A Comforting Presence

The visions of brutality ended abruptly when Anakin's eyes opened. Gasping and perspiring, it took several seconds to realize he was not on Tatooine witnessing his mother endure horrors. Of all of the dreams that haunted him the past month, this one had been the most graphic and intense. This, after not suffering any nightmares since arriving at Naboo.

Anakin reverted to meditation in order to calm his breathing and slow down his pounding heart. He closed his eyes, mentally reciting the mantras he'd learned as a boy, focusing on regaining control over the fear and despair that had seized him. While in that state, he felt a familiar presence near him. Anakin cursed himself for losing focus on his mission, protecting Padmé. He should've been able to keep track of her presence at all times, alerting him to any danger. He was still sworn to guard her despite their conversation earlier that night. Her presence wasn't in her bedroom, however. It was nearer...within his own bedroom. He kept his eyes closed and remained still as though still asleep when her small feet slowly moved across the carpet. He wondered what she was doing in his room. Had she changed her mind about him? If so, she chose the worst possible time. He did not want her to distract him now. He needed to sort out what his visions meant and what to do about them.

Padmé softly called out his name. He opened his eyes, ready to send her away. She leaned over him, dressed in a revealing silken nightgown. For a brief moment there was no sound but their breathing and rain falling outside. But there wasn't seduction in Padmé's eyes, only concern. "Anakin," she repeated. "What's wrong? You were having a nightmare?"

"Jedi don't have nightmares," Anakin said.

"I heard you."

Anakin swallowed, a little embarrassed. "I'm sorry I awoke you."

"Do you want to talk about it?" She sat down beside him on the bed. For the first time, he became self-conscious about his bare chest, and he pulled the sheet up around him.

"I keep having these dreams about my mother. I see her as clearly as I see you now. She's in pain. She needs me."

Padmé didn't question or dismiss him. Once again, Anakin felt like he was ten again, on the journey from Tatooine to Coruscant when Padmé intuitively knew his troubles and offered him comfort. "We'll figure something out in the morning. If you want, I'll go now..."

"No, don't go," Anakin said. "Your presence is soothing." For a moment, she hesitated, as though to ask him, "Are you sure?". Then she nodded. She stretched out her legs and lay back against the headboard at a chaste distance from Anakin. Love between them may be impossible, but she was the only friend and ally he had right now. He didn't doubt her concern was genuine and he knew she would do anything within her power to help him. He put any awkward feelings aside and drew on her comforting presence for strength.

The sun rose over the lake and dawn's light filtered through the bedroom windows. Anakin quietly got out of bed, leaving a sleeping Padmé curled on the other side. Needing fresh air, he put on his undershirt and went outside. Anakin knew, as he stood on the balcony outside of his bedroom, that he had to leave Naboo and go to his mother.