Chapter Text
Anakin was not ready for this. But he had to be, he stood in many places that were as political as moments like this before. He was always polite, and maybe even professional when he wanted to be. If he can stand it for too long, of course. That was the only other thing that really made sense for him.
Obi-Wan had come with him for this journey. It was probably because he was late, and Anakin had shrugged his shoulders, telling his Master that he wasn't doing anything on purpose. At least he showered the night before and had clean clothes set out for him. Obi-wan hadn't bothered to hide the disappointment, and by the time they reached the planet, Arrakis.
There were far more interesting reasons for why Anakin didn't want to go, but the second they entered the atmosphere, the anxiety in the pit of his stomach began, and Obi-Wan smiled at Anakin with a knowing look glinting in his eyes.
"Do I have to do this?" Anakin asked him as they drew closer towards the ships parked closest to the palace. The palace appeared barren, further out, the horizon didn't end. There was a nausea he couldn't ignore, and begging to leave was out of the question as he landed the ship almost gracefully.
"You'll be fine," Obi-Wan told him, patting Anakin on the shoulder after taking off his seatbelt and getting up from the chair. "You'll only be here until the wedding commences, and once that is finished, you'll be assigned somewhere else."
Anakin rolled his eyes at the mention of a wedding. One of many other reasons why he didn't want to come here. He got up from the chair and followed Obi-Wan once he lowered the platform and they stepped outside.
"You said it was a political agreement," Anakin said, narrowing his eyes at his master. He knew Obi-Wan didn't lie, Anakin only wanted to know the absolute truth of why he had to be the one who was chosen to go. He also didn't realize Obi-Wan was even coming along for the ride. But apparently, the political nature of such an agreement with House Atreidas does stem to some extent of questionable nature amongst the many houses. It seemed, however, that Duke Leto I Atreides had everything under control from here on out amongst the dispute with the Harkonnen's, so in any possibility, he was confused constantly why they were even brought into it beyond the alliance.
It only seemed to make Anakin suffer, and already the desert heat brushing against him was only solidifying this. He grimaced in utter disgust at the plain view before him until Obi-Wan motioned for him to follow.
They trudged a long the line of spaceships, and Anakin reached out to sense anything within this area. He was always so cautious of those who seeked the Dark Side, but he didn't feel anything. There was something strange there, an edge, a push…something there inside. He shook his head, it could be anything, negative emotions ran rampant around these types of moments and events. He figured that anxiety would become the most likely thing he'd sense while he was here.
Once inside, Obi-Wan was making sure the guards knew who they were, and while a few eyed them strangely, as if they weren't certain if these were the ones who were meant to protect their prince until the wedding day. Surely, they would also be here when the Duke signed the treaty.
Anakin was trying to figure out how long that'll be. A few weeks, he hoped less than two, but he wasn't too sure where he was going to be from here and then the wedding. He was a little begrudged over that fact as they continued through the dark marvel halls, several guards lined each hall, their weapons displayed. He did his best not to stare as they meandered past.
"Will you be staying throughout the whole process?" Anakin asked once Obi-Wan told the guard who they were and he had entered, leaving them both out in the hall.
"Do you want me to?" Obi-Wan wondered, a smile quirked on his lips. "You have not been this nervous in some time."
"I'm not nervous."
"Well, there is frustration in your energy, you might want to fix that before we begin our bodyguard duties," Obi-Wan said, nudging Anakin in the arm. "We won't be together most of the time. I'm a seasoned Jedi, I'll be lingering with Duke Leto I Atredias and you'll be—"
Anakin groaned, "Why?"
"Why not?" Obi-Wan smiled and the door opened. They were let in, and they stepped inside to a whole group of people sitting around a table. The Duke was at the front of the table, speaking to many other politician's, generals, a few soldiers.
Anakin had been told who he'd be watching for, he recalled the holograms of each person he had to know the name of, the rank, life story, and whether their parents or even friends mattered. Nonetheless, Anakin had only assured so much information in his mind, and by the time, he and Obi-Wan stood on the left side of the room against the wall, hands behind their backs as they listened in on the Duke's discussion. He could barely recall everyone inside the room besides the Duke himself, and his general sitting to his right.
This, all in all, was pretty bad for himself, but he hoped he didn't have to mingle with anyone. It's not like it was one of those parties he was forced to attend to during his time in Coruscant. He'd rather be chasing down rogue's, thieves, and others who bothered the sanctuary of those he was hired to protect.
At least, this was is what he hoped as the Duke continued, and thirty minutes or so later, everyone was mostly standing up, speaking in low tones as they began leaving the room.
That was when Duke Leto I Atreidas motioned for them to come over to him and the War Master. There was someone else there, Anakin wasn't certain yet if the woman had stepped into the room while everyone was leaving, or if she was there the entire time. Maybe he hadn't been paying proper attention.
Obi-Wan introduced themselves, and Anakin hardly listened to the introductions besides noticing the amazement of the men around them besides the woman. There was something different about her that Anakin didn't fully understand. She was…somehow there, present, but also…wasn't.
He felt the force around them, Obi-Wan glanced at Anakin, while the woman had lifted her gaze and their eyes met. She smiled gently at Anakin.
By this point, the woman, Jessica, offered to introduce Anakin to her son. Anakin had gone with her out of curiosity, and Obi-Wan didn't seem to mind as he stayed, speaking of the job they'll be handling, and adding onto what will be known, including time constraints. If there were any.
The doors closed as Anakin stayed in step with Lady Jessica. She had long dark hair that went straight down her back. She wore a long black dress, there was something sheer around her, her face was almost plain, but the softness in her eyes is what caught Anakin's attention.
Lady Jessica glanced at him, a smile curved on her lips, "You're younger than I assumed you'd be, but the reports haven't been wrong about you either, Anakin Skywalker."
Anakin let out a soft noise, looking down at the floor as they walked along the hall. "Uh, yes, I've gone through these kinds of events before. I'm not new to them, if that's what you're inquiring."
"I don't mind it all," said Lady Jessica. "Is it your first time on Arrakis?"
"Yes," he said, but he wouldn't speak about the fact it wouldn't have been a choice he'd personally make.
They walked down the hall and up the stairs where they soon entered one of the rooms. He almost thought it was a bedroom when she pushed open the door, and inside was a grand marble table and there was only one other who sat inside.
He sat up almost right away at the sight of his mother, he had tousled brown hair, a pale angular face. He was boyish in his smile, a spark of warmth in his eyes.
"This is my son, Paul Atreidas."
Anakin slowly took him in, all the kindness he might've felt, and all the professionalism almost faltered, at the very sight of the one person who was now standing up and making his way over to them. Anakin can already feel his heart racing as he reached his hand out to Anakin.
"I've never met a Jedi Knight before," he said.
Anakin forced a smile, mutely taking his hand and shaking it. The words in his head had gone out almost instantly, and he had to scramble in a millisecond to get his head on right.
He cleared his throat, "I've come across royals before." It was lame, but he didn't have much to say. He kind of wished Obi-Wan was here.
"Since you're a Jedi Knight, do you mind showing a few things to Paul, he has begun his training of late and right now, his mentor is currently busy downstairs," said Jessica, smiling brightly at the two of them.
Anakin nodded curtly, barely able to look at Paul who had hurried to finish the rest of his food and drink as Jessica motioned for Anakin in the hallway.
He stayed stiff, finally able to look at the almost stony look that Jessica was now giving him. Whatever he had seen moments before, the warmth had faded instantly.
"He's the only son of House Atreidas, and i'm sure you've been briefed already on the implications going on with Arakkis?" Jessica asked him, her tone low but steady.
Anakin nodded again, recalling Obi-Wan reminding him a few times on the way here, including the hologram's he had to memorize. "I'm quite aware of what I'll be doing here. The Jedi has never failed an opportunity of such degree, Lady Jessica."
She kept her eyes on him, and that same strange feeling came over Anakin. There was something off about her, and he would like to ask Obi-Wan about it later, once they meet again.
Her smile returned once Paul entered the hallway, glancing between them as Jessica told her son what would occur, and when his mentor will join them.
Paul leaned in and kissed his mother on the cheek before motioning Anakin to follow him down the hall.
Maybe what was worse about this was that he'd be walking alone with Paul Atreides, sparring with Paul Atredies, with full knowledge that the Duke's only son was betrothed to Padmé Amidala, and he had to keep his wits together, if that was even possible.