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A Beginning of Fear

by: Heather Hambel 1999

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Disclaimer: Like always, I don't own Obi-Wan Kenobi. If I did, I wouldn't have TIME to write this.

RECAP: When we last left our heros, they had just arrived at the Palace of Tarkona, where they got an audience with the Queen...who Obi-Wan likes. Big time.

Chapter 6

She was wearing a gown of deep purple and her dark brown hair was tightly piled upon her head, like a mountain of tightly curled silk. The stiff collar of the gown reached almost to her chin, forcing her to hold her head up straight, while the gown's bottom formed a pool of purple satin at her feet.

Her emerald colored eyes met the eyes of Obi-Wan for a moment, but she quickly glanced away and focused her gaze on Master Lonys. "I am Queen Azoria of Rykaara. Who might you be?"

The Jedi-Master bowed. "I am Jedi Master Andru Lonys and this is my apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi. I thank you for graciously agreeing to see us."

"Jedi," the woman raised an eyebrow. "Forgive me for not bowing, but royal protocol forbids it. What do you want?"

"We seek an audience with your cousin, Empress-"

Queen Azoria broke in with a bitter laughter. "Go ahead and seek all that you want, but not even I can grant you that. I'm forbidden to see her, so I don't see why you can. Oh, but I forgot." her eyes narrowed. "You're Jedi's."

"But we have a boy with us that can help her!" Master Lonys rushed. "If you'd only listen-"

"A boy?!" Queen Azoria laughed. "No boy can help her! Where were you Jedi's when her parents were killed, may I ask? How come you can help her now, but could not save her from the pain she suffers?" "But, your highness-"

"NO! What makes you Jedi so special? The Force? What good is the Force? Even _I_ can use it!" With that said, she thrust her hand to one side, causing a flag bearing Tarkona's shield to crash to the ground. "As you can see, your tricks are not impressive to me. Guards! Remove them from my sight!"

The guards darted forward and pushed Obi-Wan and Master Lonys to the door. As he cast one last glance on the Queen, Obi-Wan thought that he could feel sadness from her...but perhaps, it was just from the palace itself. Master Lonys watched the palace's front gate slam behind them. This was not going to be as easy as he assumed it would be. "Did you feel her sadness? Those words were not her own."

"_That_ is the girl Anakin is going to save?" Obi-Wan asked, incredulously. "No, that is her cousin. The girl Anakin will help is being held somewhere deep with in the palace. The only way to get to her is through Azoria." Obi-Wan shook his head, attempting to clear his thoughts. "She's beautiful...the most beautiful creature I've ever seen." Master Lonys thought for a moment. "Yes...I can see the connection between the two of you...Tomorrow, you will go back and talk to her again!" Obi-Wan stared at him. "But, she didn't want to talk to us now, what makes you think-"

"Patience, dear boy, patience!" A smile spread across the old Jedi-Master's face. "She will speak to you, for her eyes told that she felt the same of you as you did of her. She will speak to you, Obi-Wan...that, she will."

* * * *

Early the next afternoon, Obi-Wan slowly made his way back to the palace. Why in the world did Master Lonys think that the Queen would speak to him? He had felt the attraction, yes, but that didn't mean that she would listen to him. Sighing to himself, Obi-Wan quickly rapped on the great front gate.

"What do you want?" An irritated voice called out.

"I have come to offer my apologize's to her highness," Obi-Wan called, hoping it would be enough to convince the guard to let him in. The guard made no answer, but the gate creaked open nonetheless. Obi-Wan walked inside slowly; suddenly feeling a rush of negative emotions. There was a presence there...an evil presence... Unlike the previous day, no guard rushed out to escort him to the throne room, which Obi-Wan found rather strange.

If the guards were as concerned about the Queen's safety, why were they not guarding her? Nearly ten minutes later, a short fat man rounded the corner and hurriedly said, "Forgive me sir! Please, right this way! Her highness is expecting you!" "_Expecting me?_" Obi-Wan thought as he followed the briskly walking man. "_Why would Queen Azoria be expecting me?_" The man threw open the silver doors and sharply clicked his heels together.

"Jedi-Apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi!" As he walked into the throne room, Obi-Wan intently watched Azoria's face light up and her beautiful eyes begin to sparkle.

"Obi-Wan Kenobi..." she murmured. "Guards!" Obi-Wan's heart sank. She was going to make him leave already? And so quickly after he had arrived?! But Azoria's lips curled into a smooth smile.

"You are dismissed." "But your Highness," one of the guards spoke loudly.

"We cannot leave you with...a man of his...profession."

"Do you believe that _I_ cannot defend myself against a _Jedi_?" Azoria frowned. "Of that you are gravely mistaken. Now, GO!" The guards quickly bowed and marched out of the room.

Azoria watched the heavy doors shut, and as she did, Obi-Wan noticed how much more beautiful she looked today. Her dress was made of red silk, and was fairly tight, until it reached her slim waist where it flared out in the shape of a bell around her. Her hair was loose today and flowed down her shoulders like a deep brown waterfall, while her face looked so much happier...Obi-Wan was pleased.

As he took a step forward to speak to Queen Azoria, a small creature flew out from under the throne and promptly attached itself to his thick leather boot. It had a long, light brown tail, a silky little body, and _very_ sharp looking teeth.

"Dartyne!" Queen Azoria cried. "NO!" The creature released Obi-Wan and scurried over to Azoria. It climbed up the side of the throne with very delicate looking paws (that more resembled a hawk's talons than, say, a wolf's paws) and situated itself on her lap. As she ran her hand gently down the creature's back, Queen Azoria softly said, "These palace walls have ears, you know. Would you care to join me on a walk outside?"

Obi-Wan nodded, totally speechless. How could this possibly be the same woman as yesterday? "The guards will be waiting for us through the Silver Doors," Queen Azoria rose from the throne and walked towards the wall behind it. "So, we'll go this way." She lifted back the curtain and revealed a narrow wooden door. "They tell me it's for emergencies, but, I think it's where the Senator's mistresses sneak in."

Obi-Wan laughed and squeezed through the door. Once outside, Obi-Wan offered his arm to the Queen, who smiled shyly, but gently linked her arm with his. "These used to be the royal gardens, but since...the accident they haven't been taken care of."

Obi-Wan glanced around. The walls were covered with ivy, giving the appearance of having been left alone for quite some time. The flower beds were all over grown with weeds, while the thick grass was beginning to overwhelm several stone benches. After a few moments of uncomfortable silence, Queen Azoria said, "Do forgive me for how I acted yesterday. I...I didn't want to, but they..." her soft voice trailed off. "I really don't know how I can help you, though."

"For starters, your Majesty, you could -"

"Azoria," the Queen broke in, gently squeezing his arm. "Call me Azoria."