Anakin Skywalker

I drank a cup of caf, then laughed at my host's joke.

We were sitting in Chancellor's office, enjoying ourselves.

Chancellor Sheev ('Shiv for friends, Anakin. You saved my planet – if anyone has right to call me that, it's you.') Palpatine, my host, was telling a colourful legend about dark Lord Sauron. It's been years since the battle of Naboo, and since then the man became my close friend, mentor and confidant.

He is like a father I never had...

“Eh, that were good times.” he finished, when he stopped laughing.

“You're saying as if you were an old man about to die, Shiv. You have still a few decades of life.”

“Hah! You still are as blunt as a brick. Not an ounce of diplomacy in you.” He giggled. “I do pity Obi-wan Kenobi and whoever is trying to teach you etiquette.”

“It ain't that bad...” I protested... weakly.

Chancellor snorted.

“Pull the other one – it has bells, rings and trinkets on it.”

Despite myself, I smiled.

“Let's talk about your life and it's ups and funs.” Palpatine said.

“I have to disappoint you, Chancellor. Except my Jedi training and occasional missions, there is not much to talk about.” I take a sip of my caf

“Oh, and here I was under impression that you were all over a certain Queen from Naboo-”

Pfttt!

I choked on my caf and started coughing.

How did he-?

Shiv was looking at me with knowing smile as he waited with that particular comment until I took a sip of my caf – I wouldn't put it past him.

“I-” I coughed again, collecting myself. “I have no idea-”

“Please Anakin, I'm a politician and your act is rather obvious. For the world of it, you can't seem to lie.” Chancellor leaned to me. “It was obvious on Naboo and it's obvious now.” He pointed a finger at me “You're hopelessly in love in Amidala.”

I felt my cheeks flush. Where was he going with this?