The spinning orb between Cassandra's palms fizzled out. She scowled and balled her hands into fists, her nails digging into her palms. "Why is this so damned hard?" She hissed, frustrated how difficult her Merlin magic was being.

Since returning to Coruscant, Cassandra worked diligently to harness her new power. She had no choice but to master it, otherwise it would take control of her like it did on Caranda when she wandered into a snowstorm in a trance. If Anakin hadn't been with her, she'd likely have died of exposure.

Her brushes with death were a constant reminder of her vulnerability which is why she had to make herself stronger. Not just for herself but to protect the ones she loved.

Anakin worked on his droid repair project nearby, keeping her company while she trained. At her angry hiss, he glanced over, his translucent blue eyes full of sympathy. "I have faith in you, Cass. The old man chose you as his successor for a reason. If anyone can master this power, it's you."

Cassandra suppressed a groan. "That's not a comforting thought, Anakin. Way to pile on the pressure."

"That's not what I meant, and you know it." He chided gently. "You're pushing yourself too hard. If you keep going like this, you'll collapse."

Yeah, she knew. Cassandra raked her hair back exasperatedly. "Let's change the subject. Have you guys found out how the Separatists targeted the main reactor?"

Now, it was Anakin's turn to be frustrated. He dropped the screwdriver he held, on the coffee table. "They used cleaning droids. The droids had the paperwork and everything to be admitted."

She followed his line of thinking. "Which means there's a traitor."

His face darkened. "Exactly."

Its not unexpected. Traitors happened in war time. People became disillusioned or had no scruples to begin with. People like Bane and Senator Burtoni who used the war to satisfy their ravenous greed.

Unlike Anakin, Cassandra didn't take it to heart any more. She grew up on Earth, so it was 'same shit, different day' for her.

Anakin, however, was more idealistic.

Her husband's stormy expression made her uneasy. He took things too personally when it came to the Republic. His black and white moral stance left no room for shades of gray.

From his perspective, if there was a traitor, justice had to be dealt swiftly and harshly without compromise.

"Look, you've done enough. Leave it up to the police, alright?" Cassandra ventured.

"That's what the Chancellor decided." Anakin agreed reluctantly. "I requested to handle the investigation personally but was denied."

"Sweetie, I love you dearly, but you are a control freak." She said mildly.

His lips pursed in an annoyed pout. "I like to be in charge because I know things will get done if I handle them."

Because no one else but him was capable? She didn't buy it. There were any number of police to lead the investigation. Some had to be competent.

Anakin's brows sank low, shadowing his crystal blue eyes. "I just...need to take action."

Unimpressed by his sulking, Cassandra unfolded her legs. They were asleep from sitting cross-legged on the floor. She worked to get the circulation going again. "Setting the matter of a traitor aside, what about Cad Bane? Was his role to be a distraction so the Separatists could attack the power center?"

Anakin shook his head slowly. "I'm not sure the two events are related. Bane broke into the Archives. He stole holobooks and datacards. Madam Jocasta is going through the catalog to figure out what he stole."

"Seems like a hell of a coincidence." Cassandra pointed out and stretched her arms high over her head, arching her back. "I wouldn't rule out a possible connection if I were you."

Her shirt rode up, exposing her flat belly. Anakin stared intently at the creamy pale skin. He rubbed his eyes. "We haven't."

"You look tired. Why don't you take a nap?" Cassandra suggested, dropping her arms and wandering over to him. "Get some rest while you can."

"I'm not the only one who needs rest." He remarked, drawing her against him. "You've been at this for hours."

"I'm feeling restless. I can't explain it." A thoughtful frown appeared on her face. "Like lightning trapped in a bottle. Something's got to give."

Anakin felt it too. The same restless energy. He'd been turning the attack over and over in his head trying to figure out how the enemy managed it.

The pieces of the puzzle refused to coalesce into a clear picture. They had beefed up security around the entire district prior to the banquet. The attack on the mainframe should not have occurred. Which made him convinced there was a traitor in their midst.

The Darkside's shroud was thick, masking everything. The Jedi Council seemed oblivious to the gathering dark, too busy bickering and politicking.

Cassandra rested her forehead against his temple, her lips whispering softly over his ear as she spoke. "Since I'm not having any luck, why don't we do a little experiment?"

"What kind of experiment?" Anakin asked huskily, his voice full of innuendo.

"Not that!" She rolled her eyes. "I swear Anakin you've turned into a horndog!"

"Hey!"

Cassandra pecked his cheek to soften her joke. "I'm thinking of the magical variety. Although, making love is its own kind of magic."

"You have my complete attention." Anakin deadpanned.

"You are going to practice conjuring portals." Cassandra announced triumphantly.

He regarded her unenthusiastically. "Great."

Eh, he'd get over it. They could have sex later.

Cassandra lit some more candles. The Temple's electricity was still running on the backup generator and the overhead lights were dim. The mainframe hadn't been fully repaired.

Though she wasn't a Jedi she could pick up on the unease threading its way through Coruscant. The Separatists had succeeded in striking at the heart of the Republic.

The public's false sense of security had been stripped away leaving them uncertain and vulnerable. Feelings, Cassandra understood all too well. The panic, the terror, and confusion she experienced in the aftermath of the Blip would forever be a scar on her soul.

So, she had learned to do what she could. Cassandra loved Anakin with every fiber of her being. Because she loved him, she would help him to learn the truth behind the magic he conjured aboard the Coronet.

Whether it was a fluke or a natural potential for sorcery emerging. As the only sorcerer available, it was Cassandra's duty to help her Jedi in any way possible.

Cassandra lit the final taper and extinguished the match. "Let's begin."

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

Cassandra was a ruthless instructor. Anakin's natural impatience warred with his admiration for his wife. While he viewed this exercise as a waste of time, she was relentless in liberating what kernel of power hid inside him. He doubted it was anything compared to her vast gift of sorcery.

He wasn't sure what had lit this fiery ambition inside Cassandra. His wife circled him, her steps firm and controlled as she assessed his efforts.

A few sparks appeared above his outstretched hands. The sling-ring glinted in the candlelight. Anakin tracked Cassandra, turning with her. She stopped in front of him, her face neutral until the magic faded.

Her cinnamon eyes flashed. "Again!"

Her command barely registered. The sleeve of her billowy floral shirt had slipped down her arm, exposing the curve of her shoulder.

Dazed, Anakin's next portal spell fizzled out.

Summoning magic, Cassandra linked their hands, threading her fingers between his, her grip strong. "Magic is in the soul. Feel the warm, vibrating energy."

Anakin smiled, her magic washing over him like warm bathwater. "I can feel it."

She unraveled her fingers and retreated. "Good, now search inside yourself for the wellspring of power."

Porggy chirped a question from the back of the sofa. Cassandra smiled impishly at the bird, her eyes sliding slyly in Anakin's direction. "Glad to see someone's interested in learning. Maybe I ought to teach you instead."

"Hey!" Anakin was offended.

"Master Porggy has a nice ring to it."

Porggy warbled a laugh at Anakin's expense. He glared at the bird. 'Traitor.'

Cassandra stroked the top of Porggy's head affectionately. The Porg closed his eyes in utter bliss and leaned into her caress.

Anakin felt a surge of jealousy and quickly squashed it, realizing how ridiculous it was to be jealous of Porggy.

He widened his stance and raised his hands. "You were saying something about grounding myself?"

Cassandra lifted her hand from the top of Porggy's head. Her warm gaze glittered with affection. "Anakin, I know you have a hard time standing still. I know it's not easy, but this is important. At Kamar Taj, I was taught the mind, body, and spirit are one entity, one whole. All of them must be in balance to tap into your power."

Anakin grimaced. Balance again! He hated that kriffing word! The Jedi viewed it as essential. He saw balance as a way of limiting his power, his strength. Now, it was fundamental to sorcery as well? "I just...don't get it."

"That's okay. I didn't either at first." Cassandra admitted. "I was stubborn and unyielding and unwilling to learn anything when I arrived at Kamar Taj. Over time, I grew resigned to the fact I had magic. When I forgave Emrys I did it for me, not for him. Because I didn't want to carry the emotional weight of it anymore. There is strength in letting go."

Letting go? Anakin shook his head automatically in refusal. That's one thing he's never been able to do. Let go entirely and trust in the Force. He needed to be in control. Otherwise what was the point?

If sorcery was the same, he wasn't sure he wanted it.

Seeing the trace of sadness in her expression, Anakin surrendered. This was important to his wife. For Cassandra he had to try. "Okay, show me again."

She rewarded him with a blazing grin that warmed him all over. "Very well."

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

Leaning back, Cad Bane propped his feet up on his desk and commed the Sith Lord who hired him to break into the Jedi Temple, one of the riskiest jobs he'd ever taken.

The hologram cast a blue glow over the dark motel room, illuminating the stained walls and threadbare carpet. A muffled sob crawled up one of the vents.

Bane had made a ton of cash over the years. He could afford better but had learned to stay in dumps like this because people looked the other way and didn't ask questions.

"I trust you bring me good news?" The Sith Lord said, his weak chin sagging as he spoke.

Chewing on his toothpick, Bane tipped his hat back from his forehead and got down to business. "Before I answer your question, there is the matter of my payment."

"You will address me with respect, bounty hunter!" The Sith Lord's low snarl clawed out from under his cowl, sending a chill of warning down Bane's spine.

"Right, my lord." Bane tossed his toothpick under the table to conceal his trembling fingers. "I got what you asked for."

"Excellent. I will send someone to the plaza to retrieve them within the hour."

Bane had retrieved a selection of holobooks and datacards from the Jedi Archives. The Sith Lord promised him a distraction, so he used the chaos following the bombing of the main reactor to break in. "And my compensation?"

"Will be wired to your account per our agreement." The Sith Lord said in clipped tones and disconnected.

Glancing over at the sack on the bed, Bane decided to take precautions and arm himself further. After all, the Sith were not to be trusted. He hadn't survived the bounty hunting game all these years to be double-crossed and killed.

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

Cassandra watched Anakin's attempts to conjure a portal with bated breath confident in his ability.

At first, he only managed a few sparks, but the signature ring of fire was taking shape more clearly with every attempt. For a second the portal held, revealing the inside of Anakin's bathroom.

She felt a small tug in her middle, nearly imperceptible. Frowning, Cassandra pressed her palm against her abdomen. Weird.

Anakin grunted and the magic faded and with it the tattered remnants of his patience.

The tugging stopped.

"Okay, we're done for today. Good job." A slow smile stretched her mouth at his disbelieving expression. "Seriously, you've made wonderful progress. It took me a month to reach the point you have in a few hours. Frankly, I'm a little jealous."

Anakin stripped off his sling-ring and placed it on the end table. "Jealous, huh?" His biceps bunched enticingly under his sleeves as he leaned against the sofa. "Don't be jealous of me, Angel. I'll never be a master sorcerer like you."

Porggy flapped his wings and landed on her Jedi's shoulder. The Porg nuzzled his cheek lovingly, cooing softly.

With a long-suffering look, Anakin patted the bird gently with a gloved hand.

Cassandra smiled again. 'He truly is impressive sharing the same potential as Stephen Strange.' Well, she was biased. She loved him after all.

She drew Anakin in for a celebratory hug, pressing her nose to the triangle of golden skin exposed by his collar. Inhaling, his warm clean scent, she sighed happily. "I'm proud of you."

His hand came up to cradle the back of her head like she was his most precious treasure. "Cass, I'm doing this for you, not me."

Her lashes lowered. "I know."

She did. He did almost everything for her. Because of her. Cassandra snuggled against him. Listening to the steady beating of his heart she relaxed, safe and secure in the orbit of his arms. "I wish it could always be like this."

He kissed her hair tenderly. "Me too."

The feel of his lips against her hair made her squirm. Cassandra grinned against his robes, content to bask in the tranquil moment, until Porggy gurgled and launched himself off Anakin's shoulder breaking the spell.

Cassandra turned to watch the bird, her arm sliding limply down Anakin's back.

The Porg flew across the living room and landed on Artoo. The astromech whistled in annoyance, lights flashing angrily.

Porggy chirped a mischievous laugh and perched triumphantly on top of the droid.

Sliding a thumb under her chin, Anakin gently turned her head back to him. He gazed at Cassandra with such tenderness it brought tears to her eyes. "I know it's a little cold but I'm feeling restless. Let's go for a walk."

"Sure." She'd agree to anything with him looking at her like that.

Removing his robe, Anakin draped it around her shoulders. The hem pooled around her bare feet. He kissed the crown of her head. "This will keep you warm."

"I have a parka." Cassandra reminded him, pushing up the sleeves that were too long.

"I like seeing you wear my clothes." He rumbled. Anakin stopped her clumsy ministrations and reeled her in slowly for a kiss that turned her into a puddle of goo.

She sagged against her husband with a goofy grin. "I'm not going to walk out in the snow barefoot! Give me a chance to put some shoes on first, you dork!"

"Dork?" Anakin leaned over her with a teasing smile. She arched her neck and licked her lips in anticipation of another kiss. "I think I prefer Cuddles." He tickled her sides, and she shrieked with laughter, slapping at him.

"Stop it! I'm going to pee my pants!" Cassandra twisted free, his robe sliding off her shoulders and bunching around her elbows.

Eyes dancing with laughter, Anakin stalked toward her and seized her waist and spun her around once before depositing her on the sofa. "Wait here."

Cassandra humored him, curious what he was up to.

Anakin returned with a pair of her boots and a pair of thick socks.

She arched her brow as he knelt in front of her and picked up her foot. "Uh...what are you doing?"

Anakin slid the sock of her foot and then tucked it into a boot. "Helping."

"I can do that myself."

"I know." Anakin pressed a kiss to her knee that shot an arrow of heat directly to her groin.

Breathing shakily, Cassandra bunched her fists in her lap. One simple touch and she was wetter than an Olympic sized pool! "Damn it!"

Startled by her outburst, Anakin looked up at her.

She grabbed his collar. "Forget the walk, let's have sex."

"Now?" His tone changed, growing wicked like turning her on was his plan all along.

"Now!" Cassandra barked, pulling her unresisting husband toward their bedroom where she yanked off his tunic and shoved him onto the bed.

Anakin burst out laughing. "Cass, you're incredible."

She blinked. "What?"

"You teased me for being a horn dog, yet you're the one tearing off my clothes!"

Cassandra shrugged off his robe and crawled up his body until she leaned directly over him. His smile slowly faded, his eyes darkening with desire. "Anakin, haven't you realized? We're all hypocrites."

Then she slanted her mouth over his.

A/N:Phew, well. This chapter was a nightmare to write! I'm glad its done!