Chapter Text
When Padme had discussed her husband’s wish of finding a his own Jedi Courtesan at length and they both had come to the agreement it was time she had thought the most difficult part was behind her. She hadn’t thought they would make such a… pomp about it.
She had traveled to the temple with a small group of bodyguards and servants a few weeks before Anakin would arrive to prepare. It wasn’t every day a Sith Lord chose a Jedi even though some came by several times to choose several ones there were still far more Jedi in the galaxy then Sith. The Dark Side of the force was hard to control and Sith were jealous over their territory rarely choosing more than a student or two to inherit it once they moved on keeping their number small.
That was probably the explanation for the tumult in the temple once they arrived. People were running around left and right, the Jedi keepers tried selling the advantages of this or that Jedi to the confidants of Lord Vader that had already arrived and the Jedi themselves seemed to act like peacocks showing of their good looks or talents in the force.
Luckily for Padme she had expected some manipulation by the Jedi keepers. They were hired by the Sith Empire to keep an eye on any potential threats or advantages by the Jedi and to keep them in the temple but many of them tended to… forget their place. They took bribes or let themselves be promised favors by the Jedi or their families if they managed to get them elected as Courtesan.
Knowing of this behavior Padme had decided to not go as Empress Amidala, wife of Lord Vader and ruler of a better part of the universe. Instead she left that role to poor Sabé who was mobbed by Jedi and Jedi keeper alike all day while Padme managed to get around easily as a mere handmaiden. Unfortunately that also meant most Jedi and all Jedi keeper considered her an obstacle to get out of the way to get the favor of Lord Vader’s most trusted.
“I really don’t have time for this right now!” A young Jedi told her as she craned her neck to get a good look on Sabè sitting on a throne in the middle of the room.
“I just wanted to have your opinion on the war efforts in the Mandelorian Sector.” Padme tried again. “Empress Amidala can’t listen to all Jedi at once anyway how about we just have a nice talk while we wait?”
Then a keeper stepped in between her and the Jedi and pushed her away. He was a Twi’lek male with light blue skin and piercing eyes clothed in the black uniform of the keeper and he was tsking impatiently at Padme. “Listen there deary...” Padme bristled at being called that but held her tongue. “Madarea has to concentrate right now and she can’t be disturbed by asinine questions.”
“But…” Padme protested.
“How about you come with me now?” He tried to grab her arm but she easily avoided him.
“I can walk for myself, thank you!” She hissed then gestured for him to walk in front of her. “I’m excited for whatever you want to show me.”
He rolled his eyes and started walking hurriedly clearly wanting to get rid of her as soon as possible. Cody – Padme’s shadow and personal guard for this visit - stepped away from the wall behind her and followed a few steps behind. It only took a few minutes before they stood in front of two grand doors. Padme had honestly expected to be delivered to a supply closest and looked up at the detailed ornaments of the doors with wonder.
At least she did before the keeper unceremoniously shoved the door open and pushed her inside. “If you want to know about the Mandelorian war so urgently read a book.” He shouted after her and pushed the door close again.
Padme blinked. It had been quite a while since anyone had dared to speak so rudely to her and it caught her by surprise. She knew if Anakin had seen how she was treated the keeper would already be lying dead on the floor. Maybe she would tell him once he arrived.
For now she enjoyed the sight in front of her: Thousands over thousands of data-tapes, flimsies and even some – and she nearly gasped at seeing a handful of them on a shelf – printed books. She had heard about the Jedi library but never had the pleasure to visit. Maybe this day would still be enjoyable.
“I fear I have to inform you that Sozrol was trying to get rid of you.” A male voice spoke to her right.
Battle experience made Padme whirl around arms in a defensive position even though she knew Cody would have already taken care of this new person if he seemed like a thread. The new-comer was a Jedi if you believed the brown robes he was wearing. He had strawberry-blonde hair and a nicely-trimmed beard. Padme guessed that he might be a few years older than herself but not by very much.
As he saw her reaction he raised his hands with a smile – he held a data-tape in one of them. “I do apologize; I didn’t mean to startle you.”
Padme relaxed again and gave the Jedi a kind smile. “No apology needed, I was too caught up in my surroundings, my mistake. What did you mean by saying Sozrol was trying to get rid of me?”
“They send people in here when they’re in their way. Mostly when a big official is arriving in the temple or – force-forbid – it’s time again to choose another courtesan. They tell the ones of us just standing around without use to go study.” He held up the data-tape again. “At least it’s quiet in here.”
Padme frowned. “You are a Jedi, are you not? Why would you be in the way if a Courtesan gets chosen? Wouldn’t you be part of the selection?”
“Oh, a Sith would never choose me.” The man said lightly although Padme heard the unhappy undertone in his voice. “I’m not much to look at. Excuse me but I wanted to bring this tape back.” He looked at his raised hand. “While I would love the company of such a stunning lady, may I ask you to join me on the search to the shelf it belongs to?”
Padme felt a slight blush come to her cheeks. Not that Anakin ever held back with his compliments or that she didn’t get enough adulation as Empress but it had been awhile someone called her a stunning lady just for the sake of her… being pretty. No ulterior motive or hidden agenda.
Therefore she put all her lessons learned on Court in the short bow she gave the man back. “Of course, Mr. Jedi, do point the way.”
“How rude of me,” the Jedi exclaimed. “I haven’t introduced myself. My name is Obi-Wan Kenobi.”
“Sabé.”
“A fitting name for someone lovely.” Obi-Wan nodded to his left. “Let’s go then.”
As they walked through the maze of shelves he continued chatting. If he noticed the shadow of Cody following their every step he didn’t acknowledge it.
They just walked along one shelf Obi-Wan’s gaze wandering along the markings on the wood when he said. “May I ask what you did that made the keepers send you here to graze me with your wonderful presence?”
Padme sighed. “I tried to start a talk with one of your sisters about the Mandalorian war.”
“Ah,” Obi-Wan turned back to give her a sympathetic smile. “An interesting topic but I think it might be a bit too… multilayered to ask a Jedi hoping to be chosen Courtesan. She might answer wrong and end up sounding stupid. That’s the last thing anyone wants in front of Lord Vader’s advisors.”
“A Courtesan will need a comprehensive understanding of politics.” Padme scoffed. “How else will they stand at Lord Vader’s side in court?”
“True.” Obi-Wan inclined his head. “But you don’t need to go into the Jedi temple for an understanding of politics. Lord Vader will have as many political advisors as he wants and his wife is famous for her aptitude in court. The thing he’ll only be able to get from a Jedi is their power in the force and…” He chose his next words more carefully. “…there talent in bed.”
Padme chuckled at the choice of words. “Lord Vader can have any prostitute he wants.”
“I heard his wife wasn’t a big fan of that.”
“Can you blame her?”
“Certainly not. Ah, there it is.” Obi-Wan mumbled putting the data-tablet back in its place and turned around to Padme.
Padme raised an eyebrow at him. “So what is your opinion on the Mandalorian war?”
“Me?” Obi-Wan raised his hands in mock-surrender. “I’m not brave enough for politics.”
Padme rolled her eyes. “It’s not politics it’s war tactics.”
“Every fight is the consequence of a failed negotiation beforehand.”
Padme grinned. “What if you don’t even try to negotiate?” Her husband certainly didn’t always have the patience even when he should.
“Then that’s a failing in itself.” Obi-Wan answered simply. “Since a war has the tendency to destroy the very land you wish to possess while costing you recourses you rarely gain more than you could with a successful negotiation.”
“Sounds a lot like politics.”
“Now you know why I hate it.”
Padme couldn’t help herself from laughing.
A voice came from the space she and Obi-Wan had just came from. “Sabé? The Empress asks for your presence.”
If the Empress/the real Sabé was asking for her it was probably urgent. Still Padme felt disappointed at the thought of leaving Obi-Wan. She gave him a smile and a short bow as a farewell. “Duty calls. It was a pleasure meeting you, Obi-Wan Kenobi.”
He bowed back. “The pleasure was all mine. Hopefully we’ll meet again before you have to leave the temple.”
“I’m sure we will.” Padme would make sure of it.