From that night on, they kept to their agreement. y/n could continue to sneak away during the night, but only if Obi-Wan could accompany her, which they were doing now.

y/n quietly closed her door before turning around. Obi-Wan was waiting for her next to his door with a smile.

She motioned for him to follow, not wanting to risk being heard.

They walked down the hallway in silence, turning the corner and stopping at a shelf embedded into the wall. The shelves were lined with various mementos but nothing striking enough to capture the attention of someone passing by.

Grabbing hold of a candlestick, y/n pulled it down like a lever, then stepped back as the shelf opened to reveal a doorway.

"I still can't believe this was here the whole time. No wonder it took me so long to figure out where you were going."

"I can't believe you didn't find it with your Jedi powers."

"Not exactly how those work."

She shrugged, walking down the cold stone steps of the hidden stairwell, "Whatever, let's get a move on, we're losing moonlight."

At the end of the stairwell sat another door that led right to the hedge maze.

After closing the hidden doorway, they set off to the gazebo. The place y/n once considered to be only hers but now thought of it as hers and Obi-Wan's.

Reaching the area, y/n stepped on each and every crumbling stone that lead to the gazebo. She sat on the stairs, placing her back against the structure for support, and smiled blissfully, happy to be back at their spot.

"Might I ask why you like this spot so much?" Obi-Wan asked, sitting beside her.

She rested her hand on the floor of the gazebo, giving a weak smile, "Because most people have forgotten about it. Much like me."

"You don't seem forgotten to me."

"But I'm easy to forget. My parents do all they can to shove me to the side so they can forget about me. It's why I'm stuffed into the library all day. Learning to be the future Queen from books instead of experience."

"At least you're learning from something."

"I guess you're right," she said, letting silence envelop them.

"Do you ever wonder if the path that's been set up for you is the right one?" she asked in a whisper, scared to break the quiet.

"The only path I've ever known is the path of the Jedi. I've been made to believe it's the only path for me."

"I've only known this one. And I'm not sure I'm fit for it. I don't think I'll ever become the ruler I need to be."

Obi-Wan took a moment to think before speaking, "Everyone faces doubts when they're told to do something. Especially when it's thrust upon them without the option of saying no. But you're much more capable than you think."

The wise words from the Jedi helped put her in a better mood. Some worry still lingered, but was pushed aside for the time being.

"Thank you. Now enough moping around," she stated, standing up and stepping into the tall grass.

"Where are you going?" Obi-Wan asked, standing as well.

"To go look at the stars. And I know the perfect spot."

Pushing through the grass and past the trees, they entered a clearing with nothing to block the view of the sky.

y/n ran ahead with a smile, twirling in the grass and stopping to watch the wave of fireflies circle around her.

Obi-Wan stopped in his tracks, watching her. Listening to her laugh and taking in her features that glowed in the light of the moons.

She spun again, this time to face him, "Are you coming? Or are you going to sit back and watch me have all the fun?"

He rolled his eyes, unsurprised that she had ruined the moment with a cheeky remark. But he trudged on anyway, sitting down beside her as she laid in the grass.

He eventually laid down as well, looking across the inky sky littered with more stars than he had ever seen. He wondered how he hadn't noticed before, especially after being out here with y/n every night.

"You've visited multiple planets, right?" y/n asked, propping herself up on her elbows.

He hummed in response, not yet ready to tear his eyes away from the sky.

"Which one has the most beautiful stars?"

"This one," he stated immediately.

"You're just saying that," she laughed.

"Well, it's the first planet I've actually been able to sit and enjoy the stars," he said, sitting up to look at her.

"What about your home planet?"

"The closest thing to stars back on Coruscant is the city lights."

"I don't think I could live on a planet that doesn't have a pretty night sky," she mused. She sat in thought for a moment before turning to him, "From now on, whenever you're on a new planet, you have to take just a moment or two to enjoy the stars. Got it?"

"Got it," he stated with a short nod, fighting back his smile to show he was being serious.

"Good," she said scooting closer to him.

He looked her up and down with shock, causing her to scrunch her brows in retaliation.

"What?" she asked.

"Why are you-?"

"I'm cold," she said, bringing her legs close to her body.

"Then we should head back inside," he stated, beginning to stand.

She quickly grabbed his arm to pull him back down, "Just a bit longer? Please?"

It took only a glance into her pleading eyes for him to give in.

He sat back down, "Fine. But not very long, we still have to walk back to the castle."

Saying nothing in reply, she hugged his arm close and rested her head on his shoulder.

Obi-Wan sat stiffly, unsure what to think of this new situation. He knew it was wrong for him to indulge in these new feelings, but fighting the urge to lean into her touch was very difficult.

He was just about to give in, until she pulled away with a sigh, ready to head back inside.

The walk back was silent, focused solely on their hands brushing together and the spark felt after their skin touched.

Back to the secret doorway, they went up the stone stairs.

Opening the door at the top cautiously, they made sure no guards were there to spot them. When they found all was clear, they walked back to their rooms.

"Goodnight Obi-Wan," y/n said with a sleepy smile upon reaching her bedroom door.

"Goodnight y/n."

She turned the door handle, ready to collapse onto her bed. But before she could open it Obi-Wan spoke again.

"For what it's worth, I don't think you're easy to forget. Even after just a week of knowing you, I know I could never forget you."

Giving her one last smile, he closed the door behind him. Leaving her to process his words alone in the hallway.

~

y/n threw her book down with a huff, looking toward Obi-Wan, "I'm so bored of this."

Obi-Wan and y/n were in the library for the day yet again. But after the previous night's adventure, y/n couldn't help but wish to do more than sit in the same room all day.

"Of what?" Obi-Wan asked, lowering his book, "Studying?"

"Yes," she groaned, placing her head on the table.

"We've been here for less than five minutes," he said with a chuckle.

"Long enough for me to become bored," she muttered, lifting her head.

"I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do about that."

Leaning back in her chair, she folded her arms, glare on her face. Obi-Wan hardly noticed, going back to his book.

She turned to look out the window, staring longingly at the miles of green she wished to explore.

"Let's go for a walk," she said, standing up abruptly.

"A walk? But you've hardly gotten anything done."

"Because I've been stuck in this stuffy room for a week straight and can't focus! Can we please find somewhere else for me to work today? Somewhere out there where the sun is."

He stared at her, pondering the request, "Fine. But you have to promise you'll actually get some work done."

"Of course, I will. Since you've been here has a day gone by where I haven't gotten everything done?"

"Alright, you've proved your point, now grab what you need."

She smiled widely, doing an excited spin before grabbing her satchel.

Quickly going through the books on the desk she decided which she should bring and which could stay. Placing them into the bag in an orderly fashion as she decided.

Obi-Wan handed her the book he'd been reading earlier, "Room for one more?"

"I'm not carrying your book! Look how many are already crammed in here."

"But I need something to do!"

"Then read one of mine," she said, stuffing in her notebook and pen where she could.

"Yours are all boring," he stated.

"And you wondered why I got bored so fast," she sassed, making her way out of the library.

He hurried behind her, "Alright fine, I'll carry it myself. But if anything happens to it you get to explain why."

"Fine by me."

They strolled through a few halls of the castle, towards the exit to the gardens.

As they walked through the garden y/n would stop and point out her favorite flowers to Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan began pointing out the ones he liked as well, surprising y/n with some of his choices.

Distracted by the flowers, Obi-Wan didn't notice they were taking a new route, one he was not yet familiar with.

"Are we not going to the gazebo?" he asked.

She shook her head, "I figured we could go somewhere new. Let you see more of Evraesal."

"If you insist."

Taking a few more turns they came to a clearing. The scenery wasn't much different than where the gazebo was. It was filled with the same trees, branches stretching out low, and long leaves drooping toward the ground. As well as the same long grass and some wildflowers.

The most notable difference was the pond that sat in the middle of it all. With lily pads sitting on the top of the calm water and leaves floating about lazily.

"The perfect study spot," y/n stated proudly, "Now where to sit?"

"How about between those two trees?" Obi-Wan asked, pointing at the area.

Making their way over they sat in the clearing between the trees. Close enough to the pond to watch the water, but far enough away to avoid getting wet.

After getting situated, y/n pulled out her books and notebook, ready for a productive hour or more of work.

Obi-Wan watched her get to work, studying the outline of her side profile.

Feeling his eyes on her, she looked up, "What?"

"Nothing," he said, hoping his tone sounded even and cool, "just making sure you get to work."

"You have no faith in me Kenobi."

"Of course I do, but it is my job to make sure you stay on task."

"Alright fine. Now get to your reading, you're distracting me."

He picked up his book with a chuckle, not taking long to become engrossed in the book once more.

y/n shook her head, trying not to get lost in the sparkle of his eyes.

Forcing herself to look back to her books, she got to work.

It didn't feel like much time had passed, but when she looked up from her books to stretch, she noticed the sun had moved higher into the sky.

Stretching her arms towards the sun, she groaned, her stiff body proving she'd been sitting in the same spot for far too long.

Obi-Wan looked up from his book to find y/n leaving her spot on the ground.

"Where are you going now?" he asked, gently placing his book down.

"Just around the pond. Don't worry, I'll get right back to work after."

"I'll come along. My legs could use a stretch."

Walking along the sides of the pond they watched the rippling water and occasional fish swimming by.

They hardly spoke, spending the time enjoying the nature around them and the sun on their skin.

y/n gasped suddenly and ran up ahead. Obi-Wan quickened his pace, unsure of what caught her eye.

"It's still here," she said when Obi-Wan reached her side again.

He looked to the ground and found a small wooden boat.

Clearly, it had been there for some time. Parts of it were falling apart and weeds grew along the sides, accepting it as one of their own.

"When my sister and I were younger, we'd take rides in it across the pond. Sometimes we'd just let the water take us where it pleased until we were called back inside. But then my parents began to expect more from me. More time dedicated towards the kingdom I'd one day rule."

Coming closer to the small boat she placed a hand on the side of it, smiling softly at the memories it held.

Obi-Wan watched her carefully before speaking, "I'd say we could take it out, but-"

She turned to face him excitedly, "Can we?"

"I would say yes, but that boat is in no condition-"

"It can at least get us across," she began, attempting to pull the boat from the weeds.

"I'm not going to be able to talk you out of this, am I?" he asked, knowing she was no longer listening.

She smiled triumphantly, finally pulling the boat from the ground that molded around it.

Setting it down, she got to work clearing out the inside, grabbing the paddle, and handing it to Obi-Wan.

"This isn't going to end well," he muttered, still taking the paddle from her hands.

"Or it could end up being the best decision of your life," she said pulling the boat to the edge of the pond.

Stepping in cautiously, she took a seat and looked at Obi-Wan expectantly.

Seeing the look of distrust on his face she rolled her eyes, "I'm going with or without you. But if I remember correctly you're here to keep me safe. So technically, you have to come."

"Fine," he said, stepping onto the boat.

Working together, they got the boat fully into the water, and much to Obi-Wan's surprise, it didn't immediately begin to fill with water.

"See? We're fine. And now we can see more of what's hiding in the pond," she said happily, looking over the sides of the boat and into the water.

Obi-Wan glanced towards the water as well, causing the boat to teeter in the unbalanced weight.

He sat back up straight, gripping the sides, "We're gonna tip!"

She burst into laughter, the sound putting him at ease, "We're still fine Kenobi. Now relax, enjoy the water taking us where it pleases."

"If we're letting the water take us where it pleases then why do we have this?" he asked, holding up the paddle.

"So we can get back easier, or...if there is an accident and we need to move at a faster pace."

"And by accident you mean...?"

She opened her mouth to respond when she felt water surrounding her feet and quickly rising to her ankles, "Meaning something like this! Quick! Paddle! Paddle!"

"I'm trying!" he yelled, bringing the dripping wet paddle from one side of the boat to the other.

"Watch it!" she yelped, ducking to avoid a smack to the head.

"I've got other things to worry about your Highness!"

"We're not going to make it," she called, water still rising and being what felt like miles away from land.

"So what now? Jump into the water?"

"Well, we're already wet so I don't see why not!"

She took a breath before diving into the water, not taking a moment to see if Obi-Wan was behind her.

"Great," he muttered, dropping the paddle and diving in as well.

They rose from the surface, out of breath and now sopping wet.

The boat was still sinking in the center of the pond, only slower after losing the weight of the two. But at least the pond was shallow enough for them to stand.

"Nothing's going to happen, hm?" Obi-Wan asked, arms folded with a lily pad resting on his head, somehow unaware of it.

"Well, we didn't die, did we?" y/n asked, still regaining her breath.

"I suppose not, but I don't think my Master will be pleased to hear- what's so funny?" he asked, hearing your laughter.

"Oh, nothing," she spluttered, trying to stop herself from laughing anymore.

"What is it? Have I got something on my face?"

"More on the top of your head."

He placed his hands on his head, pulling the lilypad off, water dripping off of it and onto his face. He took a moment to look it over before placing it back on his head.

"It's my new hat, that's all."

"Aw, it's lovely," she said with a nod.

"Would you like to try it on?" he asked, hiding his mischievous smile terribly.

Catching his smile, y/n shook her head, "No, it suits you much better than it would me-"

Obi-Wan placed it on her head against her wishes. It fell past her eyes and trickled water down her face.

Lifting it up so she could see his smug smile, he proudly stated, "Just a little payback."

"Okay fine, maybe I deserved it," she said, avoiding his face that was now so close to hers.

He took the lily pad off her head and laughed. A real, genuine laugh that made her take a chance to look into his sparkling blue eyes that always filled her stomach with thousands of little fluttering fireflies.

"You have a nice laugh," she whispered, almost hoping he wouldn't hear the statement.

"Oh, thank you," he responded gently, heat rising to his cheeks. "Yours is quite nice as well."

She smiled, looking away from him in hopes that it'd calm her rapidly beating heart.

Looking back as her heart rate slowed, she glanced at his lips, wondering how they'd feel against hers.

Panicked by these new feelings, she shoved him deeper into the water.

He fell back and went under the water, quickly resurfacing to gain back his breath.

"What was that for?"

"To get a head start so I can beat you back," she yelled, already swimming away.

"I was never informed it'd be a race!"

"And now you have," she breathed out, struggling to swim with the weight of her water filled dress.

The water soon became too shallow to swim in, leaving her to get back to her feet and trudge the rest of the way.

Suddenly, she was grabbed by the waistband of her dress and pulled back. Letting out a scream at the unexpected action, she fell and landed back in the water with a splash.

"Hey," she shouted, hair sticking to her face.

"You cheated, so I don't see why I can't."

"Fine, but it doesn't mean I'm going to let you win," she stood up and hiked her dress up so far, if her mother were to see, she'd surely faint.

They trekked through the water as fast as they could, both attempting to either trip of shove the other over to seize their victory.

"I win," they shout together, stepping foot on dry land at the same time.

Obi-Wan eyed her cautiously, "Shall we call it a tie?"

"Fine. But only because I'm too tired and hungry to argue."

"It's too bad we didn't bring any food with us."

"But I do know where to get some. C'mon, and don't worry about our things, we'll be back."

"Could I at least get rid of the water in my boots?"

"Yes, I guess that's alright."

He shook his head, finding a spot to sit before emptying the water from his shoes. y/n took that time to wring out the water her dress had soaked up.

Now on their way, they traveled through flower fields before coming up to the side of the castle.

The lower level windows were open with the smell of fresh baked bread pouring out.

"You wait here and I'll be back with food."

Leaving Obi-Wan's side, she walked to one of the windows and knocked on the panel.

She waited a few minutes before sticking her head into the window to peer around the kitchen. Calling out, she was finally met back with a voice.

A short and familiar woman came around the corner, eyes widening to find the voice belonged to none other than the Princess.

"What are you doing out there? And why in the galaxy are you wet!" she cried, meeting the now smiling Princess at the window.

"It's good to see you too Mary," she laughed lightly.

"You've not answered either of my questions."

"Alright, fine. I'm here in hopes of getting some food for my friend and me. And I'm wet because-"

"Who's that boy out there?" Mary asked cutting her off. She was looking off behind y/n before she gasped, "That's the Jedi, isn't it?"

"Yes, his name is Obi-Wan."

She smiled, "He seems to be quite the looker, hm?"

"Mary!" y/n proclaimed, looking back in hopes that he hadn't heard.

"Why don't you take a shot at him?" she asked with a wink.

"Mary-!"

"Ah, that's right. The Jedi and their rules...What's he doing back there anyway? Hello! Jedi!" she yelled waving.

Obi-Wan glanced over uncertainly, before waving back.

"Yes! Hi! Come say hello!"

y/n covered her face with her hands, Obi-Wan now walking towards them.

"And you're wet too! What's she dragged you into?" Mary asked teasingly as Obi-Wan came closer.

"The pond, unfortunately."

She chuckled, "Well don't you two go anywhere, I'll be back with some towels and food."

"Thank you, Mary," y/n stated begrudgingly, unsure if she was thankful for her or embarrassed.

"Yes, thank you," Obi-Wan echoed.

She returned with towels not long after, allowing them to dry off as much as possible before receiving their food.

"Here you are," Mary said handing them a basket with a blanket folded neatly on the top. "Now, don't be afraid to go stir up some trouble. But not too much trouble."

"What a great influence you are," y/n muttered, taking the basket into her hands.

"Don't worry, we've been fairly careful about the amount of trouble we get into," Obi-Wan said, a smile across his face.

"Oh, I like him," Mary whispered not so subtly to the Princess.

"Okay, time for us to go. Thank you again, Mary," y/n said, walking back in the direction of the pond.

"Thank you," Obi-Wan said, nodding his head and following.

"Bye bye!" she called, waving happily.

"See why I asked for you to stay behind?" y/n asked.

He grinned, "Indeed. But I'm very glad I got to meet her."

"I'm more than positive she thinks the same about you," she said, causing them both to laugh.

Once back to the pond, they set up their blanket and ate in peaceful silence. With their adrenaline worn off, they went back to their books.

y/n tried to focus on her work, knowing she desperately needed to get it done. She managed to stay caught up but struggled to do so since Obi-Wan arrived.

Whenever he was near, her mind was elsewhere. There was always something she wanted to ask him, something she wanted to show him, always something in the way.

Now her mind continued to wander back to what Mary had said about Jedi and their rules. She also recalled something Obi-Wan had said about strict rules but she didn't press to hear more about them.

Yet, it never stopped her from wondering about them. She'd always been curious to know about the Jedi, even more so now that two of them were sleeping under the same roof as her.

"Obi-Wan?" she asked hesitantly.

He hummed in response, eyes still glued to the pages of his book.

"What exactly are the rules of the Jedi?"

He met her eyes, slightly shocked by her question, "What makes you ask?"

"Just curious," she said with a shrug. "You mentioned there are a few and I've only heard rumors about some of them. I want to know what's true."

"Well, there are the obvious, that we use the Force to protect and bring peace."

She nodded, "What about the ones you struggle to understand?"

"What?" he asked, thrown off by the question.

"That night I found you following me," she began slowly, "you said there were rules you didn't yet understand."

"Right." He paused, unsure if he should say more, "You see, Jedi are forbidden to form attachments, emotional attachments that is. But we are encouraged to show compassion toward others and I often find the two rules conflict against one another."

"That is difficult to understand."

They sat in heavy silence until she spoke again, "So you'll never get to truly love someone?"

"No. Not really."

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up," she whispered noticing his change in mood.

"It's alright," he said, forcing a smile.

He stood up from the blanket, "We should head back, it's getting late."

She agreed, stacking her books to stow into her bag.

Neither said a word while walking back to the castle. But their silence said it all.

They were beginning to fall in love, but couldn't do anything about it.

Later that evening, after the sun had set and the moons rose high into the sky y/n set off to the gazebo. Only this time she was alone.

After waiting for Obi-Wan, she grew weary and left.

Finding a nice spot in the grass, she sat down. Hoping the familiar setting would help clear her head from the day's events.

After spending some time alone she heard footsteps approaching. Already knowing who it was, she didn't bother to look at them.

"I thought I'd find you here."

She finally turned around, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, "Not many other places I would be."

He sat down in the grass beside her, causing an array of fireflies to take flight into the night.

"I waited for you for some time and checked your room before leaving. You weren't there so I left."

"I'm sorry about that. Qui-Gon and I were contacted by the Jedi Council and the meeting took longer than what I would've liked."

"The Council? What did they need?"

"They-they were informing us of some complications that have come up."

"That doesn't sound good," she said, looking his way.

He nodded, stress evident on his face. Taking the time to gather his thoughts, he finally looked at her with a sad smile, "We've been assigned a new mission. The Queen of Naboo is in need of assistance. We're leaving shortly."

"Wh-what? But what about Eleanore and I? What if we're attacked or threatened again?"

"I brought that up to the council, but they've deemed our presence no longer necessary. Since our arrival, there have been no more threats or any attempted attacks."

"Have you informed my parents of this?"

"That's what Qui-Gon is doing now. I'm supposed to be getting ready to leave but I couldn't without saying goodbye."

"I don't want this to be goodbye," she whispered, refusing to accept that these may be their last moments together.

"It isn't. I'll see you again one day, I promise."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course I am."

"But what if you forget me? What if while you're away, traveling across the galaxy and meeting all kinds of new people you forget me, stuck here on tiny little Evraesal."

He took her hand in both of his, smiling kindly, "I've already told you, I could never forget you. Even if I so desperately wanted to. Even when far away from me I know you're too stubborn to let yourself leave my mind."

Letting out a breathy laugh she looked from their hands to his eyes. Full of familiar warmth and comfort she would miss when he'd finally be forced to leave.

"Are you sure I can't just run away with you," she partially joked, voice cracking.

Shaking his head he looked back to the planet surrounding them, "Evraesal needs you. When the time comes you'll become the ruler this planet needs."

"How do you know that?"

"Because everyone can see it. The only person who doesn't is you. You study hard, you love your planet and its people and you never back down from getting what you want. It's what I love-it's what we all see in you."

Blinking back tears she gave him a heartfelt smile, "Thank you Obi-Wan. I-I mean it. For everything."

Bringing her hand to his lips, he left a lingering kiss that left her in a state of bliss, yearning for more. But before anything could be said, his comlink blinked, signifying it was time to leave.

"May I walk you back to the castle?"

"Of course," she said, happy to take any excuse that would allow them to have just a little bit more time together.

They walked back in silence. y/n clutched tightly onto Obi-Wan's arm, hoping he'd never leave her grasp if she did.

Nearing the secret entrance to the castle, her grip on him only tightened. Afraid that the second she let go he'd be gone forever.

They stopped right beside the hidden door and turned to depart for the last time.

"You really think we'll see each other again?" she asked quietly, not meeting his eyes.

"I know we will. Besides, I would never pass the opportunity to witness the soon to be greatest leader of Evraesal crowned as Queen."

She laughed, hoping he couldn't see the tears welling in her eyes, "I guess I'll see you then."

He brought his hand to her face, wiping away the few tears she hadn't noticed slip. His hand rested on her cheek for a moment before he began tracing her jaw with his thumb, ever so slowly pulling her closer until their foreheads rested against one another.

Holding his arms tightly, she closed her eyes, causing more tears to fall but did nothing to stop them. Allowing all of her focus to be on Obi-Wan.

His com began blinking again, letting them both know they'd stalled for far too long.

"I have to go now," he whispered, still not pulling away from their embrace.

After kissing her forehead softly he stepped away, "Goodbye, y/n."

She watched him walk away, unable to say anything in fear her voice would give out on her.

But as he slipped further away into the night she found her courage and began running towards him.

"Wait! Obi-Wan, wait!" she yelled, running through the grass causing a flurry of fireflies to swarm the sky. "Obi-Wan, I love-"

"I know," he said, turning to face her with a smile, "But you don't have to say it. Not yet. Not until we meet again, somewhere only we know."

She nodded, smiling widely, "Somewhere only we know."