Of Love and War Book 4: When Darkness Falls

Chapter 3: A Good Friend, Jedi, Leader

"Luke's coming."

Zelina held perfectly still the first few moments after Anakin's announcement, needing a moment to process what he was saying.

Padmé was pregnant.

Luke was going to be born soon.

Already? He was already coming?

Luke had warned her of bad things that were to come, were they coming as well?

Anakin's statement raised far more questions then Zelina wanted right now, with not nearly enough answers.

But still, Luke was coming.

Eventually, she managed to react, a small sound of surprise escaping her as all these thoughts flashed through her mind. Should she be happy, worried, what?

For now, she'd settle for happy. There was enough going on right now, she didn't think worried was something she could afford to be on top of everything else she was already concerned about.  Besides, Anakin was so overjoyed at the news, she couldn't justify being the one to kill that joy.

"That's...Force, Anakin, that's wonderful!" she finally exclaimed, reality settling back in as she gave Anakin another hug. She saw Padmé had finally reached them and pulled herself from Anakin's embrace to hug her other friend, a little more careful this time. "Congratulations, both of you!"

Zelina pulled back, a hand on Anakin's arm and her other hand on Padmé's arm as a thought occurred to her. "You both need some time—to celebrate and to be together, it's been far too long. Anakin, go home with her, I'll cover for you. I want to see Satine later, so I have to be at the Senate, anyway."

"Are you sure? I know you hate politics—" Anakin started to ask, but Zelina waved his question away.

"Yes, Ani, I'm sure. Spend the day with your wife, you both deserve it," she reassured them.

Anakin grinned, giving her another hug. "Thanks, Zee. I owe you one."

"You don't owe me anything. Now go on, before somebody tries to snag one of you. I'll be fine."

The two gave their thanks once again before finally departing, slipping away successfully without drawing any attention. Zelina sighed, watching their transport depart before turning back to the Senate Building.

Padmé, Anakin once he remembered he wanted to talk with her about Dooku, the briefing at the Jedi Temple, mingling with the public after the Chancellor's rescue, Satine, the prisoners from Ruusan, her men, Luke...

Zelina took a deep breath.

One thing at a time, and maybe she wouldn't get overwhelmed.

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When Zelina finally managed to peel herself away from all the politicians she had to mingle with for appearances alone, she made a beeline towards Satine's apartment. It was on the way back to the Jedi Temple, where she still needed to go for a briefing and to cover for Anakin's disappearance, so it saved her some running around later.

The whole time she'd been talking to the politicians, Luke had been in the back of her mind...

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Every choice you make affects me...

You could be my protector, my guardian, my teacher, or not be there at all. It is all up to the path that you and my father choose. Please, watch over my father. You must help him, you need to protect him. He needs you; I need you...