The Shadows Star: Book 2

30: Duty Over Heart

The first rays of dawn cast a soft, golden glow through the window of Sombra's quarters. She lay in her bed, lost in the blissful embrace of slumber until an insistent beeping shattered the tranquility. Groggily, she extended a hand towards the noise, her fingers fumbling through her bag until they found the source of the disturbance.
It was a small comm device, and its frequency was known only to a chosen few. With a tired sigh, she activated the call, blinking away the remnants of sleep from her eyes.
Obi-Wan's worried face appeared on the holographic display. "Sombra," he began, "thank the force! Are you alright?"
She sat up quickly and rubbed the sleep from her eyes, "Hi Obi, yeah we're fine. What's going on?"
His face relaxed and he let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. "I've been trying to reach Anakin for hours. We agreed to check in every night, but I couldn't get through. Your master was kind enough to give me your frequency. Is everything going well?"
She hesitated for a moment, her concern mirrored in her eyes, and she looked away. "Yes, the mission is going well. The senator is safe."
Obi-Wan's gaze sharpened, sensing her unease. "Mmm, I have no doubt Senator Amidala is safe. My worry lies in the two of you, and I think you know that."
She pulled a blanket around her and made her way out to the balcony, taking a seat on a plush couch and looking out at the lake. She tried to calm herself, but her mind continued to replay the kiss with Anakin—the way his lips were soft and sweet, his hand on her waist. She shook her head and took a breath, her voice steady. "We'll be fine...eventually."
Obi-Wan's expression softened. "I know Anakin, how he thinks and feels," he raised an eyebrow and looked directly into her eyes, "especially when it comes to you. I know he can be impulsive and emotional, and sometimes he chooses with his heart and not his mind..."
Her heart continued its rapid pace as she processed what he could be implying. His perceptive eyes did not leave hers, and he spoke gently, "Sombra, you're not the only one who cares for him. But I know the bond you have is stronger than anything I will ever know. You have made each other happy, ever since you first met all those years ago on Tatooine. I just want you to know you can trust me."
"I trust you," she smiled slightly, the weight of secrecy lifting. She leaned back into the cushion and looked up at the sky, "How'd you do it, Obi? How did you choose your duty over your heart?"
"I'm sorry?" He sat up, looking around him, "I– I'm not sure what you mean."
"One word:" she smirked and looked him directly in the eyes, "Duchess."
His face paled, and he began rubbing circles on his temples. "I can't believe you..." He sighed, "To answer your question," his tone became serious and full of emotions he hadn't thought about for quite some time, "it is the most difficult decision to make, and one you must make every day."
Inside his room, Anakin listened in, shocked at what he was hearing. His intrigue kept him listening for more, hidden in the shadows as the weight of what Obi-Wan was asking Sombra to do settled in.
Obi-Wan continued, "But no matter what, let the force guide you. Do that and you will make me proud, little one."
"Even if I choose my heart?" She whispered.
Anakin's flicker of hope ignited, fueled by her insinuation. He had spent the night tortured by the kiss they shared. He kicked himself for allowing her to leave so suddenly, for not knocking on her door to speak, for kissing her knowing the conflict it could bring.
At the same time, he was ecstatic that he had finally been able to kiss the girl of his dreams. The sweet taste of wine on her lips, how her eyes fluttered closed, how comfortable she felt in his arms. But most of all, it had felt so right, so perfect; it was the same feeling he had the moment they had met, as if two pieces clicked together seamlessly.
Obi-Wan smiled at her, his eyes betraying an inner sadness. "If that is what the force has chosen."
She nodded, knowing the hundreds of words left unsaid between them. "Thanks, Obi."
"Of course. I must get going but please reach me whenever you need. And tell Anakin to check in tonight."
Sombra tried to stifle a yawn and nodded. "I will. May the force be with you, Obi."
"May the force be with you, my dear."
She tucked the holopuck in her pocket and stretched out on the couch, letting the morning sun warm her. Her heart felt pulled apart. The memory of the way she left Anakin, his devastated and hurt look tormenting her all night, haunted her thoughts. She had debated running back to him, taking it all back, telling him she didn't regret it at all. But every time she approached his door, fear held her back.
Knowing that Obi-Wan understood their complex situation and was on their side had warmed her heart nonetheless.
Anakin watched her from the other end of the balcony, standing in the archway of his room. His gaze lingered on her, ache and want swirling within him. As he observed her under the morning sun, the yearning for the connection they had shared the night before etched across his face.
"Are you just going to stare at her all morning?"
Anakin jumped and looked at Padmé horrified. "I– I wasn't– what are you doing here?!" he whisper-yelled while pushing her away from the entrance to the balcony.
"Well I knocked on Som's door and she didn't answer, and your door was open. I wanted to know if you wanted breakfast. But," she smirked, "it seems I've stumbled upon something much more intriguing."
Anakin's face turned several shades of red, embarrassment and frustration. "Padmé, it's not what you think."
She raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Really? Because it looks like you were spying on my beautiful best friend with puppy dog eyes while she lounges on the balcony. Just go talk to her already."
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's complicated. We... things are complicated."
"Ani, if you don't get out there right now I'm going to tell her you were spying on her."
"Wait—" Anakin began, but Padmé playfully pushed him toward the balcony entrance before he could protest further.