Later that afternoon Anakin and I cuddled up together on the couch out by the terrace. The baby was awake and alert, kicking and turning continuously to Anakins delight. He smiled, pressing his palms against my stomach and chuckling a bit everytime the baby pushed back against my skin.
I knew this was the best opportunity I would get.
"Anakin, how did it go with the Jedi Council today?"
The smile on his lips died right away and I forced back a sigh.
"They approved," he said simply.
I gently put a hand on his cheek.
"Is there anything else you would like for me to know?" I asked softly.
"They gave me an... unofficial mission. They seem to share your and Obi-Wan's view of Palpatine." He sighed heavily.
"What kind of mission?" I asked curiously.
Anakin seemed to struggle to choose the right words. "A mission that... means that I..." He frowned at his inability to express himself.
I gently caressed his cheek. He didn't have to tell me. Obi-Wan could do that. Anakin just needed comfort and support, I could tell as much.
"Anakin, you do not need to tell me. But if there's anything you want me to know I'm listening. You know that."
He ran both his hands over my stomach, but the baby did not kick anymore. He straightened up and sighed.
"Sometimes I wonder what's happening to the Jedi Order. I think this war is destroying the principles of the Republic."
I bit my lip. What he just said had given me an opening, an opportunity, a straw to grasp. Anakin had also noticed that something was wrong, he might be with me on this.
"Have you ever considered that we may be on the wrong side?" I asked softly.
Anakin winced.
"What do you mean?"
"What if the democracy we are fighting for no longer exists, and the Republic has become the very evil we've been fighting to destroy," I said, continuously meeting his gaze.
Anakin looked with suspicion on me.
"I don't believe that, and you sound like a Separatist."
Mon Mothmas words flew through my head and I realized once again how much the political values had changed. If you supported a democratic ideology with freedom of expression and everything else we used to take for granted, that could be interpreted as treason.
I was considering being gentle, but realized I might have to argue with him on this to get him to understand.
"This war represents a failure to listen. Now you're closer to the Chancellor than anyone, please ask him to stop the fighting and let diplomacy resume!"
Anakin stiffened and raised his hand against me.
"Don't ask me to do that!"
He jumped to his feet and took a few steps away , then turned back to face me.
"Make a motion in the Senate where that kind of request belongs!"
I looked at him, frowned and worried. I had not expected that he would have become so upset over my plea.
"What is it?"
Anakin looked down.
"Nothing."
I stood up.
"Don't do this," I prayed and went to him. "Don't shut me out, let me help you!"
He turned to me and suddenly he only looked tired and confused again. His outbreak ended just as fast as it started. I placed my hands on his chest.
YOU ARE READING
Padmé Amidala - her perspective
Fiksi Penggemar"After a while I was able to get ahold of my breath enough to stop the trembling and sit up. I slowly lifted my hand and placed it on my belly, instinctively checking my baby in the most primitive way. As the anxiety subsided I was able to focus on...
