asked as her eyes adjusted to the dim light. Once she took in the royal garb, having recognised the prince, Moteé grinned mischievously as she approached. ‘May I help you?’ she asked, addressing the elder boy, whom she thought was rather handsome.

Anakin and his compatriots froze dead in their tracks upon hearing a young woman’s voice. Anakin muttered another curse and before glaring at Kei who bumped into him once more. ‘Dammit...’ he muttered as he caught sight of a young woman approaching. Raising a brow he was about to ask where Lady Dormé was as he recalled seeing this girl with her the first time he set eyes on the handmaiden.

‘We’re looking for someone actually—’ he began. ‘Unless you’re the one we’re looking for?’ he added as he gave Anakin a glance with a raised brow as though suggesting this handmaiden was the one he spoke of.

Anakin made a face and furrowed his brow in disgust. ‘Absolutely not,’ he snapped as Mikal returned his attentions to the handmaiden before him. ‘We’re looking for Lady Dormé. You will take us to her,’ the young prince continued in regal tones.

Upon hearing the shuffling, hissed whispers and curses in a language she didn’t recognise, Dormé tossed and turned, putting her pillow over her head. One of the things that annoyed her the most was people interrupting her sleep cycle. She was far from an early riser. Little did she know, it was only the wee hours of the morning, far from close to being morning.

Moteé leant on the wall, folding her arms as she gazed at them. ‘Lady Dormé?’ she said with a hint of disdain, despite being the only one who the girl trusted.

‘Mikal gave the young maiden a proud smirk as he added. ‘We’re going to be going back to the party in the main throne room. You should join us.’

Kei nodded in agreement though it was obvious he was hoping that she might suggest others who might like to come as well.

Anakin didn’t like the tone the handmaiden was using upon refering to Lady Dormé and he didn’t bother hiding it. Before he had a chance to demand she speak of the handmaiden with more respect she was continuing.

Well, it’s obvious that every here is asleep or out enjoying the night, as I was, so, I guess you’re stuck with me.’ Moteé winked at the older boy.

Anakin gave a snort of disgust at her reply and rolled his eyes.

Mikal didn’t think the handmaiden before him was the most beautiful woman he had seen, but she liked their idea and so he went along with it. ‘She’s right, Anakin. If we wake the others up, we could get caught by that hag you told us about. I say we just leave while we can.’

Kei seemed to be in full agreement with this but Anakin felt entirely different as he waved a hand at them. ‘Fine, you two can take her to the celebrations if you like. As for me, I’m going to see for myself if Lady Dormé is resting or not.’ He turned his attentions back to what he regarded as the homely handmaiden and frowned. ‘Now could you kindly show me Lady Dormé’s quarters?’ he said in snobbish tones.

Moteé snickered at the little bossy prince, but humoured him. ‘Last one on the right,’ she said, pointing in the direction. ‘You don’t have to be such a child about it.’ She then sauntered closer to the other boys. ‘Let’s go.’

Dormé heard Moteé speaking and was irritated beyond belief. Groaning, she rolled over again, hoping the muffled voices would cease.

Anakin glared at the cocky young handmaiden who openly snickered at him. Silently he decided he rather didn’t like the ugly girl who now directed him to Dormé’s quarters. He was about to inform Kei and Mikal they could leave with this handmaiden if they wanted when she then openly mocked him before joining his compatriots. ‘I am not acting like a child!’ he snapped a little too loudly as he moved to stop the obnoxious girl who was departing with the two boys.

If Mikal or Kei noticed the prince’s annoyance, it didn’t show as they were properly introducing themselves. Anakin couldn’t care less what they were doing and was about to stop her and demand an apology when he heard one of the other girls yelling at them to ‘be quiet or get out’. Freezing in his tracks, Anakin feared the worst and immediately fell silent as the boys departed. After a moment of silence, Anakin felt it was safe again and soon he was moving to the last room on the right. As he approached the room in question, he found his stomach was beginning to flutter once more. Anakin’s heart raced and biting his lip he began to fiddle with the sleave of his dress coat.

Please be awake, please be awake, he frantically thought. The last thing he wanted was to startle her from sleep and scare her. After all, impressions had to be made and that was hardly the sort he had in mind. Gingerly, with a shaking finger, he activated the chime and waited with much impatience for her to answer.

Oh by Nisaba, I’m going to assbassu ki kalbim ina kisadis— Dormé swore when the loudmouths wouldn’t shut up. She heard Eirtaé yelling at them, and though it shut them up, they were soon ringing her door chime. ‘What the urugal?!’ she demanded, stomping over to the door, her nightgown slightly displaced and her long, brown hair falling out of its braid. She rubbed her eyes with a sour look on her face.

Anakin could hear Dormé from behind the door and could feel her annoyance pouring off her in waves. He had no idea what urugal meant but he was certain it wasn’t a pleasantry. He smirked at the thought finding it amusing as well as intriguing another at the fiery spirit he saw back in the dojo earlier that day.

Dormé activated the door which slid open to reveal the prince. Completely taken aback, her eyes widened and she was fully awake now. ‘Er—’ She blinked before adjusting her gown and quickly attending to her messy hair, trying to push the stray strands behind her ears.

Anakin studied her in silence taking in her appearance. He couldn’t help but notice how lovely she looked, despite the fact she had just awoke. He never knew her hair was so long and he was briefly tempted to touch it, to learn if it felt as soft as it looked to him. However, before Anakin could fully register the fact she was in her nightgown, and clearly been disturbed from rest, he felt her shock and saw it as well. His nerves immediately took over and furrowing his brow he instinctivally glanced down at himself and was reminded of his royal apperance. Though Dormé was the one clad in pajamas, his own appearance troubled him. His cheeks lit on fire and once more, the embarrassment returned though he had no idea why he felt this way. It was as though he were the one dressed in nightwear and she was the queen. ‘Hey...’ he shyly began before wincing to himself as he realised how foolish he must sound. ‘I’m sorry Lady Dormé— I didn’t mean to wake you, its just...I..’ he fumbled struggling to regain his lost composure.

Figuring she had to be dreaming, because there was no way the Prince of the Coruscanti Empire would be showing up at her door in the middle of the night, Dormé regained her composure swiftly. ‘Please tell me there will be one time that you’re not going to see me tired or sweaty.’

Anakin’s cheeks burned even brighter at her statement as he gave another sheepish smile. ‘I admit my timing isn’t as...good as I’d like it to be, but...’ he faltered unsure what to say to such a brazen statement. Normally he would have been annoyed by the snap reply, but right now, he felt horribly conscious of himself and intrigued by her at the same time. Floundering and fumbling over his words the young prince attempted explain himself and his actions but his nerves got in the way and soon he was making no sense even to himself. ‘I thought you might have been up like...that other girl...’ he admitted as he motioned to the direction that the nameless handmaiden had departed with his colleagues. ‘I...um...’ he bit his lip and gave a soft sigh deciding that he really didnt’ want to return to the party after all.

Frustrated, he finally blurted out his intentions and immediately recieved the question that had just entered his mind. ‘I don’t suppose I could convince you to join me for a bit?’ he said a little nervously before faltering, as he tried to think of a place they could go to talk without them getting caught.

Dormé was connfused. ‘Join you where exactly?’ She was tired and didn’t know if this was real and if so, why he would be coming to see her now.

‘...That’s a good question,’ he murmured as he glanced to his side and furrowed his brow. Then, recalling of how he initially had hoped to find himself in the atrium earlier, Anakin returned his attentions to the sleepy handmaiden once more. ‘Uh...well, we could go to the Atrium if you like,’ he suggested as he had yet to register how poor this would reflect on the both of them.

‘OK,’ she agreed, studying him quizically as if she would read the answers there. ‘Why don’t you come in while I grab something to throw over this,’ she suggested, feeling it was rude of her to keep him standing outside her door. She didn’t want for a response as she walked over to her wardrobe to find something suitable.

Anakin smiled at her agreement though it was obvious she was confused by his actions. Though it wasn’t something he would pick up on, it was something Anakin would come to admire about the young maiden. Stepping inside almost shyly, the young prince briefly took in his surroundings before watching her as Dormé moved to the wardrobe. Normally, he was hardly the sort to be conscious of himself, this entire situation left him feeling awkward. Once more, he cursed himself for making another grand impression that was nothing like he had in mind for her. However it didn’t stop him from trying all the same and so patiently he waited for her and hoped that this time no one would intrupt them. ‘I...I admit I was going to invite you to the celebrations in the main halls...But I was kind of hoping I could...’ get to you know without that mouthy girl or those two fools always intrupting us he thought but kept to himself. ‘I though maybe somewhere more peaceful might be a better place to talk...’ Anakin concluded as he hoped to ease a little of her confusion.

Had Dormé concented to spend the evening out with Moteé, she would have taken Anakin’s invitation in a way that was completely the opposite of what he truthfully intended. Though she wondered why he would invite her to the celebration which only the full-fledged handmaidens were allowed to attend, she was more concerned about the content of this ‘talk’ he wished to have with her. She dropped her cloak on the floor accidentally as she turned to face him head on. ‘Just get it over with now,’ she stated, trying to keep her voice level and clear.

Her reaction was the last thing the young prince expected and for a moment, he could only stare at her in confusion as she whirled around to face him. Her statement was even more confusing leaving Anakin to wonder what she could have possibly meant by that. ‘Get what over now?’ he asked curiously, before his eyes widened as he felt his heart drop. Oh Force, Padmé told her! Anakin thought in utter embarrassment thinking that his friend informed the handmaiden of his interest in her. His cheeks burned now as he glanced away bracing himself for the rejection that was sure to come -though it wouldn’t be the first time.

‘Save me the humiliation of being cast out in public and humanely tell me in the privacy of my quarters, please.’

‘Cast out!? Cast out from what? I don’t understand,’ he admitted in confusion. ‘I was just hoping to see you again that’s all. So we could talk -get to know each other a lttle better,’ he added with a shy smile.

‘You’re not going to tell me that I wasn’t chosen to be a handmaiden?’ she asked curiously, even though he said he just wanted to get to know her better. Her fears had already taken hold of é’s eyes studied him intently, but there was nothing she could find that made it seem like he was going to tell her that everything she had been working for was in vain. She stooped to pick up her fallen cloak, feeling embarrassed now for having reacted this way. Hopefully this outburst wouldn’t be a mark against her.

The young prince furrowed his brow as he shook his head slightly in reply. ‘Oh, I don’t participate in those sort of decisions; that’s part of Padmé’s duties,’ he admitted as he felt her amber eyes studying him intently. ‘Although I have to say, you certainly made an impression with her,’ the young prince continued. He could still recall Padmé’s grudging admittance that Lady Dormé’s fierce manner in battle could prove invaluable in times of danger. He could feel her embarrassment now as Dormé moved to pick up her fallen cloak and couldn’t help but feel a little sheepish himself. While her reaction was unexpected to say the least, Anakin could help but reluctantly admit that his appearance at this late hour in her quarters had to have been equally unexpected for her. It was no small wonder she was so guarded and presuming the worst. Perhaps this wasnt’ such a good idea after all, Anakin thought to himself. However, this did little to cause him to part ways with Dormé. If anything, it only seemed to make him all the more determined to remain if not for anything than to at least ease her concerns.

Dormé was surprised that she had made an impression on the queen and hoped desperately it wasn’t a bad one. She moved to pick up her coat, draping it over her arm. When he spoke of his impression once more, she couldn’t help pressing it. ‘Really?’ she asked hopefully, taking a step towards him. She bit her lip, not as embarrassed as she had been, but wishing what he said was true.

‘To be perfectly honest, I think your skills and determination is just what Padmé needs from her handmaidens,’ he added. Anakin gave a sincere smile at her hopeful question. ‘You’re not easily intimidated, even when the odds are against you. Padmé needs someone with that kind of courage,’ he admitted in all seriousness, obviously unaware of just where Dormé found this courage.

The thirteen-year-old slipped her cloak over her shoulders, figuring this revelation had to be a good sign. ‘I’m sorry. I couldn’t help jumping to conclusions because of my—’ true identity ‘Because of your title—’ and my lack of one…

He couldn’t help but feel suddenly conscious of himself as she spoke of his title. It wasn’t the first time Lady Dormé made him feel this way, and now Anakin couldn’t help but wonder what it was about this young girl that caused him to feel this way. It was as though she made him want to remove the titles he bore with pride, and just—just be what exactly, he couldn’t say, but it wasn’t something that the young prince dwelled upon too much either for it was far too complicated and confusing for the moment though it wasn’t something he would forget either.

‘…and coming by so late, I assumed the worst... Anyway, I’m sorry... You wanted to speak with me and here I am just assuming things and now I’m not letting you get a word in edgewise... You suggested the atrium, I believe?’ She moved to fall into proper ‘shadowing’ position, which happened to be slightly behind him, figuring it was the proper way for her to walk since he was a royal, and she but a handmaiden-in-training.

The more Lady Dormé stammered on the more amusing and intrigued the young prince became. Anakin chuckled softly at Dormé’s attempts to correct herself, only to continue as though she hadn’t spoken a word before. ‘I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone quite like you,’ he admitted with obvious amusement as he moved to depart. ‘The atrium would be nice. Unless you have a better suggestion?’ he offered before noticing she was trailing him. It was a subtle gesture, one Anakin took for granted and never cared about until now. It was, after all, the proper stance that his subjects took when interacting with him, but in this case, it just felt awkward. Anakin soon realised it was because he believed Lady Dormé to be his equal, yet she was behaving as though she were his subject. After all, the Jedi prince would never be-friend or court someone who was beneath him and Lady Dormé was without question worthy of him. Pausing, Anakin glanced back to her as he furrowed his brow slightly. ‘Please don’t do that,’ he murmured sheepishly, feeling once more out of place around her. He didn’t want to embarrass the young girl further or make her more conscious of herself. Yet at the same time the young prince didn’t know how else to let Dormé know that he didn’t regard her as one of his subjects.

Dormé couldn’t say it wasn’t a relief. She sighed gratefully and altered her position so that she was walking beside him instead. Perhaps, she decided as they walked, he wasn’t like everyone else where she never felt like she was in the right place. Even with his royal garb, there was something of a rebel in him that spoke to her on an unconscious level. It was this which allowed her to relax a little more as they moved into the atrium. Luckily, it appeared that they were alone at this hour. This added to her relief as they found a place to sit down.

Anakin couldn’t resist a relieved smile of his own at the sound of Dormé’s sigh. Anakin felt far more comfortable when Dormé was by his side. It just felt more natural somehow, though he couldn’t quite explain why either. But then, he soon realized, everything about this young lady was a mystery to him and he couldn’t help but look forward to learning as much as he could about her. Anakin couldn’t help studying her. Though Lady Dormé was quite poised, the young prince could sense the fiery spirit within her. It both intrigued and confused the young prince, though it would be some time before he would understand that she was a kindred spirit to him. Just as Anakin was about to ask Dormé about how she decided to become a handmaiden or if it was her parent’s decision she was asking him questions instead.

Though he had expressed a desire to find out more about her, she took the initiative to find out more about him. Dormé had only just begun her study and knew little of the royal houses aside from what she dreamt of. ‘So what exactly is this training you mentioned? You said something about a half-brother?

Furrowing his brow Anakin gave a slight shrug as he found himself growing shy. The young prince couldn’t explain how it was but the young maiden seemed to know just how to make him feel utterly conscious of himself. ‘I’m training to become a Jedi Knight,’ he admitted as he motioned to the braid that hung loosely by his cheek. ‘I’m a Padawan, as they call it. That’s why I have the braid. It marks that I’m still in training. My half-brother, Obi-Wan, is my Master, though initially it was supposed to be my father—my real father, I mean,’ he admitted as his expression grew a little sad. ‘But he’s gone now, so Obi-Wan is training me instead,’ he concluded before deciding it was his turn to sate is curiousity.

Dormé listened to him intently as he spoke, though she hadn’t a clue what Jedi were. Neither did she, at this point feel it was appropriate to ask about his real father, for she didn’t know anything of the scandels of royal courts. Even with her common sense intact, she couldn’t help saying, ‘Jedi? Your real father?’ But she was smart enough to add, ‘You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to,’ as if no one else knew any of this.

Anakin nodded at her reply figuring like everyone else in the universe -or so it felt- she had to have known about the great scandal that was his parents’ relationship, but upon hearing her add that it wasn’t necessary to discuss the young prince couldn’t help but glance at her in surprise. ‘Oh, I thought everyone knew about that,’ he remarked as his cheeks warmed. ‘No one really talks about it anymore but it was considered to be quite “scandalous” because my real father was a Jedi Knight and—well, they don’t exactly encourage such attachments within the Order,’ he admitted sheepishly.

She grew pensive and wondered how he could be so matter-of-fact about the whole thing.

‘My father died trying to protect us from a Sith lord—an ancient enemy of the Jedi—but ultimately, it was my brother who defeated him. Obi-Wan was the first Jedi Knight to have done so in a thousand years, I’ve been told. I was still a youngling when it all happened, so I really wasn’t a witness to any of it,’ he concluded in quiet tones that didn’t belie the pride he felt for his brother and father.

‘Oh,’ Dormé replied as the prince further explained his family, feeling somewhat intrigued, yet still not having a clue as to what Jedi were or why they hated Sith.

‘So where are you from? I don’t quite recognize your accent,’ he began before sheepishly adding, ‘but I like it.’

When asked of her own background, Dormé’s eyes dropped as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. ‘I’m sorry, I don’t know how—I’m from Uriash...’ she admitted with much reluctance.

Anakin wondered if he had asked something that was far too personal. The young prince furrowed his brow slightly. unsure why this city or village was embarrassing, for he had never heard of it before. He wanted to ask what was wrong with it or why she was so ashamed but thankfully thought better of it. ‘You have to tell me too how you decided that you wanted to become a handmaiden. Where you recruited through royal houses? Or did your parents place into the training program or did you choose to join on your own?’ he asked unable to hide his curiousity or interest.

‘I...well I chose to be a handmaiden. My mother died when I was young and...my father knows nothing of my decision...’

Anakin gave her an understanding look as she explained her mother had passed away when she was young. He knew what it was like to lose a parent and could immediately relate, although in truth that was the only connection to be found there. But as Dormé further explained that her father didn’t know of her decision, the young prince raised a brow and gave what could have been a hopeful look. ‘Oh, so your parents weren’t allowed to be together either?’ he asked presuming that like his own mother and father, Dormé’s parents were involved in an illicit affair. ‘Were you ever able to see your father? Or did were they forced apart because of scandal like my parents?’ he asked in genuine curiosity. While he could understand Dormé’s embarrassment and awkwardness, Anakin felt it wasn’t anything to be ashamed about. If anything, he felt an immediate commraderie with her because of it.

After he asked about her parents, her mouth dropped open, about to speak, but found it hard to. No one knew of this. Could she trust him with the information? She hid her hands in her cloak once she saw how exposed she was. Inevitably, the fact he didn’t recognise her accent clued her in to the probabilty that he would know nothing of the Jaffas. In her mind, this made him safe. ‘My grandfather disowned my mother because of my father—he, well he gambled our savings because he wasn’t used to having so much money...and after she, my mother, after she died—well...he blamed himself and we didn’t have anything to eat, so I—’ She broke off, unable to say anything further.

Anakin could sense her awkwardness once more felt unsure of himself. It seemed like an innocent enough question, but as she slipped her hand into her cloak the prince knew he had crossed a line of sorts. As the mysterious handmaiden spoke the answers came crashing down once more with such feriocity that it left the pampered prince utterly speachless.

Dormé faced away from him as her eyes filled with tears. The last thing she wanted was for him to see her crying.

‘So you came here to begin a new life,’ Anakin whispered in conclusion. The young Jedi prince felt many things in that moment, the greatest of them being respect. He had never witnessed such hardships before in his life and, in reality, had only heard of it through legends and tales his mother told him when he was a youngling. But this was no legend or tale. This was real and for the first time in his life, Anakin suddenly felt quite humbled. While the prince was known for his courage and passion for taking dangerous risks, it was nothing in comparison to what Dormé had experienced. At the same time, he couldn’t help but feel so incredibly fortunate to have met such a courageous soul. While he had presumed she had a fiery spirit upon first seeing her spar, Anakin could have never guessed just how accurate this was until now. While this discovery thoroughly impressed the young prince, Anakin had enough sense to know that Dormé was hardly proud of her courage or strength. Her shame and sorrow was incredibly powerful even without his Force sensitivity.

Feeling awkward and utterly conscious of his own pampered lifestyle Anakin finally realised the reasons behind his unexplained awkwardness and embarrassment of before. Having grown up in the shadow of a scandal that was his parentage and being the prophecised Chosen One, Anakin thought his life was awkward and hard. Not because of actual hardships, rather, the fact his titles isolated as well as elevated him above others. Though he hated it, the young prince had grown used to the whispers of being a ‘bastard child’ and the not subtle hints that he wasn’t worthy to take the throne. He had never fit in with children his age at the Jedi Temple because he began his training so late in life and had an unnaturally high midichlorian count. Now Anakin realized his life was far from difficult and for the first time it shamed him to think he had felt otherwise. Quietly Anakin slipped a hand to her shoulder as he used the Force to send soothing thoughts to her. ‘You’re the bravest person I’ve ever met,’ he admitted softly. ‘It takes great courage to face such odds and not give up. You humble me with your strength,’ Anakin said in all sincerity as he felt his cheeks burn.

Never had anyone spoken thusly to her. She had no way of gauging everything she had gone through or overcome nor how much of an impact she might have on other people should it be made public. Since coming to the palace, she had been running away, when in reality, she was on a quest to find her true self, to reach her true potential. As much as she didn’t want the prince to think badly of her, she also didn’t want to lie to him.

While this discovery made Anakin all the more aware of their differences in status, it also served to intrigue further him. If he was interested in her before, it was nothing in comparison to what he now felt. For the young prince had become more determined than ever before to get to know this young woman who had showed the courage that even most soldiers lacked. Dormé utterly fascinated him and in time, Anakin would come to understand that the more he discovered about her, the more he’d want to know.

Unfamiliar with the Jedi or the ways of the Force, Dormé felt the more at ease though she was unsure why. She associated it with his hand on her shoulder. Though she was far from used to physical signs of affection, even from her own parents, it seemed as though there was something about this boy made her feel like she wasn’t alone. With concern, she looked back to him. ‘Please don’t tell anyone. My mistress doesn’t even know about this. It might cause her to think ill of me; the other handmaidens already do... They only believe I’m a Jaffa, without knowing anything of—’ She cut herself short, swallowing hard. Memories of the factory and her time in the wilderness and then on the streets flashed into her head.

The young prince could sense her calming slightly and was grateful to know the technique taught to him by his brother was proving useful. He felt bad for causing lady Dormé such sorrow and wanted her to know he admired her for her young prince instinctivally felt defensive of her. While he was hardly in a position to relate, Anakin was angered at the fact such judgment was cast on her because of her name, especially given that Dormé was by far the bravest and more skilled of the young handmaidens to be. If anything, Anakin surmised to himself as he studied her, they could use to learn from her. However, he kept this thought to himself as the young prince nodded in all seriousness to her request. ‘I promise you, Lady Dormé, your secret is safe with me,’ Anakin stated in all sincerity. It would become the first promise that the young prince would ever keep.

Regaining her strength and confidence, she straightened up as she told him fiercely, ‘I cannot go back to Uriash. I’d rather die.’ Dormé exhaled, placing her hand over his that rested on her shoulder. She momentarily forgot about hiding her hands from him, which were far from the ordinary noble-born lady’s hands.

‘You’ve come too far to turn back, I have faith you will never have to return,’ Anakin admitted quietly as he silently added to himself, not if I can help it. If the young prince had noticed her hands were nothing like a noble-born lady’s, it didn’t show. In truth, he rather liked how it felt against his own, as though they fit together perfectly. The thought made his cheeks warm slightly though his thoughts soon returned to the present at her words.

‘I’m sure this was not what you had in mind when you wished to know more about me. I wish I had something more compelling or appropriate to offer.’ She smiled sadly, having a feeling he would want to depart soon. She wasn’t any sort of person a prince would want to spend time with.

‘I admit I was a little surprised, but to be honest—’ his cheeks now burned as he felt every bit like a youngling in the presence of a hero. ‘I think you’re incredibly couragous and strong. I really admire you for your determination—’ The prince fell silent for a moment as he found himself struggling to properly tell her how he greatly admired her.

Dormé was thoroughly surprised that the young prince didn’t take her resignation as a cue to leave. What was even more suprising was the fact he spoke so kindly of her, almost as if she were an equal.

‘I’m really glad to have met you,’ he concluded shyly feeling now as though she were the royalty and he the commoner.

She couldn’t deny how nicely his hand felt under hers. ‘I’m glad to have met you too, Your Grace,’ she murmured. ‘Anakin,’ she corrected herself.

He felt his cheeks warm as she spoke his name. He rather liked the way she said it with her soft accent.

‘So what was this event tonight that you got all decked out for?’ she wondered curiously, her eyes dancing with mischief.

Anakin shrugged. ‘I can’t even remember anymore. It’s always one celebration or another,’ he said as he rolled his eyes and made a face. ‘Politics posing as a party, as my stepfather would say,’ he said with a wry grin. ‘I tried to get out of going to them as much as I can, but sometimes there is just no way around it,’ Anakin continued before his expression grew mishievous as well. ‘That’s when I try to sneak away to do...other things that I probably shouldn’t, but who’s going to stop me?’ he said with a smirk before growing curious once more.

Dormé snickered at his response as to the theme behind the dress party. She forgot she ought to cover her mouth when she laughed, in order to be more ladylike and inconspicuous. She took his hand from her shoulder, though decided against letting his hand free as it rested between them on the bench.‘What sorts of things?’ she asked before cottoning on. ‘Oh, such as sneaking into the handmaidens’ quarters at all hours?’

Anakin grinned at Dormé’s snickers and was most pleased to have been able to lighten her spirits. If he had noticed her faux pas of not covering her mouth it didn’t show as he admitted to using such parties as an excuse to escape for a bit. It was only when Dormé removed his hand from her shoulder that Anakin realised that he probably shouldn’t have kept it there for so long and feared she might take offence, but as the handmaiden rested it between them, she didn’t remove hers and with this simple action came a sense of relief and elated joy. There was something comforting about the feel of her fingers against his own and the Jedi prince was loathed to move his hand away as well. ‘I have to say sneaking into the handmaiden’s quarters was by far one of the best escape plans I’ve ever come up with, if I don’t say so myself,’ he teased with a wink before growing impish as he continued. ‘Well there was one time I stole off with one of the fighters that was resting in the landing pads. That was great, until the security had to put an end to it,’ he admitted with a wry grin.

Dormé couldn’t help being intrigued by it. It all sounded so grand to her, having never been in a spaceship before, let alone having been off Naboo. She had heard of other planets and other systems, but they didn’t seem real to her because she hadn’t seen them. Even the stars seemed stagnant in the sky to her.

‘Then there was a time I stole off into this garden maze on Kei’s planet. That wasn’t too bad either, until I got lost and then it started to storm—’ he shuddered at the thought before feeling his cheeks burn. ‘I guess that’s my big secret. I am utterly terrified of rainstorms and large bodies of water,’ he admitted with an embarrassed look. ‘No one knows, except for Obi-Wan and that’s only because it’s impossible to hide anything from him. Not even my mother knows, although I think she suspects,’ he added shyly as his eyes fell to his hands.

Dormé could tell from his embarrassment that hardly anyone else knew of his secret phobia, though she found it hard to beleive. ‘Water? Please tell me you shower at least,’ she teased, though careful not to dwell on it too long for she knew how it was to have a fear that others find extraneous.

Anakin made a face at her teasing and poked out his tongue in reply. ‘Of course I shower! I’m not that terrified of water!’ he said as his cheeks burned. ‘I just hate rain storms and being on boats and swimming, things like that,’ he admitted shyly. ‘I guess it’s because I grew up on Coruscant and Tatooine, so I never really had much experience with it save for the flood that hit Tatooine years ago,’ he frowned to the memory. ‘So what do you enjoy doing? I mean when you have time between training and lessons what do you do?’ he asked with obvious interest.

‘Mainly trying to catch up to everyone else...the others in training, I mean. They seem to have a knack for all of this, aside from the role of bodyguard that is. It seems to be my only strength.’

Furrowing his brow, Anakin couldn’t help but think to himself that being a bodyguard have to be by far the most important of all the handmaiden’s roles. The fact this proved to be her strength only convinced him that she was perfect for the position she sought.

‘I’m trying to learn how to read properly,’ she said, blushing once more.

Anakin couldn’t help but wince and nod in agreement to her words. ‘I know that feeling. I can read and write fine in Huttese, but Basic...Force help me, I’m as my brother says atrocious,’ the young prince admitted with a wry grin.

‘Same with me, and Uriashian. Basic is hard.’

The prince couldn’t help but smile in relief. It was good to know he wasn’t the only one who had problems with the complicated language. ‘Speaking it isn’t so hard; it’s just the reading and writing part that’s so complicated,’ he admitted sheepishly.

‘I’ve always wanted to read the tales of the knights of the Old Guard, which I’ve heard aloud at the factories, but I would actually like to read them for myself.’ She didn’t realise she had mentioned her time working in the factories for she was thinking of the future for once.

As far as Anakin knew, such things were forbidden to the underaged as he could still recall Padmé proudly speaking of how her parents created this law and ensured it was followed. It would see this wasn’t entirely the case after all. ‘Factories?’ he balked in concern. ‘I thought—no, I know it’s illegal for younglings and the underaged to work on Naboo,’ Anakin continued as he furrowed his brow feeling incredibly protective of the young handmaiden to be. ‘What was the name of this factory? Who is the owner? I’m going to notify Padmé about this as soon as I see her and make sure it is shut down,’ he concluded in fierce determination.

Dormé hadn’t noticed her slip-up and mentally cursed herself to be more mindful of it in the future. ‘That was one of the reasons, well the main reason I first travelled to Theed, actually... She, Amidala, knows about it already, but I know she’s a very busy and important person, so... Many of us needed the work though... It’s complicated, I guess. I’m just glad I’m here,’ she concluded with a smile.

Anakin frowned, determined now to make sure his friend tended to this matter immediately. But Dormé wasn’t entirely finished and at her admittance that many needed the work the young prince grew confused only to recall her words of earlier. Once more, it left him feeling both awkward and conscious of himself. At her conclusion, Anakin gave a shy smile as he gently shifted his hand so he could properly squeeze hers. ‘I’m glad you’re here too,’ he admitted before falling silent briefly as he studied their surroundings. After a moment, the young prince glanced back at her with a hopeful smile. ‘I was wondering will you have free time at all tomorrow? After your training I mean.’

When the prince shifted his hand so that it fit properly with hers, she found she liked the way it felt this way even more. She hadn’t ever held someone’s hand before, at least not that she could remember. Though Dormé didn’t directly connect it with affection, she did register the warmth and how it made her feel, namely that she wasn’t alone. She was taken aback when he asked whether she was free tomorrow. ‘Yeah... Have any questionable activities in mind for your next escape?’ She grinned mischievously.

‘I can think of a few,’ he hinted with a wink. ‘I know Padmé had a new ship recently commissioned. I say we should give it a ride? She doesn’t mind when I fly her starship though she’s still in denial about me being a better pilot than her,’ he added with a proud smirk.

‘A ship? A starship?’ Dormé repeated, her eyes wide. ‘Araru... I’ve never been in starship before!’ Dormé was excited and nervous at the prospect. ‘Where would we go? I mean, I know there are other planets, but I’ve never seen them...’ Her mind was going wild with ideas and dreams she hadn’t ever thought would come true.

Anakin grinned and was obviously pleased and amused by Dormé’s excitment. He had never met someone who hadn’t flown in a starship before nevermind visit other planets before. The thought of being able to share his love of flight with Dormé was thrilling to say the least. The prince beamed as he studied her. ‘Where would you like to go? I mean if you could go anywhere in the galaxy where would you go?’ Anakin offered.

Dormé had no idea where she would want to go. She had heard of other planets, but didn’t know much about them. She was only now learning the basics of Naboo history, let alone the galaxy. She found the young prince’s grin to be heartwarming though it would be some time before she knew just why. However, time was not on their side and as luck would have it, their visit was draw to an abrupt close.

Before he could brag that he could take her anywhere in the galaxy, she wanted the young prince heard the sound of voices and footsteps entering the atrium. It would seem their brief time together was at an end. Had he not been so distracted by his newly found friend, the Jedi prince would have sensed the approaching person long before they arrived. ‘It would seem my plans of escape have just been ruined,’ he admitted as he heard someone speaking his title, thus demanding his attentions.

‘You’ll just have to form another plan of escape tomorrow,’ she said heartily with a wink before she disclosed to him where she planned on being after her training completed the next day.

‘I’ll be waiting for you,’ he replied eagerly before turning to face what he presumed would be the head of his security and perhaps his second in command. Instead the young prince found himself in the presence of an entourage that was not his own. Frowning, he raised a brow as he glared to his head of security.

At the sight of the oncoming barrage of security detail, Dormé’s eyes went wide, hoping it wasn’t some sort of emergency. However, Anakin didn’t seemed that fazed by it all.

‘What is the meaning of this? Did you really think it was necessary to send the entire army to locate me?’ he snapped finding this hardly appropriate.

‘Forgive me, sire,’ the older man began only to be silenced by a sleepy, but clearly annoyed headmistress, Tamé.

For the most part Dormé’s eyes remained on Anakin, rather that the Head Mistress Tamé or the people he was addressing. She felt more defensive of her friend this time, rather than embarrassed. It wasn’t as if he had done anything wrong, aside from sneak away from a boring political party. Besides, he was a prince and they ought to obey him, oughtn’t they?

‘Naboo law states that only the Queen herself, is permitted into the handmaiden wings of the palace. It is for security reasons for which I’m certain you can appreciate,’ she concluded stiffly. Anakin eyes narrowed as he folded his arms obviously not impressed by this annoying handmaiden. From the corner of his eyes, however, he caught sight of the homely girl he had seen from before and figured if it wasn’t his colleagues than it was most likely her who informed them of his wherabouts.

‘I’ve been given permission by the queen herself to visit all parts of the palace as I see fit. I do believe I’ve informed you of this already,’ he snapped in snobbish tones. Tamé hardly seemed fazed, neither did the members of the Naboo security who were with her.

‘You may speak to her of this matter further if you wish, but for now, you are to come with us. And you, Lady Dormé, are to return to your quarters at once,’ the older woman stated as she gave the young handmaiden to be a stern look.

She didn’t pay much attention to what everyone was saying until Head Mistress Tamé spoke her name. She was about to object herself and tell the old woman off as if she had royal powers as well. Luckily, she caught herself in time and refrained. Dormé faced Anakin and gave him a polite bow though in his view and no one else’s, she smiled at her friend.

Anakin would have argued further and demanded that they show the respect that was entitled to him for his rank had he not been concerned about how they would treat Dormé in his absense. It wasn’t to say he couldn’t make them suffer for it later, but Naboo wasn’t part of the Coruscanti Empire and therefore his political powers only went so far. Returning her smile, he gave her a wink before watching as she turned on her heels and departed for bed. Only when she was out of sight did the young prince return his attentions to the headmistress and the members of security before departing.