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“Go,” Princess Padme said urgently.
You looked up at her with wide eyes. “A-are you certain, milady?”
Padme smiled at her maid, “I can deal with a few pesky suitors. You deserve to have fun tonight too.” She smiled softly.
You eyed your mistress carefully. Padme wasn’t slick. You knew that the moment you looked away, the princess would run off to meet with her secret lover, no matter what the rules said about her station. A princess could not be in love with a simple knight.
But you could see the longing in the princess's eyes. You knew how much Padme loved the young knight, and with everything she had to do during the day for the sake of her people, it was no wonder she wanted to leave the prying eyes of the party to steal a moment with her lover.
With this in mind, you looked down at the floor and curtsied. "As you wish, milady." The look of euphoria the princess gave in return was a reward enough.
As you walked away, you tried to keep an eye on Princess Padme as you slowly walked through the crowd, but Padme disappeared almost immediately. You sighed, and headed for the dance floor. You weren't one for conversation, but perhaps you would get lucky enough to be invited to dance.
You gave a small squeak as you ran into a duke, and bowed quickly, terrified of being reprimanded. "My apologies, your grace!"
Duke Kenobi gave you a kind smile, and bowed in return, "No need, my dear. It is I who should apologize for getting in the way of such a fine lady."
You looked up, startled. A fine lady?
You gripped the fabric of your dress in your fists, and was met with fine silk rather than the typical coarse linens of a palace maid. That's right, Padme had given you a dress to wear for tonight.
You straightened your back, carrying yourself a bit taller. "Apology accepted, your grace."
The Duke held out his hand. "Would you also accept an invitation to dance? My wife has been preoccupied with her friends for quite some time, and I was beginning to get a little bored."
You had to stop yourself from squealing in a decidedly un-princessy manner, nodding emphatically and taking his hand. The Duke swept you out onto the dance floor with ease as the minstrels played a jovial tune. You could hardly stop smiling-- or laughing --for the entirety of the song. Duke Kenobi was truly the perfect dance partner, you felt just like a fae flying across the floor of the ballroom. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad to be a princess like Padme if it meant having such gallant dance partners, or such elegant clothing. The sky blue dress you wore swirled around you with the Duke's cloak, and you felt as if you were dancing on clouds. The dripping sleeves acted as wings that kept you apace with your dance partner, and caught the attention of nearly everyone in attendance.
The music concluded with a flourish, and the ballroom errupted in applause. You were flushed bright red and smiling. Duke Kenobi bowed, and you took a moment to curtsy in return. A blonde woman in a long purple train approached and placed her hand on the Duke's arm as a new song began. His wife. You smiled at the tender expression on his face as he gave the woman his undivided attention, and headed to the refreshment table for a drink. Perhaps you'd wait before taking another dance.
Still dizzy from all the twirls and spins, you ran into something, the tip of your shoe catching on uneven terrain. Strong hands gripped your arms as you fell forward, placing you back on your feet.
“Are you alright?”
“I-I’m fine!” Your face flushed with embarrassment as you looked up at the man you had run into. It was a knight, judging by the crimson and silver sash he wore over his tunic, though he didn’t look like most of the knights. Half of his face was covered by a skull-shaped tattoo, and the curls of his hair nearly reached down to his shoulders, much longer than the standard hairstyle most knights kept. His eyes glowed a honey-gold in the soft candlelight of the ballroom, staring deeply into yours.
You realized all at once that you had been staring at him for too long, "Oh my- I am so sorry Sir! Did I step on your foot?”
The knight looked down at his feet, puzzled. "Perhaps? I couldn't tell."
"I'm sorry," You apologized again, and you couldn't bring yourself to look him in the eyes. His perfect, golden eyes.
"You're perfectly fine, my lady," He assured you. There it was again. "My Lady". You switched the stained apron for a silk petticoat, and suddenly you were someone worthy of attention.
"Can I get you anything?" He asked, "You seem a bit...distracted."
You looked up and squared your shoulders back. "What is your name, Sir Knight?"
He chuckled. "Sir Hunter, My Lady. And you are?"
"I just met you. Should a lady be giving out her name to every man who asks for it?"
"Apologies," He bowed, a hand on his chest, "I did not mean to make you feel uncomfortable, I only wished to get to know you. You've caught the attention of nearly every man in the room," He waved to the crowd around them. Truth be told, many of the guests at the ball were looking your way behind fans and the tops of their glasses. You began to feel self-concious again.
"Me? Why me?" You whispered.
Sir Hunter leaned in conspiratorially, "No one has seen so magnificent a dance in so long, especially not with the Duke of Mandalore. You have quite a talent, My lady."
You swelled under the praise, "Thank you, kind sir."
The tune changed, and the minstrels were now playing a fast-paced song most often heard in the marketplace. Gasps of glee went up around the ballroom as everyone hurried to choose a dancing partner. No one wanted to be left out, least of all you.
"Would you care to dance?" You asked Sir Hunter.
Now it was the Knight's turn to be caught off-guard. "I...have trouble dancing, sometimes."
"Oh come on!" You grabbed his hand, "If what you said about me is true, then no one will be watching you!"
He smiled at your devious plan. The two of you joined the circle of dancers spinning and clapping as they twisted their way around the room to the tune of the lute. You found yourself afloat once again, and you almost forgot to keep an eye on Sir Hunter. Every time you reached out to take his hand, another man would spin you away, intent on having your attentions all to himself.
Thankfully, the dance called for multiple partner changes, and the fast pace kept anyone from attempting too much conversation. You could barely remember the faces of all the men you had danced with, you were too worried about Hunter.
And then you found him, crashing into his chest once more as the horn blew the final note of the song. Cheers went up around the room as everyone exhaled the adrenaline from the dance. You heaved deep breaths as you looked up at Hunter, who simply stared back at you. His hand on the back of your dress was firm, and unyielding, with the promise that he would never let you fall. His hand around yours was gentle, as if he was helping you step down from the carriage.
The minstrels chose now to give everyone a break from the more energetic dances, and a romantic ballad began to play. A select few lovers who weren't utterly exhausted found each other from opposite ends of the ballroom and twirled around you and Hunter as if you were simply a table placed unexpectedly in the center of the dance floor.
Hunter didn't move.
Neither did you.
"I still owe you a dance," You murmured, throat dry.
Hunter said nothing, but nodded. He adjusted his hand on your back, and it felt like he had lifted you off the ground. You were flying once again, on the wings of your knight.
You would have glanced to see where you were putting your feet, but you didn't want to look away from Hunter's eyes. He was almost hyper-aware of your surroundings. He would never allow you to run into another couple, much less give another lord the chance to interrupt your dance. For all his protested "trouble dancing", he was a stellar dance partner, as far as you were concerned. The two of you said nothing, but his arms around you told you everything you needed to know. Certainly, there would be time to talk afterwards.
The music swelled, and Hunter pulled you closer. You gasped, wondering if he would attempt to kiss you in front everyone like this.
As he tenderly leaned his forehead against yours, the music ended, and applause echoed through the room again. Hunter instinctively took a step back, and you immediately missed the feeling of his warm hand on your back, though he didn't let go of your hand.
The bells rang in the distant chapel tower, and reluctant murmurs rippled around you. The ball was over. Despite the late hour, no one was happy to leave, least of all you.
"Thank you for the dance," you gave a little curtsy, but you didn't let go of his hand.
"It was my honor, my lady." He said.
You smiled at him, "I hope to be able to see you again soon, Sir Hunter."
"And I you," He bowed his head, "For now, may I escort you to your carriage?"
You laughed without thinking. You didn't have a carriage, you were just a maid.
A maid.
Your heart stopped. Here you were with a knight who believed you to be a fine, cultured lady, and you were just about to admit to him that you were just the maid who cleaned up after the princess, brushed her hair, and brought her breakfast every morning. And he, he was a knight. A hero of the kingdom. He had fought in battles using weapons you couldn't name, and certainly pulled off many a daring rescue for the sake of another's life. What would he think of you? What would he say to you?
The hand around yours suddenly felt like a shackle.
You had to get out of there without telling Hunter who You really were.
"My lady?"
That title sounded so ridiculous when it was addressed to you. Your cheeks burned red as you looked around for an escape. Something, anything.
There! The princess. Padme had snuck back inside and was laughing at something the Duchess had said as they stood by the drinks.
"Sorry, I think I need something to drink." You apologized to Hunter.
Hunter sighed in relief, "I am a bit tired as well, I'm sure the king won't mind if we take one more drink."
Padme's father certainly wouldn't mind taking another drink, but he would mind the mess you were about to make.
You tried to act very careful about pouring a glass for yourself, and tried very hard to make it look like an accident as the punchbowl fell off the table and shattered at the Duchess' feet.
Hunter and Duke Kenobi leapt to her aid, and you felt terrible. First you had danced with the Duchess's husband, and now you had ruined her dress. But the Duchess could afford another dress, you couldn't afford to ruin Hunter's impression of you.
As the commotion gathered around Duchess Satine, you seized the princess by her arm and dragged her out the side door.
Padme gasped as you shut the door behind them, fleeing up the stairs to the royal family's bedchambers.
"What is going on?" Padme demanded. She hiked up her skirts to run up the spiral staircase after you.
"I made a friend," you blurted out.
"And he thinks I'm a lady."
Padme stopped on the stairs, staring at you.
Padme burst into a fit of dainty, princess-y giggles. "Oh, what am I to do with you?"
You shrugged nervously. "Put me in the stocks and let the children throw rotten lettuce at me?"
"No," Padme shook her head, "I don't think I will."
She folded her arms. "What's his name?"
You gulped nervously. "Sir Hunter. I think he's a knight."
"Sir Hunter," Padme tapped a long, elegant finger against her chin. "I think I've hear that name before. He leads a team of my father's most elite soldiers."
You paled in the moonlight that came through the windows, "I definitely can't tell him I'm a maid, then."
"Why not?" Padme demanded.
Hot tears stung at your eyes. "Princess, if you of all people can't be with the man you love, then what make you think that a maid like me could ever be allowed to be with a knight?"
Padme's lips parted slightly at this outburst. You spun on your heel and sprinted up the rest of the stairs. You flew through the princess's bedchamber to your own, private quarters. The elegant, shimmering blue dress was discarded on your bed, and you quickly dressed in your plain brown frock and apron once more. You told yourself over and over again to stop crying, but the tears wouldn't stop coming. They left long, wet streaks on the sleeves of your blouse.
Once you were dressed, you forced yourself to stop crying. No matter how humiliated you felt, you could not let this get in the way of your work. You had a duty as the Princess's handmaid first, then to yourself. You could cry once the princess was ready for bed.
With a shaky breath, you stepped back out into the Princess's bedchamber, only to hear a familiar voice from the hall.
"Your highness-! I did not mean to scare you."
"It is fine, Sir Hunter," Princess Padme assured him, just outside the door to her room. You froze, your hand on the door.
"I...I was looking for someone. Did you see a lady come through here?"
"Just myself. And my maid."
Did she have to add that part?
Hunter sounded as if he didn't notice, "There was a beautiful lady at the ball. She had long, dark hair, and soft brown eyes, like yours. And she wore a sky-blue dress with silver trim.
"She was the most magnificent dancer," He said wistfully.
Your heart pounded loudly in your chest, as if it were crying out to tell Hunter where you were.
"Yes, I believe I saw her."
"You did? Where?"
"At the ball, Sir Hunter. I have not seen her since I left," Padme's voice was full of apology, "It has only been myself and my maid."
"Where is your maid now?"
"Preparing my room for the evening."
Please don't say anything else, please don't say anything else.
"Very well, your majesty," Hunter finally spoke after a long silence, "it was good to see you. And tell your parents congratulations on a wonderful ball."
"I will," Padme gripped the door handle, and you ducked into the shadows to hide. "Good night, Sir Hunter."
She closed the door on his farewell, and turned to you. Your heart was beating faster than it had out on the dance floor, and you felt much dizzier than all the spins you had been put through.
Padme smiled at you, "He is quite handsome."
"Don't remind me," you sighed, "Thank you."
"Of course. You'd do the same for me."
"I already do the same for you," you giggled, then sniffed and wiped another tear from your eyes.
"Come along now, Princess. Let's get you ready for bed."
You followed three steps behind the princess as you made your way to the throne room. Today, Princess Padme would be joining her father and mother as the king held court, hearing the various petitions of the peasants and lesser nobles. It was to prepare her to be Queen eventually, and to help her see what she would need in a partner to help her ascend the throne.
King Ruwee and Queen Jobal's personal servants stood behind their respective thrones, each of them holding a tray that held a pitcher of wine, a goblet for them to drink out of, and a platter of cheese and fruit. You took a similar platter for serving Padme, and handed her the goblet. She immediately took a sip to soothe her nerves, and you wished that you could do the same. You had walked right past the Duke and Duchess from last night, and neither of them had paid you a second glance. Perhaps it was the brown frock that did that, it was easier to blend into the background than the shimmering blue dress you had worn. Though that wasn't to say you didn't miss it. If there was a dress you wanted to wear forever, it would definitely be that dress.
The dress you wore now was practical, of course. It wasn't nearly as flowy and didn't get in the way all the time, but it wasn't particularly meant for dancing. It wasn't nearly as fun to wear.
After hours of hearing debates of who actually owned what cow, if that purchase of land had been valid or not, or what constituted as a "trespass" on public property, your feet were sore. Lucky Padme and her parents got to sit on velvet cushions sipping wine, while all that you had was your old pair of shoes that were almost too small while your arms slowly lost feeling from holding the tray at attention.
As the petitions all filed out, leaving endless courtiers who wanted to invite King Ruwee to their estate or to have a meal with them. Shaking her head at the lords and ladies, Jobal invited her daughter to dine with her privately for their lunch. Padme dismissed you with a smile, well aware of your distress. In relief, you ran down the halls to the kitchens in hopes of finding any remaining sweet treats from the night before.
You had a secret assignment, of course, but not one that Padme could mention in front of her mother. You had almost managed to get through the morning without thinking about Hunter, but Padme needed you to deliver a message to her secret lover on the training fields. Sir Hunter was certain to be there.
The thought crossed your mind to wear a cloak and conceal your identity, but it was much too hot for that. A cloak would draw more attention than avoid it. Chewing on a few sugar-coated dates, you stood at the side door and watched the Knights sparring, their squires and pageboys off to the side, practicing in their age groups. They had amassed quite a modest crowd of simpering noblewomen, who cheered on their personal favorites as the men wrestled in tunics and swung at each other with dull wooden swords.
"Excuse me," You tapped on the shoulder of a rather large knight with a white scar running across the side of his face. Surely with his height, he could see the entire courtyard. He took a moment to realize you had spoken to him, and seemed rather befuddled that you were talking to him, of all people.
"Could you tell me where Sir Anakin is?" You asked.
His face lit up in a grin, "Yeah, he's just over there, he's about to pummel Rex a new one!" He chuckled, pointing out the action to you.
Padme's chosen knight was the center of attention, of course, wresting with another knight. You waited tactfully until this match was finished- he won, of course -and approached him when all the ladies rushed to console the loser.
"Sir Anakin," you held out the parchment to him.
"Ah, thank you." He nodded, and sat on the bench to read the love letter. The tiny scroll was held together by a silk ribbon, which he wound around his wrist with the bandages meant to cushion his knuckles. His intense eyes softened as he read the promises and encouragement of his princess. He reverently folded the note, placing it in the pocket of his vest, just above his heart.
"Is... is there anything you would like me to tell my lady?" You asked in a small voice as he prepared to start another round.
"Oh!" He seemed to have forgotten that you were standing right there.
"Tell her....tell her thank you." He said, and turned back to his task at hand. You rolled your eyes. How chivalrous your Princess's beau was.
"Milady?" A familiar voice stopped you as you turned to leave, and you realized that you knew Sir Anakin's next sparring partner as your Sir Hunter.
There was nowhere to run. Not in the crowd of men throwing each other and swinging wildly to imitate the dangers of battle. You had no choice but to stay frozen in place as Hunter encouraged Anakin to find another partner to spar with. The large knight you had spoken to earlier waved at you and stepped up to challenge Sir Anakin.
"I was wondering where you got off to," Hunter said softly as he approached you, "I really wanted to be able to see you again."
You looked down quickly and gripped the sides of your skirt. "Hello Sir."
He paused in front of you, and you could see his fists clenching and releasing, searching for something to do.
"Is everything alright?" He asked.
"Perfectly fine, sir."
He chuckled, "Pardon me, milady, but I don't think it is."
You glared up at him. "Stop calling me that! I'm not a lady!"
His head cocked to the side, confused. "You aren't?"
You bit your lip, crossing your arms. "No, I am not."
"Oh," His face fell, and you looked down at the ground again, "Then what are you?"
"I'm a maid. For the princess."
He slowly processed this revelation, and the realization clicked in his mind just how close he had been to finding you just last night.
"You mean-!"
You laughed as he leaped back, "Yes, I heard it all."
He threw his head back and laughed. "If the princess weren't right there, I would have broken down that door."
Your eyes went wide. "You mean..." You couldn't form words all of a sudden.
"Mean what?" His brows furrowed in confusion.
"I mean, I'm..." You spread your arms, holding up your skirts.
"I'm a maid!"
"And I'm a knight, milady," He said slowly. "What difference does it make?"
"Why do you keep calling me that?"
"Calling you what?"
"I'm not a lady!" You shouted all the louder.
Hunter's hands shot out and grabbed both of yours, as he'd been aching to do since he saw you again. "Do you really think that makes any difference to me?" His golden eyes bore into yours as they had the night before, and you struggled for breath.
"You captured the attention of the entire room when you dance, and yet you noticed me, and you weren't afraid to speak to me. You dragged me out to dance and showed me a magic the most powerful warlocks could never concoct. When I couldn't find you again I was heartbroken, and then you came and tossed sunshine over the field just by speaking with my brother." He nodded back over to Anakin and the other knight, who was starting to struggle to keep up with Anakin despite his girth.
"I know I hardly know you, but I would like to get to know you better. If you will let me." He rasped out, desperate to hear your reply.
You looked down at your hands, hanging onto his for dear life. Last night had been magical. Maybe you were a maid and he was a knight, but if he didn't care, why should you? Even the princess didn't care about station. If she was able to carve out a sliver of happiness for herself and her beloved knight, why couldn't you?
"I apologize for the deception."
"No apology is necessary, milady."
"I'm not a lady," You insisted again. This time, however, laughter fell out of your mouth with the words, and he chuckled along.
"Hunter! Am I going to get a chance to beat you today, or do I have to wait until tomorrow?" Anakin called.
Hunter grunted in annoyance, glaring over his shoulder at his companions.
"Go," You urged him, "I have to get back to the princess."
His hand squeezed yours. "When can I see you again?"
You licked your lips, thinking quickly. "Several Lords are coming in this afternoon, and the king is hosting a feast for them tonight. Will you be there?"
He nodded, unable to contain his smile. "Yes, yes I will." He turned to leave with that promise of hope hanging between you.
"Wait," You took out the red ribbon holding your hair back. Your hair cascaded down around your shoulders, but you didn't mind. You took Hunter's outstretched hand in yours and carefully tied the ribbon around his wrist.
"For good luck," You said lamely, nodding to his brother, who was nursing a few bruises from Anakin.
He smiled, lifting your hand to his lips for a kiss.
"I found you again, didn't , milady? I have all the luck I need."