Treasured (Book 2)

The Dance

"Mom, there's something right there," Luke said, pointing to a reddish-purple spot on her jaw.

"What?" she asked. She touched her finger to her jaw.

Anakin walked in the kitchen. "Padmé, I have to go. I'm already going to be late, and that isn't good for this training session."

"Anakin, look at this..."

"Look at what?" he asked.

"Look, there's something on her jaw there," Luke said.

Anakin leaned forward towards Padmé, and she tilted her head back. He skimmed his fingers over the mark. "It doesn't look too bad."

"What is it?" she asked.

"I'm not sure, I'm not a med droid! Go to check it out today."

Padmé nodded. "Bye. See you after work."

"Bye." He kissed her. "Bye, Luke," he said, ruffling his hair a little before walking out the door.

Padme sighed. "Luke, get your lunch."

He looked at her with pleading eyes.

"Did you forget to pack it last night?" She rolled her eyes. "Alright, get your lunch bag and food to take. Make it good food, too, no junk food."

"Do we even have any junk food in this house?" Luke asked.

Padmé shrugged. "I mean don't pack a whole bunch of sugar."

Leia walked out of her room with a huge smile plastered on her face.

"What are you looking so smug about?" Luke sneered.

"Well, the dance is tonight. I'm going with Hale and I can't wait! Gotta get through the school day first!"

Luke rolled his eyes and grabbed his lunch bag, setting it in the counter.

"Mom, what's that on your jaw?" Leia asked.

"I don't know, honey. I have to go get it checked out today."

Leia nodded.

"Hey, why were you so mad about Mom and Dad's picture being in the magazine?"

"I wasn't mad. It's just obnoxious that our lives revolve around magazines and gossip."

Luke cocked and eyebrow at her, but stayed silent.

"Hurry up, Luke and Leia. You'll be late."

"I know!" said Luke, irritated.

Padmé turned to Luke, and immediately he cowered.

"I'm sorry," he whispered.

Leia stifled a laugh and got her backpack, books and lunch together by the balcony.

"Mom?" she called. "When was yours and Dad's first kiss?"

Padmé sighed and walked out of the kitchen. "It was by a lake in Naboo."

"Did you...like it?" she asked.

"I did," Padmé answered. "But I pulled away. Back then, he was not allowed to love me. The Jedi Order wouldn't allow it."

"You should've pulled away!"

"Is Dad a good kisser?" Luke mimicked as he pulled his backpack onto one shoulder.

"He is."

"Gross! I didn't need to know that," Luke said, pretending to choke on something.