Mid-morning sunlight filtered through the sheer blue curtains over the windows, rousing Cassandra from a deep slumber. She had the strange certainty she dreamed of something important but like with most dreams the details rapidly unraveled from her mind in the waking world.

Shaking off the queer feeling, she dragged herself out of bed and into the bathroom to do her morning business. Washing her hands in the sink, she grimaced at her tangled hair and reached for a brush.

Once she put her rat's nest in order, Cassandra returned the bedroom. The automatic doors on the closet opened and she chose a cream fishermen's sweater and camel-colored leggings, tucking her feet into ivory ballet flats.

3PO had thoughtfully unpacked her belongings, putting everything away in the drawers and closet. Her books were lined up neatly on the shelves in alphabetical order, something she never bothered to do.

In the living room, Anakin sprawled on the sofa, shirtless, of course. Because the man liked to torture her with his toned muscles and shredded abs.

Cassandra took a long lingering look at his hard tanned flesh, wondering what his chest would feel like underneath her fingertips. She pinched her arm, scolding herself mentally. 'No. Anakin is my friend. True, I'm a teensy bit attracted to him but...okay there's no but. I do find him attractive.'

Cassandra shut down her musings before they ran away from her. Anakin was gorgeous, no denying it. Why wouldn't she melt when a tall hunky blond like her Jedi smiled at her? Especially, a Jedi who was the kindest and sweetest guy she'd ever met. 

Cassandra sobered. A man who had the weight of the galaxy on his broad shoulders. His prosthetic arm was propped on the arm of the sofa while he stared into space, dark circles under his eyes. 

Since they're mission on Ergamot he hadn't been sleeping well. Given the parts of his past he shared with Cassandra, she wondered which of his demons were tormenting him at night. His past as a slave or the tragic death of his mother?

Porggy was on the Jedi's lap sound asleep, plush belly up. 

Cassandra thought hard. Maybe there was something she could do to help Anakin. A small token for everything he'd given to her. Returning to her room she retrieved a vial from her magic kit.

Anakin gave a tired smile as she rounded the side of the sofa and stopped in front of him. "Good morning, Cassandra."

She opened her mouth. Closed it. Opened it again, trying to think of a way to broach the subject of his nightmares without pissing him off.

Prickliness is something they both had in common. Cassandra hated when people poked their noses in her business, well-meaning or not. She handed him the vial. "Here."

Confused, Anakin studied the shimmering blue liquid. "What's this?"

"A sleeping potion to help you sleep. Take two drops and you'll have dreamless sleep." Cassandra said nonchalantly, while bracing for a blow up.

Anakin didn't explode like she anticipated. "I'm that obvious, huh?" He curled his fingers around the potion. "Thanks. I'll give it a try."

Flummoxed by how easy it was, Cassandra stared at him. 'Okay, then. I guess that worked.'

A knock at the door saved her from saying something else stupid.

3P0 answered it. "Good morning, how may I help you?"

A woman with steel-gray hair, pursed bright red lips. "I am Madam Lydia. His Excellency has sent us to assist the sorceress."

"Oh my, do come in."

Anakin quickly donned a shirt for company, finger-combing his messy hair. "The clothier is right on time."

Puzzled, Cassandra tipped her head to the side. "On time, for what?"

Cassandra hated being in the dark. Who the hell was this lady and why was she here?

The thin regal woman wore an extravagant brocade dress, so she probably was not a Jedi Knight. 3P0 shuffled out of the way and a squad of well-dressed women carrying piles of dresses marched inside.

Cassandra cast a confused look at Anakin. "What's going on?" The women converged on her, sharp eyes running critically over her body.

She squirmed beneath their scrutiny. "Seriously Anakin, what's happening?"

Anakin chuckled as Madam Lydia lifted her arm, winding a measuring tape around her bicep. "Chancellor Palpatine commed me this morning about sending seamstresses for you. He thought you might not have appropriate dress for the theater since you arrived here under difficult... circumstances."

Cassandra held up her hand and the measuring tape swiftly snapped around her wrist. "Wait a second. Who's Chancellor Palpatine and why do I need a seamstress?"

Anakin's expression turned apologetic. "Right. I forgot to tell you the Chancellor called me yesterday to invite us to a performance. He's eager to meet the only sorceress in Coruscant."

Belatedly, she remembered Palpatine was the leader of the Galactic Republic. 'It's not like I can tell the man no, sorry I have no interest in meet you.'

The tape snaked around her throat. Cassandra swallowed her protests, afraid of insulting the leader of the Republic by turning away Madam Lydia and her seamstresses. "That's very kind of him."

Anakin threaded his fingers through the curls at his nape. "The Chancellor is very kind and considerate. We've been friends a long time. He wants you to feel welcome in Coruscant."

That seemed suspicious to her. Politicians generally did nothing altruistic without an ulterior motive. Try as she might, Cassandra drew a blank on why Palpatine was interested in her.

Madam Lydia finished measuring Cassandra, looping the tape loosely around her shoulders. "Master Skywalker, Master Pierce will be busy until this evening. I recommend you find some other way to occupy your time until then."

A rare playful smile tugged at the corner of Anakin's mouth. The jerk was enjoying this. "Of course. I'll head downstairs to the training room for some exercise."

Cassandra scowled and Anakin winked, blue eyes sparkling with laughter. The traitor. Leaving her alone to be poked and prodded like a pincushion!

3P0 also excused himself. "Excuse me, I'll run some errands in the city."

After Anakin abandoned her to the Dress Squad, Madam Lydia forced Cassandra to strip down to her under garments and try on a dozen dresses before settling on a simple dolman style gown with sheer sleeves. The bodice featured a sweet-heart neckline and was trimmed with silver embellishments in a delicate vine pattern.

Cassandra smoothed her hands over her waist, admiring her reflection in the full-length mirror Madam Lydia had propped against the wall. The dress reminded her of something Daenerys Targaryen might have worn.

Madam Lydia stepped back to inspect Cassandra nodded in satisfaction. "This will do. Please remove the dress, Master Pierce. I have your measurements; my seamstresses and I will make the final alterations before this evening."

"Thank you, Madam Lydia." Cassandra tugged the hem of her sweater back in place, ecstatic to be out of the ridiculous confining thing-even if the dress was pretty.

The woman smiled primly in response.

After the seamstresses departed a team of beauticians took their place and the cruel torture continued. Her hair was washed and conditioned. Her nails were painted a smoky grey to match the dress.

The hairstylists lifted Cassandra's heavy mane. "I think we can sculpt this hair into a pair of horns. It's very much the style among the upper classes."

Cringing, Cassandra put her foot down. She may have to wear a dress and makeup, but she refused to walk out the door with antlers on her head. "I want braids."

"Very well. I think that's rather plain but if you insist. His Excellency told us to make you happy." At her direction, the stylist wove the top of Cassandra's hair into Dany-esque braids, leaving the rest to spill down her back in shiny waves.

By the time the beauticians finished their work, the sun was sinking behind the tall buildings. Had it really taken hours for all this crap?

Madam Lydia returned and stuffed Cassandra into the gown, tying the laces of the bodice so tight it nearly cut off her oxygen. "A pleasure to serve you, Master Pierce. I hope you enjoy your evening with the Chancellor."

That was debatable.

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

Anakin returned to his quarters, tired but satisfied with his training session. Jedi should remain in shape, especially with a war going on. He had to shower and change into a fresh set of robes before the play.

Cassandra was nowhere to be seen. He headed toward his bedroom and saw a light shining beneath the guest room door. Anakin sensed her inside, nervous and irritated but unharmed.

It didn't take him long to get ready. Anakin waited for her in the living room. Staring out the window, he heard soft footsteps on the carpet and turned. When his eyes fell on Cassandra all the breath left his lungs.

Anakin always thought Cassandra was beautiful but seeing her in a formal dress he concluded she was the most exquisite girl in the entire galaxy. His gaze skimmed over her slowly, savoring the way the grey gown hugged the curves of her body.

A touch of shyness overcame Anakin as he approached the sorceress. His arms dangled limply at his sides as spoke, voice hoarse with desire. "You look lovely, truly."

Cassandra's painted lips parted in a soft smile. "Thank you. You look great too."

He tugged at his outer robe self-consciously. "I'm just wearing my robes."

Cassandra shook her head. "Doesn't matter." She cupped the side of his face and he gasped at the cool touch of her fingertips against his fevered skin. "You look very handsome, Anakin."

Anakin leaned into her touch. He traced a finger over the back of her hand and her fingers flexed against his cheek. "Perhaps, but you are as beautiful as an angel."

Anakin was gratified when she averted her gaze, a faint blush highlighting her cheekbones. He wasn't the only one nervous.

A surge of confidence moved through him. He turned his head, his lips softly grazing her palm.

Cassandra froze. She didn't pull her hand away as he pressed his mouth against her knuckles. Her skin was so soft, delicate.

Her wildflower scent invaded his senses. Anakin didn't understand this pull he had towards her but neither did he want to resist it any longer. He leaned in, angling his head to the side.

Cassandra's breathing grew ragged as his mouth drew near hers. Anakin imagined he could hear her pulse racing when his arms slid around her waist to draw her against him.

Stars, she was so perfect.

A throat cleared awkwardly behind them breaking the spell. The pair sprang apart as 3P0 shuffled over. "I believe it is time to depart for your social engagement, Master Anakin."

Anakin glared at 3P0. Kriffing, droid!

Cassandra glided to the other side of the living room, pressing a palm against her pounding heart. 'Anakin almost kissed me again! I almost let him again! What the heck do I do? What do I say?'

Things were spiraling out of control, and she didn't know what to do. Cassandra peeked at Anakin over her shoulder and turned red as a fire engine. She hurriedly snapped back to the windows, pretending to be interested in the traffic zipping by.

Anakin came up behind and gripped her shoulders gently. "Cassandra, we have to leave, or we'll be late."

Cassandra took a deep breath and girded her loins like the badass sorceress she was, willing her blush away. Meeting Anakin's apologetic gaze doused any embarrassment. "I hope there's wine at this thing because I am in badly need of a drink."

Anakin cringed. The evening was off to a bad start. He'd embarrassed her when he tried to kiss her and upsetting her is the last thing he wanted.

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

A cloud of butterflies fluttered in Cassandra's stomach as they climbed the grand staircase to the Chancellor's private box.

An elderly white man with red rimmed eyes rose gracefully to greet them. A thin smile curved beneath his large, hooked nose. Chancellor Palpatine embraced her bodyguard affectionately. "Anakin, how wonderful to see you! You're looking well."

Anakin beamed from ear to ear. "Thank you, sir." He nudged Cassandra forward. "Your Excellency, this is Master Cassandra Pierce."

Palpatine turned his benevolent smile on Cassandra. "Ah, the sorceress I've heard so much about." He pressed her hands between his dry palms, in a grandfatherly gesture. "I am pleased to meet you, Master Pierce. Anakin has told me some of how you came to be here. If there is anything I can do to help, do not hesitate to ask."

"I'm glad to meet you too, Your Excellency. Anakin tells me you are friends." Cassandra said politely, sliding her hands free from the Chancellor's.

He did seem nice. Maybe she judged him unfairly. If Anakin trusted him, he must be a good guy.

Palpatine chuckled and motioned them into his box which featured two abbreviated row of seats that overlooked the stage below. "I met Anakin some years ago on my home world of Naboo. We have maintained friendly ties while he trained as a Jedi. He often seeks me out for advice, and I am happy to give it. I think of him as my own grandson."

Anakin straightened, pleased by the compliment. It was clear the Jedi thought a lot of this man.

"Ah, I do not believe you have met Senator Kavan Brig. He's a new addition to the Senate." Palpatine said. "And of course you remember, Senator Dorme."

A tall man in his early forties glided over to them accompanied by a brunette woman in her mid-twenties. Black robes hugged the man's lean form. With slicked back dark hair and a neatly trimmed beard he looked like a total creeper. All he was missing was a gold chain.

Pitch black eyes slid over Anakin disinterestedly and lingered on Cassandra with the cruel satisfaction of a snake spotting prey. "Who is this lovely, young creature?" He said it in a way that suggested she should be flattered.

Cassandra balled her hands into fists. Nothing she hated more than being treated like an object. Freaking, weirdo.

Anakin slid in front of Cassandra, blocking the hand Senator Brig extended. "Forgive me, if I seem rude but it is my duty to protect her, My Lord." He said in a low controlled voice.

The stiff set of his shoulders proclaimed his fury.

"Of course, of course. I intend no harm to your charge, Master Jedi." Senator Brig replied smoothly, smirking. "The Chancellor told me there is a sorceress in our midst. I invited myself along out of curiosity."

Cassandra pushed past Anakin and shook the senator's hand even if it was the last thing she wanted to do. "My name is Cassandra. It was nice of the Chancellor to invite me out this evening."

Brig smirked again. "The Chancellor is indeed...a paragon of virtue we should all seek to emulate."

Grinning, the other woman surged forward and took Anakin's hands. "Its so good to see you again, Ani! Every time I see you, you've grown taller!"

Ani? 

To Cassandra's annoyance Anakin smiled back at the woman. "Senator Dorme, this is Master Cassandra Pierce."

The female Senator hugged him and smiled politely at Cassandra. "I am honored to meet you, Master Pierce."

Cassandra had the sudden urge to rip the woman's ridiculous headpiece off and toss it into the orchestra pit. Fisting her hands behind her skirts, she gritted her teeth. "Likewise."

Did Anakin have a girlfriend? If so, why did he try to kiss her earlier? She speared Anakin with a sideways glare. "Anakin's never mentioned you."

Dorme's doe-like brown eyes sharpened with comprehension. "Likely, because we do not often see one another often. I've known him since I was Queen of Naboo and he was a new Padawan."

This woman was royalty? Of-freaking-course she was. Cassandra's eyes stung. She swallowed back the lump of emotion in her throat and composed her face into a neutral expression. 

Anakin added. "Senator Dorme and I are friends."

"I have long been a friend of the Jedi." The senator agreed, her smile warm as she looked at Cassandra's bodyguard. She raised her hand imperiously. "Senator Brig, will you kindly escort me to my seat?"

"I'd be honored." The smarmy senator escorted the other woman away.

An awkward silence filled the gap of the senators. Cassandra glared. Anakin imitated a statue. Palpatine clasped his hands in front of him. No one spoke.

Damn it. Cassandra didn't know what to think. Should she believe Dorme about them being friends? What sort of friends? The type of 'friends' who were in a relationship before? Or just friends?

Her bodyguard owed her an explanation.

"Well, shall we take our seats?" The Chancellor suggested mildly. "I believe the play is going to start."

"Of course, Your Excellency." Anakin snapped out of his daze and extended his hand to Cassandra.

Cassandra glowered at his hand like it was a slug and brushed past him to a vacant seat beside the creepy Senator Brig. It was the last one in the row so Anakin couldn't sit beside her.

Anakin sat behind her, the sorceress' fury beating at his head like a hammer. Fury directed at him. He stared at her stiff back. 'What the kriff did I do?'

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

As the lights dimmed and the performers entered the stage, Cassandra felt Anakin's thumb glide over the back of her neck, trying to soothe her.

She was furious and shouldn't let him touch her, but it felt so good she allowed it.

Leaning her head back, the anger bled from her as the Jedi began stroking her hair. She tried to focus on the Palpatine's discussion with Brig but Anakin' gentle touch threatened to put her to sleep.

The play truly wasn't interesting. People strutted around the stage in a make-believe Senate session. A three-eyed alien with orange skin waved his fist accusingly at green woman with two head tails.

Cassandra peered at Chancellor Palpatine from the corner of her eye. He seemed riveted by the play. Did people really find this stuff interesting?

A glass of wine appeared in her vision, extended by a manicured hand. Senator Brig's white teeth flashed in the dark. "I thought you might like a drink, my lady."

Anakin tensed behind her, bristling.

Just as she reached for theglass it exploded and the stage lights went out.

A/N: Sorry about the cliffhanger. Here's a photo of Senator Brig.