Reconsidering My Place(Completed)

Jealousy

Padme POV

Anakin is here on Naboo. So is his Padawan, Barriss Offee. I have nothing against her but I feel very, very uncomfortable with Anakin living with a grown woman who's not me. I do trust him, it's her hormones I don't trust. Sometimes it feels like Anakin doesn't listen to my grievances and it's getting to me. Maybe I can steal him away later.

I made my way to his residence, my guards piloting our Speeder at maximum velocity. As per my request of course. I long for my husband. I can't believe I convinced Obi-Wan to put forward a motion for his vacation. "A few moments, Senator. We're almost there." Said one of my guards. I nodded in response, checking my attire and the gift basket I had prepared. I wore a casual business getup, good enough for the senate and good enough to get lunch.

The gift basket had some chocolates, exotic juices and some snacks. I decided to forgo the alcohol and made sure none was provided at the house. Better safe than sorry.

We pulled up to the abode, the standard-sized building stood proud within this shallow forest. I stepped out of the Speeder, walked to the door and rang the announcer button. I heard muffled and feet stamping about. Suspicious. Before I could ring again, the door opened to reveal a Barriss, covered in Jedi robes. Realizing who I was, she greeted me, "Senator. I didn't know you were coming. Please, come in." I couldn't help but want to push past her and search for my husband, but I have a reputation to uphold.

"Barriss, where's Anakin?" I asked, dusting my feet off. She looked behind her, obviously confused. "Master!" She called loudly, Anakin's figure suddenly appeared from upstairs. Upon seeing my face, the strong-faced Jedi general bore a soft smile and raced down the stairs. "Pad-... Senator. What brings you here?" He asked nervously. I handed him the basket. "Can't I visit my old friend?" I teased before walking around to inspect the area. "Of course you can." He beamed behind me, quickly coming to my side.

"How's the accommodations?" I asked. "They're sufficient—more than sufficient. Barriss and I have-" He quickly stopped, piquing my interest. We were in the hallway leading to one of the bathrooms and recreation areas. I turned on my heel, his balance was thrown off. "Did what?" I interrogated. "Y'know, we just watched some entertainment and made dinner." He admitted nervously. "Making dinner? You said most Jedi can't cook." I reminded. He feigned a smile, "Well, I made dinner."

So, now he's making her dinner? That's our thing. How dare he. I packed the house with instant parcels. This is unacceptable. "Padme, are you-" I raised my finger, looking at him with a stern face. "I've been tolerant thus far. But cooking for another woman? Really Ani?"

He looked down as if he were embarrassed, he should be. "I don't see anything wrong with it." He defended softly, taking shallow breaths as I moved closer. "When Clovis was alive and you acted out of order, I tried to do right by you. Why can't you do the same for me?" I asked, caressing his cheek. "When Clovis was alive, I remember being disregarded for the greater good. The fact is, Clovis had an interest in you. Barriss is not interested in me. I bet if it were Ashoka you wouldn't be acting like this."

I took a moment to reflect on his short rant. I couldn't tell if she was accusing me of something or trying to shift the blame away. It's sickening. I thought I trained him better than this. "How dare you. Ahsoka was a child! Of course, I wouldn't feel this way about a literal child." I justified, poking my finger into his chest. He stood firm, his expressions unreadable. "I have a duty to train her, Padme. What is your problem? You were never like this before."

I never noticed my heartrate. i didn't realize how much it grew and how angry I felt. I stared at him intently. He looked back with a stare of confusion. I felt my hand cock back and swing at whatever target. It just happened to be his face. Moments are impact, a felt a deep regret soak in as he clutched his cheek. His mouth hung agape like an old door, his eyes stinging with tears. I stepped back, holding my guilty hand. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to." I apologized profusely.

He looked so betrayed. His hands fell to his side while his head looked to the sky. He seemed almost drunk with emotion as his eyes batted to hold back tears. "You said you wouldn't do it again." He whimpered softly. I didn't know what to say, what to do. "I'm sorry. You just made me so mad and I couldn't help it." I justified. It was true, at times he infuriates me and I can't help but act.

I did work on it though. When we first got married it was more prevalent. It's been about a year since the last time I struck him. All that work is gone because he doesn't listen to me. This is all his fault, as usual. "Maybe if you'd listen to me..." I muttered. His eyes connected with mine, and a coldness resonated within the corridor. "What do you want me to do? Please, tell me! Tell me what you want!" He begged pathetically. Wasn't he smart enough to know what I wanted? "What I want? What I want is for you to get a new Padawan who won't mooch my husband!" I replied, my voice elevated as I stepped closer.

He shook his head, "I cannot do that. I need this promotion if I want any chance of making a change in the Order. And Barriss... She needs me." He spoke shamelessly, as my requests were outlandish. Are they? "Anakin,  are you choosing her over me and our marriage? All I want is for us to be happy and comfortable." I explained, reaching for his cheek. He flinched hard, just as he did back in the day. My poor Ani. "Don't you trust me?" He asked, choking back tears. "I do Anakin. But I refuse to let anyone replace me in your world."

"No one could ever replace you. Please. 6 months. That's all I need." Bargained the wounded Jedi, eyes as fearful as wild prey. I sighed, acknowledging his request. "If she is not promoted within 6 months, you will find a new Padawan. One much younger." I chopped in. He nodded solemnly.

I always get what I want one way or another.

Words 1110

Posted 22/8/2024