Same Poodoo, Different Day

Weeks soon went by without much changing. Guarding the queen became an easy task since that day, security had been massively increased and so not a single incident occurred. Ahsoka stood in her usual place by the Queen's throne, inspecting rooms, keeping watch but she soon became bored which she wouldn't dare complain about. If this was all it took to keep those she cared about safe, then she would do so happily. On occasion Miraj would summon Ahsoka to her bed, though nothing untoward had happened since that night, merely sleeping next to one another. Ahsoka figured the Queen just got lonely at times, in such a hierarchical structure with no peers, there was nobody for her to turn to, only her bodyguard; the person with her day and night. Each time, Ahsoka thought less and less about sleeping with the Queen, it became normality to her; she started thinking of it less of a chore than routine.

Since the attempt on Miraj's life and Ahsoka's subsequent save, the guards seemed less actively hostile, some even going so far as to nod in respect as she passed. Though as the weeks passed, it troubled her more and more for having no news of the state of her friends. Until that day.

...

Arriving in the throne room that morning came with a unpleasant surprise. She walked in and before her stood none other than Count Dooku. He turned, sensing someone enter and immediately drew his lightsaber, pointing it directly at Ahsoka. She in turn, ignited hers and took up a defensive stance, ready to counter any attack.

"What treachery is this?! Queen Scintel, you told me you would have nothing to do with the Republic; and yet I find a Jedi strolling around your palace? Explain yourself." Dooku bellowed, glaring at her with an intensity that would make a Bantha turn and run.

"Calm down, Count" Miraj said in her calm, accented voice. "This one is here as my bodyguard, pressed into the role while I hold her friends Kenobi and Skywalker captive."

The Sith did not let down his guard as he looked over his shoulder to the queen, "You have captured three Jedi? And you are sure this one will not betray that trust? She is only a Padawan and has the temper of her master, an unruly combination."

"I trust her, now lower your weapon. You too, Tano."

Ahsoka did as ordered and slowly retracted her blades, though keeping the hilts in her hands as she walked past Dooku and took her place beside the Queen. "My Queen this man is a Sith, deceitful and untrustworthy by nature. Why is he here?" Miraj turned to her slowly and stared coolly into her large pale green eyes.

"Business," was all she replied before turning her attention back to the Count. "So you wish to use some of my slaves for labor. And what does the Empire of Zygerria get in return from your Confederacy?"

"An alliance. Once the Republic is crushed and a new power is installed, the **** empire your people once knew can be returned to its former glory, with no interference. However, upon this most recent revelation, I would amend this deal. In exchange for a much larger sum of credits, I would take the two other Jedi from you as... _negotiating leverage _against the Republic."

"You may have one, I shall keep the other in case of any future... negotiation needs," she smirked back at him.

"It is settled then, I shall be taking Skywalker with me as I leave." With the negotiating over, Dooku fled the room swiftly followed by his battle droid entourage. Ahsoka didn't say a word; this may be a blessing in disguise. 'If Anakin can get back to the Jedi Council and tell them of the situation, perhaps they can mount a proper rescue," she thought.

That night as the queen sat in her room, sipping at a glass and reading through reports with Ahsoka standing guard by the door, she finally asked what she had been dying to know since she was first captured. "Anakin is being sold to the Separatists, what of Obi-Wan? Where is he?" Such a tone would usually have earned her a slap for imprudence and disrespect, but now the Queen glances up at her and saw the determination in her face.

She sighed and stood, pacing beside the window. "Odd that you ask that now of all days, young Tano. Perhaps it is mere coincidence or maybe it is this **** you Jedi always speak of, as I have just received a report stating that upon learning of your old master's sale to the CIS, he supposedly attacked the guards holding him and attempted escape. After all the lenience and patience I showed him," she tutted. "I'm afraid we shall have to make an example of him..."

Ahsoka was horrified, what would they do to him?!