Dreams

Chapter 15.

I waited by Satine's door, hands tucked behind my back, and did my best not to fidget. This had seemed like a better idea before. How can I be a Jedi Master, have fought in countless battles, and have avoided death numerous times, and still feel nervous?

Then the door opened. She exited, almost shyly, and I was stunned speechless, my breath stolen by her beauty. She looked down coyly, brushing her fingers through her blonde hair that was caught into a loose bun, twisted into a rose shape and secured by a delicate, mother-of-pearl hairclip. As she shifted in embarrassment, the silver hemming on the fitted, royal blue gown she wore glittered like a thousand stars. A sprinkling of white sparkles, starting from the hem, spread up towards her waist, frozen in place by the hand of an expert tailor. She glanced up at me briefly, her blue eyes filled with apprehension and doubt, though I saw a flicker of delight when her eye fell on my attire. "Am I late?" she ventured.

I was lost for words but finally managed a distracted smile. "Not at all." Then I offered my arm to her. "May I escort you to dinner, mi'lady?"

She slipped her arm under mine. "You may."

I led her back the way we had come, happy to maintain the silence that was broken only by the soft thud of our boots and the gentle swishing of Satine's short train. But I still didn't take her to the main dining room.

She glanced at me a couple of times, this time a confused smile on her face. "Obi, the dining room isn't ...."

I cast her a sideways smile but didn't respond, instead taking her to a much smaller room, one no bigger than her bedroom. She gasped when I opened the door and stepped to the side, allowing her to enter. She clasped her hands over her mouth as she walked in, gazing at the beauty that surrounded her.

With the help of Satine's willing servants, I had transformed the little meeting room into something completely different. The space was dimly lit, the darkness chased away only by an array of candles, some emitting golden light, others pink, and others orange. A mantelpiece, standing proudly against the wall, bore a vase of lilacs, orchids, and forget-me-not flowers, all of whom freely offered their soft scents and bright colours. A strong table, whose wooden legs were carved with intricate patterns, was covered by a white, embroidered tablecloth that was adorned with silver plates and cutlery.

Satine took a few steps in, then turned and looked back at me, tears shining in her eyes. "Obi, did you ...?" she whispered through her hands.

I smiled, feeling my heart bursting with pure pleasure at her happiness, then gently took her hands in mine. "Your servants were more than happy to help. We thought you might like a break from a stressful day."

A single tear spilled over her flushed cheek, trailing down her face, so I reached up and brushed it away with my thumb. "Do you like it, my dear?"

"I love it, Obi," she breathed, staring deep into my eyes. For a moment, we stood like that, hand in hand, gazing into each other's eyes. Then I smiled again and gestured to one of the two chairs.

"Would you like to take a seat? Dinner is just about to begin." When she nodded, I pulled out the chair for her, then pushed it back in once she was seated. I took the chair opposite her, and we made small talk while we waited for the servants to come.

A few minutes later, a chef entered the room, bearing a dish of something steaming and smelling delicious. I had little to no idea of what it actually was, but I had eaten it before and greatly enjoyed it. It looked something like a soup but had a soft flavour, more like a broth. But most importantly, I knew it was Satine's favourite.

We started the meal, eating in comfortable silence for a while. Then Satine indicated to my left hand with her spoon, a concerned frown on her face. "What happened this morning? You said you cut yourself because you weren't concentrating. That's very out of character for you, Obi."