Anakin's prediction proved correct when he found himself standing in the Temple's formal dining room arguing with a waiter about Citros Snow Cake. "The garnish is missing, and this is Senator Chuchi's favorite dessert!"

"Oh, dear! What a disaster!" 3PO cried at the shattered remnants of an ice sculpture on the floor. "What are we going to do without a centerpiece?"

Anakin was three seconds away from tearing his hair out. He thought enlisting 3PO's help would make things go smoothly. It wasn't the protocol droid's fault the last-minute rush was leading to problems.

A pair of droids crashed into each other, spilling trays of food on the floor. Anakin clamped a hand over his face. Why was the kitchen staff so short-handed?

"You worthless bucket of bolts!" 3PO wailed, flinging his arms at the mess. "Master Anakin! My circuits are going haywire from the stress! We're never going to be ready before the Senators arrive!"

Anakin scowled at the mayhem unfolding around him. Cassandra was lucky she didn't have to be here for the setup.

Obi-Wan banished her from the dining hall after her mistake.

She was still learning her way around Coruscant and placed an order with Madam Selene's Flowershop for what she believed were flower centerpieces. So, when a shuttle of Twi'lek prostitutes arrived on the landing platform instead, his wife was understandably shocked and embarrassed by her error.

Anakin called and tried to smooth things over with the Madam. The thin-lipped woman had glared at him with outraged fury and demanded full payment for her workers' services regardless of if they were to be used.

The Jedi Temple had no choice but to give in to her demands or risk public humiliation (Obi-Wan's words).

True to fashion, Obi-Wan had laid into Cassandra with a blistering lecture. When tears welled in her eyes, Anakin stepped in and put a stop to his master's bullying.

It was an honest mistake. Not a mistake worth tearing her apart for. Anakin could have choked Obi-Wan on the spot for mistreating his wife.

The seamstress Madam Lydia had the sorceress in her claws now, transforming her into a high-society lady for the event. Anakin doubted Cassandra was enjoying the pampering. She hated the stiff and restrictive fashion favored by the Senate.

Obi-Wan strolled over from inspecting the flower arrangements he'd eventually had younglings gather from the temple gardens. "You seem to have things well in hand."

Anakin transferred his scowl to his master for his ebullient tone. "I don't appreciate being mocked."

The older Jedi raised his hands in surrender. "I'm not mocking you, Anakin." A wistful smile curved the man's lips. "Truthfully, you're doing a great job." He clapped the younger man on the shoulder. "I'm proud of you."

"Thank you, master." He said stiffly the words difficult to slip past his lips. "But serving the Snow Cake was Cassandra's idea. She says dessert sweetens even the most stubborn minds."

"Hmm. The sorceress may have a point." Obi-Wan agreed.

Anakin was pretty sure the real reason Cassandra recommended dessert is so she could eat cake. Her sweet tooth rivaled his own.

Crossing his arms, he surveyed the dining hall for security weak points. "The main objective is keeping everyone safe. I'm not convinced we have enough security."

"We'll manage." The other Jedi replied, unconcerned.

Gunships would patrol the air around the temple while troops created a perimeter on the grounds with blasters and cannons. Clones stationed on every floor. The banquet hall would be ray-shielded and guards stationed around the room.

Everything was as secure as they could make it.

Anakin met up with Rex and Cody, going over the banquet procedures again. "Do you have enough droid poppers and charges for your blasters?"

"Yes, sir. Captain Tarkin will be running surveillance from the base. Everything checks out." Rex said.

"Good. If you notice anything out of place, comm me." Anakin ordered.

"Yes, General!"

Anakin returned to his rooms. He wondered if he could convince his wife to remain behind in their quarters until the banquet was over. He walked in on Cassandra sitting cross-legged on the floor meditating in her bathrobe. Her hair and makeup were done but she hadn't dressed yet.

Bracing his hands on his hips, Anakin smiled at her. "Where's Madam Lydia?"

Cassandra cracked open her eyes and narrowed them at him. "I kicked her out."

"Look if you're not happy don't go." He suggested casually, taking the opening.

Cassandra unfolded her legs, the hem of her bathrobe riding up her thighs. Anakin swallowed hard.

"Believe me, it's tempting after the prostitute incident." She leaned over and adjusted her robe. The collar gaped open, revealing the inner curve of her left breast. "I promise I'll keep my guard up. Madam Lydia found a way to conceal a blaster in my gown, so I won't be unarmed."

Anakin's blood rushed south to his groin. Kriff, she was killing him! Belatedly, he realized she expected a response.

"That wasn't your fault!" He protested adjusting the front of her robe because all that exposed skin was driving him insane. "Don't let Obi-Wan make you feel bad for an honest mistake."

Cassandra raised her brow. "What's going on with you?"

"Nothing." He said quickly.

Too quickly.

A mischievous grin curled her lips. "Its okay. I want you too."

Anakin reddened. 'Am I that obvious?'

She grabbed his hand and dragged him eagerly toward their bedroom. "We have time for a quickie."

Anakin spent the next hour making love to his clever, beautiful wife. Her hair and makeup were ruined but she didn't seem to mind.

*********************************************************************************************

Bored out of her skull, Cassandra looked around the banquet hall.

The banquet hall had been transformed into a glittering display of luxury and grandeur by Cassandra, Anakin, and Obi-Wan's labor.

The crystals on the chandelier dripped with decadence, illuminating the three long dining tables running vertically across the stone floor. Senators sat in velvet cushioned chairs, a piece with their surroundings.

On the dais above the politicians, the Jedi Council sat with Chancellor Palpatine. Five senate guards in blackened steel armor lined the wall behind the main table, their electrical pikes crackling with menace.

The rest of the Senators and Jedi were placed along the two long tables.

Obi-Wan had done the seating chart for the banquet and stuck Cassandra between Senator Deechi and Senator Burtoni, two of the most obnoxious beings she'd ever met. All they seemed to care about is passing legislation that would line their pockets. The welfare of the Republic was the last thing on their minds.

Dorme sat across from Cassandra. A shadow darkened her face. "What about the cost to the people? How does that factor into your calculations?"

Burtoni rolled her eyes. "How do you propose to win the war without more troops? March the citizens on the frontlines?"

"Increase in clone production is the only way." Deechi chimed in.

Waiter droids set out the next course. Dorme turned green at the fish swimming on her plate. She pressed her fingers delicately to her lips. "Please...excuse me for a moment Senators."

Dorme rushed from the hall with none of her usual grace. Cassandra wondered if she had the flu.

Anakin was at the far end of her table, another deliberate maneuver by the Obi-Wan to cockblock them. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly when he noticed her staring.

She winked in return and tasted her mushroom pasta. It was delicious, the sauce thick and creamy and the noodles tender. Her husband had made sure the kitchen staff made her only vegetarian dishes so she wouldn't go hungry during the banquet.

Anakin's broad shoulders shook with silent laughter. Raking a hand through his hair, he beamed at her then turned to speak with Senator Organa.

Damn, Anakin was too handsome for his own good. Cassandra almost dropped her fork. When Anakin looked at her like that, she wanted to strip him naked and have her way with him.

"Master Pierce!" Burtoni's imperious voice snapped her free of her daze.

"Um, what?"

The Kaminoan shot her an annoyed glare. "I was asking your opinion regarding the increase in Clone production."

Without Dorme present, Cassandra suddenly found herself the focus of the money-grubbing vultures.

There was a malicious gleam of anticipation in Burtoni's eye.

Cassandra frowned. What was this woman up to? Her people were behind the bill. Why did she care about an outsider's opinion? Unless, she was trying to trap Cassandra into saying something offensive?

"I am not a senator. It is not my place to offer an opinion because I don't know enough about the issue." She hedged, playing it cool.

Burtoni rolled her eyes. "How droll. The Jedi have seated us with a dullard." She went back to ignoring the sorceress after that.

Fine with her. Cassandra despised the two senators and their war profiteering. In her book, they were scum of the lowest order.

By the third course, Cassandra couldn't take them anymore and excused herself. She ported around the rayshield out onto the balcony for some fresh air.

A cool wind buffeted her as she crossed the balcony. Cassandra draped her arms over the rail and let the wind play through her loose hair. Dark clouds in the distance promised snow. Whatever the original climate Coruscant had was hidden beneath layers of concrete and steel. She wondered what the planet looked like before civilization had ravaged it.

A particularly freezing gust slammed into Cassandra causing her to stumble back. The medallion around her neck swung wildly on its chain. She curled her fingers around it protectively, the hair from Anakin's braid tickling her palm.

When they were together everything was perfect. It's the rest of the world that intruded and disturbed that peace. Anakin craved adventure and new horizons but a large part of him desired the tranquility of when they were alone.

Cassandra had never been particularly social. Attending political summits and banquets were a trial. By the end of them she was physically and emotionally drained. A longing for home came with a sudden painful twist to her abdomen.

Sure, Earth had its problems. Wanda wanted her power. But things were simpler. In this place, Cassandra felt like she couldn't go five minutes without someone taking a shot at her or trying to blow her up.

It was exhausting. She had a new appreciation for Anakin's seemingly boundless stamina.

Could she make this galaxy her permanent home? Cassandra wasn't sure she was ready to make that kind of life-altering decision.

The hair on the back of her neck rose. Cassandra stiffened and glanced around. The balcony was empty. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling of someone watching her.

Disturbed, Cassandra cast a final look around and returned to the banquet hall in time for the dessert course. Her stomach rumbled with anticipation. The cake looked delicious.

Anakin was standing in the aisle in the middle of a serious discussion with Tip.

A line of waiter droids trotted out a massive eight-tiered cake from the kitchens. The snowy white confection glittered with sugar and candied fruit, the pinnacle of the banquet.

Clapping filled the hall as the dessert was paraded up and down the aisles for everyone to admire. See? Dessert made everyone happy!

A tall gawky alien with long floppy ears stood unexpectedly from his table and tripped. Flailing and screeching he crashed into Anakin who pitched face-first into the dessert. Cake and frosting splattered everyone in the vicinity including, Senator Organa, covering his brocade suit with buttercream.

"Ani! Ani, yousa okey-day?" The alien lifted Anakin from the ruined cake, gobs of frosting dripping down his face. "Mesa, sorry!"

Anakin spat out a glob of cake and coughed. "I'm alright, Jar Jar. You can stop pounding my shoulders!"

Even through the mask of frosting, Cassandra could see his irritation. She winced in sympathy over the public humiliation. Poor Anakin. This banquet had been a disaster for the both of them.

"Heresa. Yousa this." Jar Jar thrust a large handkerchief at the Jedi.

"Thanks." Anakin cleaned up his face and returned the ruined handkerchief to the senator.

A violent tremor ripped through the banquet hall snuffing out the concerned murmurs of the guests. Dishes rattled and senators tumbled to the ground.

"Mesa got bombad feelin'." Jar Jar declared, his stalk eyes bouncing nervously. He tumbled into Anakin, sending the Jedi back into the cake muck. "Oh no! Exqueeze me, Ani! Heresa, mesa help you up!"

The Jedi, including Anakin ignited their lightsabers.

Overhead lights flickered and died plunging the room into darkness.

People screamed.

"We're under attack!"

"Run!"

Raising her hands to create an orb of light, Cassandra froze as someone slammed into her. She tripped and crashed to the marble floor, a knife-like pain shooting up her right shoulder.

"Master Pierce!" Ahsoka reached passed the fleeing person and helped the sorceress to her feet before someone trampled her.

The girl had been part of the extra security in the banquet hall.

Rubbing her throbbing shoulder, Cassandra cursed. "We've got to get the lights back on."

Anakin waded through the escaping senators to reach them. Jar Jar followed. He grabbed Cassandra's forearm. "Are you alright? I saw you go down." His concerned gaze skated over her shoulder. "Is it bad?"

"Bruised, not broken." Cassandra said meeting his worried expression in the blue glow from his lightsaber. "Seriously, I'm okay Anakin."

"What about you, Snips?"

"All good, Skyguy." Ahsoka answered, saluting him with her own lightsaber.

Her Jedi's stern features drew tighter. "Ahsoka, get Master Pierce to safety while we figure out what's happening."

"Mesa help!" Jar Jar declared, thumping his chest determinedly.

"Uh, no Jar Jar." Anakin hastily shot down the alien. "You have to leave with the Senators. The gunships will take you to safety."

Jar Jar heaved a sigh. "Mesa understand. Be careful, Ani, okey-day?"

Anakin smiled at the alien. "I will Jar Jar."

"Actually, I'm going to stay and help. If nothing else, I can be an extra set of eyes." Cassandra broke in, earning a cold glare from her husband.

"It's too risky." Anakin snapped.

"What's risky is wasting time arguing." Cassandra caught his wrist as she passed dragging him along. "Come on, General Honey Buns. We'll check the Temple's power generator."

"What did you call me?" He choked, outraged.

Ahsoka snickered.

"Never mind. We've got to get the power back on." Cassandra said.

"Fine, but if I catch a hint of any danger, you'll go into the Mirror Dimension." Anakin warned, shrugging her off to lead the way into the main hall.

Cassandra followed in his wake; her blaster clutched in her fist. The backup generator kicked on a minute later. The emergency lights cast everything in bloody pools of light but at least they could see.

The trio raced for the closest lift taking it to the bottom level. At least the elevators still worked.

Anakin's commlink flashed. "What is it, Rex?"

"The power outage is across the entire district, not just the Temple. Its dark out here." The clone replied. "Reports are coming in about an explosion at the main reactor."

"Take a squad and investigate. I'll join you once I finish up here." Anakin said cutting the connection.

"What do we do now?" Ahsoka asked.

He hit a button on the control panel for a different level. "We head to the east communications tower and secure it. The outage may be a distraction by the Separatists. It'll be a disaster if our transmitter codes and intel fall into their hands."

Anakin positioned himself in front of Cassandra as the lift opened. He stuck his head out, peering in both directions before signaling to her and Ahsoka.

The girls chased after him toward a pair of heavy steel doors, reinforced by a thick steel bar fit into a slot. Anakin punched in a code in the keypad, and the automatic locks disengaged. "Ahsoka, with me. Cass, stay here."

Cassandra leaned against the wall as the Jedi dashed into the power control room.

After a minute, Anakin called out to her. "It's clear, come in."

"Sure, thing."

Once inside, Cassandra joined the Jedi. "Any signs of tampering?"

"No. Everything looks good." Anakin assured her, a faint smile easing the tension in his jaw.

"Master look!" Ahsoka pointed toward the ventilation shaft. A steel panel swung out and a blue alien dressed like a cowboy crawled from the shaft. Thrusters ignited on his boots, and he alighted softly on the ground.

The cowboy froze, turning pupilless red eyes on the Jedi and sorceress. He removed a toothpick from the corner of his mouth and spit. "Skywalker."

"Cad Bane!" Anakin spat, his features twisting in fury. "I should have known you were involved somehow!"

The space cowboy's spurs jingled as he crossed the floor. A bulging sack was strapped across his back.

"Who is this guy?" Cassandra muttered out of the corner of her mouth.

"Cad Bane is a bounty hunter. He will do anything for credits." Ahsoka glared at the cowboy. "What are you doing in the Temple?"

The alien's sparse features made it difficult to read any expression. Tipping his hat, Bane aimed a blaster at the sorceress, marking her as the weakest one. "Sorry, little lady. Nothin' personal."

To everyone's mutual surprise, Cassandra fired first. The laser bolt skimmed the alien's jaw, carving a burn mark into his skin. "When someone tries to kill me, its personal!" She squeezed the trigger again. "I'm sick of people taking potshots at me all the damned time!"

Anakin and Ahsoka converged on the bounty hunter with their lightsabers, backing him toward the corner. His thrusters ignited and he sped away from the Jedi into the hall. Cassandra shot after him, the cowboy dodging the blasterfire with remarkable agility.

"Look out!" Anakin shouted, tackling Cassandra to the floor. Laser bolts blasted through the air where her head was a second ago.

A tall gaunt woman emerged from the ventilation shaft, firing a blaster at the Jedi. The light gleamed on the spike rammed through her skull.

"Aurra Sing!" Ahsoka chased after the woman while Anakin helped his wife stand.

He just saved her life. Again.

Anakin steadied her. Cassandra could hear his heart pounding wildly as he pulled her in for a brief hug. "Go into the Mirror Dimension. You've done enough. Ahsoka and I'll take it from here."

Her entire body shook with adrenaline. Cassandra was too overwhelmed to argue. "Be careful, Anakin."

"I'll be fine."

"Love you." She whispered softly.

Leaning in, he cupped the side of her face and rested his forehead against hers. "I love you too."

Then he was gone, running after the Padawan and bounty hunters.

Releasing a shaky breath, Cassandra created a portal to the Mirror Dimension. She retreated to their quarters to wait.

Hours passed. Around midnight, Cassandra drifted off on the sofa, one of Anakin's robes wrapped around her like a security blanket.

Before sunrise, Anakin came in looking utterly exhausted. He was covered in cake residue and dark circles ringed his eyes. He smiled tiredly when he saw her. "All I want is a shower, you, and bed."

Cassandra kicked off her cover and ran across the living room to him. She flung her arms around his neck and kissed him hungrily, her tongue twining with his. He tasted of sugar and citrus from the cake.

She pulled back, beaming at him. "Go get that shower. I'll make you some tea and then we can have a late morning in bed."

"Sounds perfect."

"It sounds perfect because I'm perfect and only come up with perfect ideas." Cassandra declared tartly, resting her hands on her hips. "Now, shoo, General Skywalker."

He saluted her teasingly. "Yes, Master Pierce."

Humming, Cassandra retreated to their bedroom. She rummaged in the closet for a set of warm pajamas to change into and crawled into bed to wait for him.

When Anakin climbed in a few minutes later, Cassandra propped herself up on her elbow. "I'm sorry about the prostitute thing."

"I told you its not a big deal." He smiled faintly. "And think of it like this, we'll have a great story to share with our kids someday."

Cassandra blushed. They hadn't really discussed having children before. "I'd love to be a mom someday. Do you want to be a dad?"

"Yeah, I think I do." Anakin folded his arms behind his head and gazed up at the ceiling. "I've never been fond of younglings but I think if they were my own it would be different."

"That's exactly how I feel." She whispered. 

He turned to look at her, his gaze piercing. "For now, lets focus on the two of us."

A/N: I got to introduce some Clone Wars faves into my story. I love Bane and Jar Jar. Below, I've included more fanart. As always, thanks so much for reading. Your comments brighten my day!