Chapter Text
8 years ago...
Your very first memory of Ser Kenobi wasn’t exactly a fond one at the time.
It was the morning of the Festival of Lights. A week long celebration commemorating the creation of the Kingdom of Naboo. Servants were bustling around the palace making sure decorations were just right, tending the flowers and gardens while cooks worked tirelessly to fill the tables with delectable treats from across the kingdom: Dragonsnap Pie, lemon-zinger cakes, stuffed rosemary goose, and of course, your favorite: glazed candy pears.
You had simply wanted a peek. To be out and about, witnessing the colors and the smells...
Your nurse, of course, wouldn’t have it.
“It is not lady-like for a princess to go snooping about her own castle.” Donta says as she twists your hair into tight braids. “You will see everything later. Besides, everything will be more beautiful in the twilight. Your job is to stay here and let me make you look like a princess before the ceremony.”
“How will I know it will be more beautiful if I have nothing to compare it with?” You grumble, earning you a sharp pull as Donta winds a braid tighter into the design. You love your nurse, but sometimes she could be a bit much.
You could still feel the sting of the pull, hiding behind a sculpted bush in the gardens behind the palace, the remains of your stolen candied pear sticky in your hands. A couple of voices drift overtop the sound of buzzing bees and the rustling branches in the wind. A young man’s words become clearer through the sounds of nature.
“...Ser, surely there is someone else to play nursery maid for the young girl. Everything here is peaceful enough, surely the princess is not in any real danger. There are guards everywhere.”
“Search your feelings, Obi-Wan. Not everything is as it seems. I sense darkness on the approach... stay vigilant.”
“Yes, Ser.”
The crunching grass underneath the mysterious feet stop abruptly, followed by a throaty chuckle. “It seems we are not the only ones enjoying an afternoon in the garden.” You freeze. Your pear drops to the ground. A shrill voice shrieks your name from the other side of the garden: Donta.
"I know you are here! You naughty girl, I leave for one second-”
In a split second reaction, you bolt out of the bushes. A clear path, one not blocked by gossiping men or fussy nurses. You barely make it two strides before two arms grab you around the waist and lift you up in the air. You squawk and struggle, but it’s no use. You manage to land a solid hit to a buzz-cropped head.
“Ow! Cut it out!”
Your captor drops you to the ground, but still grips your arm with an iron strength. Now upside right, you get a better look at him. Auburn hair cropped close to the scalp complete with a small braid tucked behind the ear. Piercing ocean blue eyes underneath a brow furrowed in frustration. A couple of beauty marks dot his boyish face. You continue glaring at this figure even as your nurse approaches, her breath coming in loud gasps.
"Oh, thank the heavens you’re alright...” Donta bustles up to you, her chest flushed and heaving with exertion. She takes your arm from the surly-looking young man and does a double take. “Oh! You two must be the two emissaries from Coruscant! Oh my, how humiliating... I deeply apologize. I had no idea you would be arriving this early-”
“Ser Qui-Gon Jinn, at your service. This here is my squire, Obi-Wan Kenobi.”
You shoot a glare at the Kenobi boy. If it wasn’t for him, you would be gone by now. Obi-Wan spares you a glance, and gives you a small smirk. He tucks his hands behind his back in a posture of casual efficiency at his new job of annoying you.
“I deeply apologize once again for this embarrassing situation. She has much to learn, this one. I will clean her up as soon as possible and we will have a formal introduction in the throne room.”
The older man - Qui-Gon - gives a smile. “There is honestly no need. The less people know we’re here right now, the better. Come, let us start again.” Qui-Gon bends his knee, kneeling on the damp ground. After a moment’s hesitation, Obi-Wan does the same. “Your Majesty, my deepest apologies for intruding on you in your gardens. My squire and I arrived early unexpectedly, in the hopes of investigating certain rumors regarding a threat to the crown.”
You give thick blink. “A threat?”
Qui-Gon looks up at Donta in what appears to be surprise. “She is unaware of the situation?”
“Blissfully so. No need to worry the child.”
You look up at Donta in confusion. Suddenly, her hovering this morning makes all the more sense.
She is afraid. You can see it now.
“Your council is concerned for your safety, your majesty, as well as my Queen... your aunt. We were called upon to act as eyes and ears for this week’s festivities, and to provide extra security for the crown.”
It takes you a moment to process. You lay a hand on Donta’s firm grip, and she relents. “Why was I not informed of a threat on this scale?”
“...I cannot answer that, your majesty.”
You turn towards Donta, a frown taking over. “If I had known about the threat, I would not have run away.”
Donta gives you a hard look. “Princesses are meant to follow directions without explanations. There shouldn’t have to be a threat for you to listen.”
“I am your future ruler, not a soldier. I will not be kept in the dark about my own circumstances.”
Donta blinks and opens her mouth to scold once again but the older Knight cuts her off.
“I think it is best, your highness, if you return with your nurse to your quarters. My squire and I will be your shadows. It is important for you to prepare for this auspicious occasion.”
“I completely agree. Come along now, I will have to redo your hair...”
Your nurse’s pestering voice fades to the background as you turn behind to get one last glimpse of the mysterious duo. The squire turns to leave, and it is then that you catch the first flash of something that you hadn’t noticed before-
The blueish glint of a sword.
____
You stay in your quarters the second time around, your hair once again freshly pulled and prodded into a bun of braids. A gentle knock on your door jumps you out of your thoughts, all tugged in one frustrating direction:
Why would your council not notify you of a threat? Or your captain of the guard? Granted, you were only thirteen. You did not officially ascend to the throne until the age of sixteen, and until then the Royal Council ruled in your stead. How could you prepare yourself for the future world of politics if you weren’t aware of the state of your kingdom?
“Come in.”
You didn’t turn to see who entered. “Donta, I am still here, there is no need to worry-”
“Your highness, Donta is in the kitchens overseeing food preparations. I’m afraid it is just me.”
You whip around to find none other than that squire from earlier. Obi-something or other. Your face screws into a scowl. “What do you want?”
Obi-Wan dips his head slightly. “I came to escort you to the terrace for the beginning ceremonies.”
You hop off of your bed, your pristine flats hitting the floor in a solid thwump. Without a word you walk towards Kenobi and extend your hand. Obi-Wan gives it a blank stare before turning around.
“Excuse me, you’re supposed to take my arm.”
Even though the back of his head is facing your eyes, you can practically feel the young squire’s eyes roll. He turns around from the door and laces his long arm through yours in a quick grip. The doors open, two guards on either side hold the handles.
“Did you and your master find anything suspicious in your search of the grounds?”
“He’s not my master. And no, we found nothing. You’re perfectly safe.”
“Your master doesn’t seem to think so. Neither does my council or my nurse.”
Obi-Wan heaves a sigh. “I just said, he’s not my master.”
You and the squire make your way through the marbled hallways, stained glass windows lighting the way. You look up at the young man escorting you, and realize that the lights from the windows turn his hair a bright burning reddish gold.
“Well then what is he?”
“He’s my teacher. My Lord. I am learning the ways to be a Knight and he is there to guide me.”
“...and to tell you what to do.”
“He is there to instruct. And if I am going to be a soldier, it is important that I follow orders. And unlike you, I think I’m doing a decent job of listening to my elders.”
You bite your tongue at a sour comment preparing to spring from your tongue.
The sooner this mysterious threat is dealt with, the sooner he leaves, you think. Your dainty shoes clack against the cold marble underneath as your approach the terrace. Members of the Naboo Royal Advisory Council line by the door, and they plaster smiles on their faces as soon as they see you.
“Your Highness! Your people are waiting to greet you,” Sio Bibble greets with a bow.
You turn and face the captain of your guard, Quarsh Panaka, who also gives a bow. “We are ready on your word, your highness.” You look around, and notice a long-haired bearded knight distinctly lacking. No matter. You let go of Kenobi’s arm and ready your stance. “I am ready.”
The doors open. You step out onto the terrace, and you are once again reminded of how beautiful your kingdom is.
Strings of lights twinkle in the growing dusk, strung from pulsating lanterns that dot the cobblestoned city streets. In the distance, the ocean twinkles hello. A warm breeze drifts through your dress, bringing the smell of salt and floral sweetness. Upon seeing you, a cheer goes up from the crowd. You step forward onto the open terrace. You sense Kenobi behind you, a steady presence amidst the noise. After a moment of cheering, you raise your hand. The crowd quiets. You clear your throat to recite a speech that’s been glued into your head since last week, thanks to Donta's efforts.
“My people, my pride and joy. It is an honor to be among you tonight. Today marks the creation of our beautiful kingdom of Naboo. We have grown strong in our culture and our traditions, and my parents would be proud of what they see in all of you.”
A crack fissures in your throat... you push it down.
Not now.
“We are flourishing among other kingdoms. But that would not be possible without-” You look down at the crowd, and notice a familiar face shrouded underneath a cloak. The knight from Coruscant. He gives you an encouraging smile.
“With-without each and every one of you. I am proud to be your princess, and in the next few years, I will be proud to be your quee-”
A flash erupts next to you. You are pulled to the side a brief moment later. The crowd gasps and murmurs, and Qui-Gon whips out his sword and bolts out of the mess of people in a solid direction.
“Your highness, are you okay-” Sio Bibble holds your shoulders as Quarsh Panaka yells over the commotion.
“Get her back inside! Now!”
You look over to what was once a flash, and now a person. Obi-Wan Kenobi stands, his sword gripped in his hand. There, on the ground, is a dart, spliced in half. Obi-Wan gives you a brief look before jumping over the side of the terrace.
He saved me. He saved me, and not even ten minutes ago I despised him.
____
Quite honestly, the Royal Council barely acknowledges your presence.
You are still in your regal outfits, sitting on a throne that barely allows your feet to brush the floor. Heated voices fill your ears but you still remain in a state of shock.
Someone tried to kill me, and they almost succeeded.
Sio Bibble clenches the armchairs of his seat as if he is afraid he might float away. “Tighter security is needed. Let us inquire if these Knights-”
“These Knights owe their loyalty to the kingdom of Coruscant, not to Naboo. They are here simply because Queen Jobal was worried about the safety of her niece, as were we.” Quarsh Panaka interjects.
“And she doesn’t trust our own knights to do their duty?”
The squabble continues, but you tune it out. You look ahead to see double doors open wide to reveal two familiar faces: the visiting knight and his squire. All of the council members stand immediately.
“Thank the Maker!” Sio Bibble pulls out a handkerchief and begins to dab his face.
Qui-Gon stops in front of the half circle of council members, but his gaze is focused solely on you. “Forgive me, your highness. I am afraid I was unable to apprehend the assassin. He disappeared within the crowd.”
“This assassin... was he a bounty hunter?” Mariek Panaka, a stern councilwoman known for her sharp words, interjects before you can speak.
Obi-Wan steps forward. “We do not know. Whether this is a single person’s motivation or a political scheme, we are not yet sure of that either. However..." The young squire looks towards the wizened knight next to him, who shows no emotion except the stone-faced resolution you had come to expect from the man. "We do believe this assassin possessed something akin to dark magic.”
A sudden silence thickens the room.
Quarsh Panaka speaks up from the side of the room, his face illuminated by stained glass windows. “How were you able to tell? Didn't the assassin evade you?"
"Yes, and it was his methods of evasion that spoke of magic." Qui-Gon remains resolute, his eyes flickering between the members of your royal council. "I do not know if the members of this council have ever been in the presence of dark sorcery, but it is also something that can be felt. Like a temperature, or a disease."
Quarsh Panaka heavs a sigh that seems to shake his very core. "If what you say is true... Then this attempt must definitely be a larger scheme. Surely no one of that kind of power would show themselves so blatantly otherwise. We were worried something like this would happen sooner or later, after...”
Qui-Gon’s hands disappear thoughtfully into his robe. “After what?”
“The death of my parents.”
You finally speak up from your throne. The room grows silent.
Qui-Gon doesn’t break eye contact from you. “I heard about the accident last year, your highness. My sincerest apologies.”
“I am quickly starting to suspect that it was no accident.”
A tense silents permeates the space. It is not long before Qui-Gon takes a breath. “It is my understanding upon your culture and customs that the people will only willingly follow a ruler descended from the direct line of Amidala. It is considered a holy line. Someone is obviously trying to end it to seize control.”
“But to what end? This makes no sense...” Sio Bibble pulls out his handkerchief once again, dabbing even more furiously at his shiny brow line.
Your voice echoes through the chamber. “How was my aunt aware that I was in danger all the way from Coruscant? And why was I not enlightened of the threat on my life?”
“Your highness...”
You turn your head towards your immediate right... towards Sheev Palpatine. An honorable man of your council, and one of the oldest. He stands and gives a small bow.
“It was my idea to send word to your aunt, and she insisted on sending one of her best knights and his squire. Your safety is of the utmost importance to all of us, and I believe that these... emissaries can help us with these troubling circumstances. They have an outside perspective that we do not possess. We also did not see fit to tell you about the threat as we believed that it could be handled quietly. You have certainly been through enough, what with the death of your parents-”
You stand up from your throne, and try your best to ignore the little hop that is necessary for your feet to reach the ground. “I am your future queen. I may be young, but I deserve to know what concerns myself and my kingdom.”
Sheev dips his head again, a picture of humility. “Understood, your highness. We shall endeavor to no longer keep you in the dark.”
Qui-Gon speaks up again, directing the attention from everyone in the room. “Your highness, I believe that it is in your best interests to have a personal guard. One with you at all times, who can constantly keep an eye on your safety. With our council’s permission, I would like to assign my squire, Obi-Wan Kenobi, to this task.”
You turn to Obi-Wan, who is currently staring at the older knight with a look of incredulity.
“He is young, but he is skilled with a sword. I trust him with my life.”
“And how long would this engagement last?” Mariek stares at the Knights with obvious distrust, her nose wrinkled in superiority.
“Until the threat is revealed and dealt with. I assure you, we will not rest until the princess is safe. Coruscant is an ally with Naboo, and we do not take that lightly.”
“Although we appreciate your concern, we have our own knights that are more than capable and up for the task. If we thought the situation warranted that decision, she would already be under supervision from one of our own.” Quarsh Panaka pushed, his stance uncompromising.
The council exchanges looks with one another, brief rustling and murmuring echoing across the walls of marble. You want to speak up, to handle this situation yourself...
But you are not yet of age. Your council at the moment has the power, not you.
Sio Bibble stands, his knees creaking with the effort. “Coruscant has long been a friend of Naboo, and their help is appreciated. Their knights are renowned throughout the land for their skill and loyalty. I suggest, in an effort to keep the good graces between Naboo and Coruscant, that we have a tournament. We shall send forth our best knight that we believe is up for the task, and they shall face off with Kenobi. The winner is given in good graces to the princess for her protection until this threat is resolved.”
One by one the council murmurs their agreement. Mariek Panaka, however, remains silent.
“It is settled then.” Sheev stands, and everyone else follows. “We shall include the tournament on the list for festivities to take place during the week. By the end of the Festival, our princess will have her own personal shadow.”