The Shadows Star: Book 2

26: Enchanted

After dinner, Ruwee approached Sombra, asking, "Sweetheart, would you join me for a stroll? I'd like your thoughts on a few things."

On the other side of the room, Sola, Jobal, and Padmé had cornered Anakin, requesting his help with cleaning up. Anakin, noticing Sombra being led away by Ruwee, nervously agreed.

Sombra chuckled at Anakin's lost look as he was surrounded by the women and replied to Ruwee, "Of course, Ruwee. I'd love to."

As they wandered through the gardens, Sombra shared her knowledge about the plants around them. "These are Aura Blossoms, I've only seen them on the moon of Endor. It's quite the collection you have here, Ruwee."

Ruwee laughed, "You've been to Endor? I thought I'd finally found something rare enough that even you hadn't seen. I wish I had traveled as much as you have, but I'm happy here."

Sombra smiled, linking her arm with his. "How has it been at the university?"

Ruwee smiles and continues guiding her through the garden. "The students this year show much promise. I'm so very proud of them, in fact..."

Inside the home, Anakin busied himself with clearing the table while the women whispered in the kitchen.

Sola walked over and cornered Padmé, "Why haven't you told us about him?"

Padmé grinned, "I didn't think there was anything to tell. When they were children they were inseparable. But they hadn't seen each other in ten years. As far as I knew, he was just a boy to her."

Sola rolled her eyes, "Just a boy! Have you seen the way he looks at her? Do you mean to tell me she hasn't noticed?"

Padmé agreed, "I know! It's obvious he has feelings for Sombra. But whether she's noticed or not, I've never seen her so happy around anyone else."

Sola was ecstatic, "Maybe she hasn't noticed the way he looks at her. I think Som is afraid to."

Anakin suddenly appeared and inquired, "What is Sombra afraid of?" His unexpected presence interrupted their conversation.

Padmé quickly changed the subject, "Oh, nothing. I was wondering, how has it been reuniting with Sombra? You two were so close as children..."

His face took on a dreamy and lovestruck expression and his eyes looked out the window to the girl that had enchanted him, "I feel like the luckiest guy in the galaxy, being around her again."

The women exchanged knowing glances, realizing Anakin's feelings ran deep. Jobal probed further, "She is a very special person. I had hoped she might stay here with us but her passion for her work is paramount." She sat him down in a chair and leaned in. "Anakin, do you think there's a chance for something more between you and Sombra?"

Anakin smiled, looking hopeful. "I hope so. But, you know, Jedi aren't supposed to have attachments or relationships. I don't even know if she feels the same way."

Sola suggested, "She definitely is happier with you around. She trusts you."

Anakin nodded, still filled with affection for Sombra. "I'll do whatever it takes to protect her and make her happy. She means everything to me."

Meanwhile, in the garden, Ruwee broached a delicate subject with Sombra. "Sombra," he asked carefully, "tell me honestly, how serious is this situation? How much danger is my daughter really in?"

Sombra took a deep breath and stood tall. "There have been two attempts on her life. Chances are there will be more. Master Obi-Wan is tracking down the assassins. I'm sure he'll find out who they are. This situation won't last long."

Ruwee expressed his concern, "I don't want anything to happen to her. To either of you."

Sombra replied resolutely, "I vowed to protect her with my life. I meant it."

"Thank you, Sombra," Ruwee gave her a kind smile. "How are you feeling about your new partner? I was under the impression that you didn't work with other Jedi."

Sombra considered for a moment, then turned toward the kitchen window where she saw Anakin and gave a small wave. "Well, Anakin, he's... he's special. I like being near him."

"Mmm, that's good to know. He seems like a good man."

"He is a good man," she hummed dreamily. "He's kind, brave, and passionate..." She trailed off.

"...and he seems quite taken with you," Ruwee finished with a smile.

She swatted his arm playfully. "Not you too! I thought I'd get some rest from that talk out here."

"Oh, alright, but it is the truth. We both know you aren't a typical Jedi. Just know that whatever you choose, we support you. And speaking as a man who has been happily married, that young man in there makes you happy."

"Thank you, Mr. Naberrie. I'll think about it."

"Of course, Sombra. Now let's head back in. I dread to think of what the girls have done to your poor beaux."

As Sombra and Ruwee reentered the kitchen, she couldn't help but sense a subtle shift in the atmosphere. The three women were leaning in and whispering, and Anakin had a far-off look. The conversation had taken a turn, and curiosity got the best of her.

"Well, Ruwee and I had a wonderful chat. What were you all talking about that has you so intrigued?" Sombra inquired, her dark eyes scanning the faces of her friends and Anakin.

Padmé exchanged a glance with Anakin, who suddenly found himself at a loss for words. His face turned a shade of red, and he stammered, "I...uh...well, they were just...you know..."

"Oh, we were just gossiping, Sombra," Padmé replied with a mischievous grin, attempting to deflect the question.

Sombra's curiosity was piqued even further, and she leaned in with a playful smile. "Gossiping, huh? About what?"

Padmé chuckled but then gently shooed Sombra away. "Oh, it's just some silly rumors and speculation, nothing important. You don't need to worry about it. How about you take Anakin and go grab your things? We'll be leaving in a bit and I'm sure there's things in your room you'd like to pick up."

Sombra couldn't help but laugh as she was dismissed by Padmé. "Alright, alright, I'll go. But I expect all the juicy details later!" She winked at her friends before heading off with Anakin to prepare for their upcoming journey.