#lady mary Tudor x obi Wan Kenobi

[emmaofnormandy]

What if Chapuys designates Obi-Wan Kenobi to protect the Lady Mary in dangerous times... (part I)

The year was 1544. Eustace Chapuys, ambassador to the Emperor Karl V to the court of Henry VIII, has been told, after many years of service in England, that he was required in Madrid. But he was genuinely concerned about leaving Princess Mary, unfairly entitled as merely a lady, without supporters. Even though the new queen of England was very sympathetic towards the princess and thus friendly to her cause, there were religious matters that could leave the daughter of Queen Katherine of Aragon in danger. 

Fearing for the life of his protegée, he decided, out of peace of his conscience, to leave someone he trusted to look out after the princess. Those were dangerous times, Chapuy thought, and every precaution was considerated. That was when he decided to contact the Order of Jedi...

***

Hunsdon House, Hertfordshire.

Eyes closed, scapular in hands. Lady Mary breathed in, breathed out almost as in the slow rhythm with which the priest prayed Pater Noster. She felt at peace with herself in these moments, as if the sacred teachings of Christ, recorded by the evangelists, would embrace her true self and remember her that “whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted”.

That day Matthew the Apostle’s gospel was read and that particular quote voiced the deep pain that seemed unending to the princess. Memories often came back uninvited. She regretted for never being able to say goodbye from her mother. And even though she should have forgiven that woman for what was done against herself and the true queen of England, Mary knew the scars too well to let them heal for themselves. 

She shut her eyes, seeking for comfort in Jesus by concentrating harder in the words said. Curiously, homilies that day spoke of forgiveness. But, in truth, was she ready to forgive those who harmed her? I need to make my confessions again, she thought in deep trouble. 

The mass eventually came to an end and as the priests started to disperse, lady Mary stood and parted for the great hall where meal awaited. It was the start of another day and everything seemed to follow the routine etiquette. Sometimes it tired Mary, but she knew this was what was necessary to keep everything in order.

Followed by her trusted ladies, she was expected to break the fast with some of the important men of the clergy. Of course, she thought to herself rather melancholically, they would search for me beseeching my favor in opposition to the king. But lady Mary would never go against His Majesty’s wishes. Not when she aimed to be at his favor for many reasons. But also because, her conscience reminded her, the Bible advices a child must not forsake the familial duties expected to be performed.

Such were her thoughts as she crossed path with some courtiers. Lady Mary acknowledged the presence of some Howards here and there, the Courteneys’, amongst others as she held her head high and took her usual seat. A bishop of Norfolk praised the Lord and blessed the meal before it was finally allowed for people to break their fast.

“Your Highness”, Mary spotted a secretary to Chapuys requesting for her presence. She smiled gently at him, giving the man permission to step forward and speak. “If I may, I would like to have a word with you in private. My lordship has requested me to do so.”

Lady Mary felt in her heart the depart of Chapuys, but she wondered what were the unfinished business the man left for his secretary to tell her. It must be important otherwise he would have spoken in public. She had to be careful, though. One could never count there would be no spies in one’s household.

“Can it wait after the breakfast?” She inquired softly.

The man looked rather unsure as if he debate with himself upon it. Lady Mary understood the meal could be post aside in order to attend her dear friend’s request. She excused herself from the ladies and took the man by his elbow out of the great hall. They were now set at the empty corridors.

“Well, what’s it?” She asked him, her tone indicating the preoccupation to the matter.

The secretary looked respectfully at his mistress and cleared his throat before going straight to the point as told by Chapuys in his orders.

“My master is worried about leaving you without someone of his trust to guard you”, said he in a whisper.

Lady Mary glanced at him, partly amused.

“As much as I appreciate my lord ambassador’s concerns, he knows I am perfectly capable of handling certain delicated matters by myself.”

“He does not intend to be understood as underestimating Your Highness by looking after you, ma’am”, said the secretary, apprehensive. “He contacted an Order he’s been familiar with, an Order of Knights who are vowed to protect those who required their services with loyalty and peace.”

Lady Mary wondered if she was really in danger for Chapuys going to the extremes by hiring the services of such a knight.

“What order is this I’ve never heard of? Can’t surely be the Templars for they have been extincts…”

The secretary smiled.

“No, m’lady, they have not. This order is related in some sorts to the Templars, having been founded by one of them. It’s called the Order of Jedi and their best knight has been assigned to protect you and ensure that you are completely safe.”

***

When Obi-Wan was assigned the mission to go to a far away realm whilst he’s been expecting to spend no more than one or two months in Planet Earth to eradicate the last of the Siths who’d been there, he was not entirely happy for having his stay prolongated. But when it came to duties, the Jedi was ready to fulfill them. It was always like this, it should not be different at the present.

This was a very odd planet, in his opinion. Despite the beautiful landscape and all the buildings in a style never before seen by Obi-Wan, people had views that seemed antiquated in many ways. Why, for instance, could not a woman rule in her rights? The excuses his heard would offend Padme and Satine’s ears.

Mace Windu had accompanied him to this task concernings Siths and it was he who delivered the next mission to Kenobi. In many ways it was not different than what he used to do when he was sent to Mandalore many years ago or, in recent history, when he was assigned to protect Queen Padme.

It was now once more up to him to protect another princess. An Earth princess, so Obi-Wan thought. One could only wonder what she had been through, and so far what he’d seen of the people of Earth he could not believe that a princess would be happy.

Yet he was not there to change social circumstances, something he was familiar with. Obi-Wan was no politician and he would rather to continue this way. All it mattered for him was peace and the duties to the Jedi Order.

“As a Jedi, I am not going to remember your duties, Obi-Wan. Yet, it’s always wise to highlight the fact we cannot bound to others in any way possible”, so said Windu, in what Obi-Wan understood as a reference to his former attachment to Duchess Satine.

But she was long gone and I chose duty over love, the ginger man thought bitterly. Concealing his thoughts, he assured his fellow Jedi he would not forget his duties to the cause that brought them to such a strange land.

“And be wary that humans here will not see with good eyes the weapons we carry so that way we are forced to operate as if we were in similar circumstances to that of Mandalore”, advised Windu.

“Of course. I understand. When should I depart?”

“Tonight”, said Windu, calmly. “We shall move to a region where the contractor expects to meet us and that is where I shall leave you.”

Obi-Wan looked at him surprised. “You are not coming with me?”

For the first time, Windu offered what the other male interpreted as a smile even though it came out as a grimace. “I’m afraid not. I have other matters waiting for me to resolve on.”

It did not take hours before Windu once again reminded Obi-Wan of what he was expected to do. He was informed that the political situation in this realm called England was very delicate, moved by different parties which struggled to had a hand over the state matters. The princess who Obi-Wan was expected to meet was known by the name of Lady Mary Tudor. She was a noblewoman, daughter of this unstable king, an eight monarch named Henry, who divorced her mother and made her a bastard.

“Faith here has a great influence upon the thoughts and doings of these people”, said Windu. “Be careful. Do never give your identity in. Play according the rules. In this princess’s life politics and religion hold a great deal of her conscience. And we must not fail her”.

The ginger male nodded, trying to conceal his concerns. To all these informations he was being told, he listened carefully. Looked like that would be a difficult task, but he surely could handle well.

By the time they met this man Windu told Obi-Wan about, it was time to go.

“May the force be with you, Kenobi.”

“May the force be with you, my friend.”

But it would take a few years before them meet again…

(To be continue)

[emmaofnormandy]

~Protecting the damsel: Obi-Wan Kenobi is lady Mary Tudor’s guardian.. (part III)~

Mary was dinning with her half younger sister, making sure her well fare was in check. They had a pleasant conversation about mundane matters as well as that of their father. It did not escape the oldest of the two that Elizabeth, whilst eager to be restaured properly in royal favor, resented the absence of their father, who always took a long time to summon them at court.

“I’m sure he’s occupied with matters that go sometimes beyond our understanding”, said Mary. “Do not fret, he has both of us and our brother in his heart.”

Yet, she understood well that sentiment that crossed her heart and could not help but feel it too every once in a while. She remembered once how she told his councilors that she was no bastard. If he believed she was one, why wouldn’t he say it in her face?

The dinner went well and lady Elizabeth asked her sister to stay a little longer, but Mary had no plans to spend more than one night in Hatfield as she had business to attend in her lands located at East Anglia. 

“But you are always in my prayers, Elizabeth. On that I assure you.”

As she gazed upon her younger sister’s eyes, so dark like her mother’s, Mary felt as if she was inevitably brought upon to Anne Boleyn’s inheritance. However, to cast the shadow of a long distant past to an innocent was not part of Mary’s nature. We are both motherless and, to a certain extent, fatherless. 

The price we pay for carrying the Tudor blood is always too high. 

A thought that never made out to her lips.

***

Obi-Wan found out there were Sith agents in betwist the noblemen at the royal household of his princess’s father, which might complicate the things more than he’d like. 

He could not abandon lady Mary and leave her exposed to the attack of his enemies, but could he sit and wait for the right moment to defeat these darkling creatures?

Anxious as he was to solve the matter quickly, he decided to employ a man of his trust who was part of Lady Mary’s entourage and request him to move London right away in order to prevent conspirators to cause the downfall of Queen Katheryn and, by extent, remove lady Mary of her birth rights. 

There were more to it than he’d let it show but until his princess was summoned to court, he could not leave his station abandoned. Therefore, in spite of himself, he stayed overnight. Eventually, though, lady Mary had him inside, once she provided him chambers and food. In respect to the memory of Chapuys, she was treating the Jedi Knight with the respect he earned in so little time. But there was also something alluring in regards to his person that she could not tell what was that exactly.

“It has been a long day, Master Kenobi”, said she. “I pray you have not gotten yourself bored that quickly.”

He chuckled softly . There was a moment where their eyes lingered in an exchange of glances, but Obi-Wan distracted himself with wine. He could not get lost in those eyes. He cleared his throat.

“Not at all, Your Highness”, said he at last. “I got myself acquainted with the surroundings . Must I say that the landscape here is very lovely to one’s eyes.”

“The countryside has such a beautiful scenario, out of the chaotic world we are in”, said Mary, in her own contemplations. Then she turned her eyes to Obi-Wan with a melancholic air that the Jedi Master could sense through the Force. “If I could switch positions, I dare say I’d live contently being a peasant.”

Obi-Wan sometimes had difficulties to remember that things operated in a different manner in this Earth planet. For a start, people there seemed to know very little the concept of Republic. 

“Would you, my lady?”

He knew it was bold of him to express his thoughts, but in that moment he saw no harm and neither did Mary, who laughed quietly. 

“A good observer, aren ‘t you, Master Kenobi?”

Obi-Wan smiled. But in many ways, there was something about her that reminded him of his old flame, the Duchess. The mere reminder Mary may unintentionally evoked without knowing it was enough to ache the older man’s heart. Nonetheless, he concealed well.

“I would like to know more of you, my lord. You seem very quiet and introspective. Dutiful, but also not as ambitious as many men of your position would be”, said Mary, intrigued.

The Jedi had to be careful with what he’d tell her, but he knew how to play that game he often played in a far, far away galaxy.

“My lady, I am bound to the vows of knight. Nurturing ambition is not part of these vows even though I had the unfortunate path crossed by such men.” He smiled. “All I genuinely care is for your safety. I am a peacemaker by nature and will always be so.”

They were now walking slowly, passing by a long and empty corridor. The moonlight was perceivable through a stained glass of the household, but they both paid little attention to it.

“You seem to have been well trained to this task”, observed Mary. “But how did it start? When did you think about becoming the knight you’ve now become?”

That was a difficult question, to which only an embellished answer could please his princess. The truth itself would not be possible to be told: in fact, humankind of that planet was completely unaware there were other civilizations far ahead in morals and with problems of their own. Very carefully, Obi-Wan, who was not in Earth for the first time, knew how to tell the story of his background without raising suspicious.

So that was when he told lady Mary about his childhood, the moment he felt the Force (which he translated to a Catholic language that his mistress would comprehend and which he saw how much it pleased her to be told) and how Qin-Gon Jinn was the responsible for knighthood. All of this required a good change of names and backgrounds, but he already told this to many men before his lady so that proved not being difficulty. Yet, he felt a fang of guilty dig right into his conscience. 

Why does it feel so wrong?

“I hope your lordship knows how much your presence is appreciated”, said lady Mary once they were close to her bedchambers. Obi-Wan could feel a sort of attachment forming, but he did not wish to think about it. He bowed, praying to be wrong in his assumption. 

“I appreciate, Your Highness. I am here to serve.”

She extanded her hand and Obi-Wan took it to her lips, where he pressed a kiss. This time, her soft porcelain skin left an unimagined effect on him. Mary seemed to notice it, for a slight smirk curled upon her lips as their eyes meet.

But Obi-Wan was too aware of his vows to let them slip... He stood regally and did not take more of her time to say goodbye. As Mary went indoors, she felt her heart ache. Why every time happiness was close to a grasp she felt it slip away from her fingers?

That night, Mary was haunted by old scars, so she wept. Even though he was in a distant bedchamber, Obi-Wan felt her pain. He closed his eyes and meditated, but to his consternation, that feeling would not leave him so soon...

***

Mary and Obi-Wan would not see each other properly until her return to East Anglia as he decided to occupy himself with overseeing the carriage and horses whilst the princess said goodbye from her sister and was accompanied from her trusted ladies and servants, joined by other men as they made their way back home.

Once there, each had their tasks to occupy themselves when news of a conspiracy reached their ears. Obi-Wan was once more requested to be at the princess’s side, though he wished to be in field in order to check the threat. Lady Mary told him he was not permitted to leave her side.

“I cannot risk be exposed to danger, Master Kenobi”, said she.”I understand my position is questionable right now. I must be preserved at all custs...”

He knew it was also a matter of pride. Her rights to legate the crown were in perilous game and so far Obi-Wan could tell she was a great player. There were more than saw the eyes, but he aquiesced to what he knew...and what he perceived.

“I will not question Your Highness’s decisions. I am not here to judge them, but I could be useful in defeating those conspiracists”, argued Obi-Wan.

But Mary could be very stubborn in letting go people that grew dear to her.

“Please, Master Kenobi. Your service will be more useful by staying here.”

“Of course, my lady. I am merely your servant.” He bowed.

Mary wished she could tell him otherwise, but instead she took hold of her scapulate and kept herself in silence. These weeks would test not only her patience but also her good will and faith. 

Obi-Wan eventually figured it out how the conservative party led by the Catholics who sought to remove Queen Katheryn out of her post as consort to King Henry were defeated. But it all seemed the result of something far deeper and dangerous than one might assume as confirmed by Master WIndu who later contacted him to tell about the whereabouts of Sith agents who were nearly successful in taking control of the realm of England.

“Short story cut, as you understand we have good loyalists here”, said Windu. “Even though they don’t agree with the monarchy system, they are here to defendi it.”

“Oh the irony”, mumbled Obi-Wan.

But the other male did not smile. “One more thing, Kenobi. I expect you to return soon. The princess is safe and sound, her position has been restaured and there are so far no threats to her life anymore.”

He understood it, of course, but somehow he felt his duties would break his heart again. 

“When should I leave?” 

“Before winter begins”, said Windu.

***

Mary was at the gardens reading Arthurian stories to her ladies when Obi-Wan showed up. The princess was quick to dismiss them, though her cousin Margaret Douglas was allowed to stay... which she did, though in secretive giggles, as she was well aware of the feelings the princess harboured to the handsome knight.

“Master Kenobi”, said she more cheerfully than intended. Obi-Wan could not help a smile. “I thought I’d not see you today.”

“Unfortunately I had been busier than I thought, my lady. Hence my abscence”, explained he. “I pray to find you well this day?”, he inquired.

Obi-Wan offered his arm for her to take and as she did, he noticed she was not wearing the frenchhood that day, taking notice how her locks were as red as his.

“You do, my lord, and I appreciate it for you to ask it. And yourself?”

He nodded his head slightly. Her presence was so alluring and mesmeraizing, though his pride would forbid him to acknowledge it even to himself.

“I am in good spirits today, yes. I notice you are reading a different novel today. What is it if I may ask?”

As she spoke fondly of this King Arthur and his noble knights, earning so far a comparison to Lancelot, Obi-Wan knew that, however he wanted to spend as much as time as he could with her, he had to deliver the news soon. Noticing he was not joining her in the brightest of moods, lady Mary inquired her friend if there was something wrong.

Once they deepened the pace in the gardens, Obi-Wan took her hands in his and finally told him he was expected to leave so soon. Mary reacted with shock as he expected. But it did not surprise him to see the attachment between them, however subtle, was suddenly exposed to his own heart to deny it now.

“I... I was not expecting it your mission to end so soon, Master Kenobi”, said lady Mary in an astonished whisper. 

“I’m sorry, Your Highness. It is what it is.”

She smiled, but sadness in it broke his heart. “My ancestor, king Edward III, had one of his mottoes with the same inscription. It is what it is. But I pray to receive news from you, my lord.”

He could not give her any promises, not when he knew the truth. “I will try”, was all he said.

Lady Mary understood well what this was meant, but being reasonable, could she expect otherwise?

“I got used to your presence”, was all she ever said.

Obi-Wan took her hand and allowed to slip his fingers in hers, giving a small squeeze.

“As I got used to yours, my lady.” He then took of his rings and placed in her right finger. “Please, wear this and remember of these moments spent together.”

She swallowed the tears, prompting a smile to grace her full lips.

“Of course.” With no one to see it, she inclined forward and pressed her lips against his. “And may this be the gift you carry to yourself when you depart, Master Kenobi.”

Obi-Wan closed his eyes, enjoying the taste of her lips for the moments they sealed a secret promise in a chastise kiss. As he opened, his heart sank. 

“Duty is the death of love.”

Words that lady Mary would carry to her... And from that moment on, they followed different paths to never be seen again..

***

Epilogue.

Earth was once again involved in the catastrophic war between the Jedis and the Sith. Once more, Obi-Wan Kenobi’s mission led him there, to Tudor England. To his despair, England was broken than years before, when he left his protegée safe and sound.

As he moved to Palace St James in order to pursuit Darth Maul, Obi-Wan came to find a place close to mourning. Whispers reached him and he sensed a disturb in the Force. 

Disguised as a priest, Obi-Wan did not take so long to find out his lady Mary became queen and that was she the one to lay dying, abandoned by all those she cherished in life, though she was surrounded by her usual loyal ladies-in-waiting.

Usually, he’d not meddle. Usually, Obi-Wan would stay away. Matters as these were out of his reach, but the queen once possessed his heart, and her grasp he could never let go. Seeing in such pain brought him out of himself. 

“Mary!” he stepped in between the dames, not minding how he would be perceived. Not even the Siths and their chaos could distract him right now. He never thought... She was so young! And healthy! How on earth...? “Mary, please awake! Tell me you breathe!”

Mary had been in constant pain and grief with little moments in her life where she did not know misery. Yet, the Lord seemed to give her His mercy for when she was this close to lose conscience and dwell in what was long gone and could not be recovered, she heard his voice.

The voice of her beloved.

“Master Kenobi?” her voice came out almost as if his name choked out. “Am I in Heaven?”

But his hold to her was real. She grasped onto him as much as he did to her, both weeping. The scene moved all others who watched that strange reunion.

“No. I’m real. I’m here. I did not know I left you in such state... Please forgive me, Mary”, he let out a sob.

Hearing him speak to her granted the peace she always sought.

“I’m sorry for disappointing you, Obi-Wan”, she said in a painful voice. “I was a terrible queen. I was not made for happiness.”

His sobs grew louder, though sounded distant for her. 

“Do not say these things, Mary. I love you.”

Mary felt tears rolling out of her eyes. As they stared into each other’s eyes, they realized a little too late they belonged to each other. Much like Mary’s great-great grandmother Katherine de Valois belonged to her Welsh Knight, Owain Tudor. 

“I love you”, he said it again, holding her against him. 

“I love you too, Master Kenobi.” She smiled softly. “I will always love...”

And her breathing became too heavy to bear, suddenly overcame by the desire of rest, which soothed her pain. The remaining words were stolen by her last breath and Obi-Wan would never recover himself after losing his beloved princess.

Duty was the death of love, after all...

[emmaofnormandy]

~Obi-Wan Kenobi meets Lady Mary Tudor. (Part II)~

The rain was pouring heavily outdoors by the time Obi-Wan arrived at the English princess’s household. Though he was dressed accordingly, his old fashioned grey cape covered his head, earning him the nickname “monk” by his fellow men who brought him to his destination. The Spanish loyal to the princess’s cause were entrusted with delivering Obi-Wan safely to her household without going noticed by the king or his spies. So far everything had occurred without finding any trouble, but the Jedi had a bad feeling about that at all.

It was right before the twilight when he was straight away taken to the privy chambers of the princess where she was waiting for him. Obi-Wan was serious all along, capturing the conversation partly thanks to a device Anakin gave him which translated every language of every planet and its regions to his mother tongue and also helped him speaking that language.

He could only hope his mission would end well as he meditates throughout the long path that led him to meet his protegée at long last. The portraits of the princess’s ancestors did not impress him nor even the rich tapestries that hanged on the wall, or the decoration with the colors of the said lady’s house. In all honesty, he’d seen all that before. One could not say Obi-Wan was not prepared for his task.

The door was knocked and at long last it was opened by two men who guarded it well. Obi-Wan smelled a very pleasant scent of cinnamon mixed to roses as he stepped inside a bedchamber where it was so poorly illuminated. He masked his perplexity when noticing the lack of light in this place. But he was soon baffled by the royal figure that stood before him.

Lady Mary Tudor, or princess as her supporters address her, was sitting in what Obi-Wan thought to be a sort of couch, on top of cozy colchicums embroidered with red velvet and white pearls. She had her hair braided beneath what he knew to be a French hood (if that was the right term these Earth people used for things that covered the female hair) and the gown she was dressing matched perfectly the noble position she was born into. Dressed in purple silk with white pearls and small details embroidered in red, Obi-Wan did not need any more details to tell him this was a formidable lady, whose beauty was admirable to behold.

“So is this the knight my good friend Chapuys designed to protect me?” He heard the good lady speak out at last.

“Indeed you find me to be him, Your Highness”, Obi Wan spoke quite gallantly.

Lady Mary seemed pleased with the choice.

“Good. I pray he told you the reason why you were assigned to be by my side, although discreetly if I must say so.”

The Jedi knew he was being tested, but he knew how to play the game.

“Aye, madam. You will see that I’m experienced in such matters.”

“So I was told.” She stood and her ladies followed. Obi-Wan noticed there were no more than three with her, indicating there were few she trusted. He knew he had to work to gain her trust. “Well, we shall see that, Master Kenobi. It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance at long last.”

Lady Mary extended her hand and Obi-Wan followed the protocol by bowing and taking the hand offered to his lips. Yet, there was a moment they exchanged glances that lingered…and he could swear he saw the corners of her lips twist to a small smirk. He lowered his eyes, parting the gaze, fearful of what this meant for him.

Conceal. Don’t feel. Away with it, he repreended himself. But the moment did not go unnoticed by the princess he was now bound to serve…

***

She was irremediably intrigued by the presence of that ginger man in such a way that a fang of guilt digged it’s ways to her conscience. Mary was not expecting him to be so handsome—and even though she was well aware his station was far inferior than hers, she could not deny there was something about him so alluring.

But she had other matters to concern herself with. Primarily, she continued her studies as proposed by the new queen, Lady Katheryn Parr, whom she esteemed in spite of their religious differences. Then, she had her familial duties: Mary intended to visit her brother and her sister in order to make sure they are well. But she could not extend the visit to her father, as much as she wanted to, unless the king requested her presence.

As she planned, Mary could not help but sigh. There were moments that everything felt so difficult, that all she felt inclined to was to weep. However, long had been the time where tears rolled uninvited and sobs would not leave her sleep peacefully. Mary was no more a young lady, and one could argue about her naivety that often was so bluntly pointed by her political enemies. She knew more about that world than she’d care to admit.

Mary proceeded to move to the library, where she spent a few hours dedicating herself to the translation of one of Erasmus’s works to the English language. As she did so, she contemplated with herself his controversial role in the dispute he went through with that heretic man, responsible for why half of the continent emerged into this devilish chaos that had even reached her beloved kingdom.

But the contemplation would not be enough for Mary. She could, of course, debate it with her ladies and that would please her. Nonetheless she thought best to find more about her secretive knight, sent by the Spanish she adored so. It was almost time for supper when the red headed princess left her comfortable zone out for Obi-Wan Kenobi. She was surprised to find him in the corridors, serious semblance and eyes full of attention.

“Master Kenobi”, she said, gently. “It is time for us to eat. Would you care to join me?”

Obi-Wan, who had been formerly occupied in getting to know that strange surroundings better, had ended the day close to where his princess was, so he waited for her to leave the library, content in having the shadows and the cold corridor as his only companions. The other Spanish people had already departed and Obi-Wan deduced that working alone in his task would do him better.

As she invited him, though, Kenobi kept track with his duties and did as expected. The Knight bowed his head and took the arm his princess offered and followed her to her privy chambers where they would dine away from the public sight. Once doors were closed and a close maid was kept in not so far bedchamber, food began being served and wine as well, though Obi-Wan politely declined the alcohol liquid, opting for a sweet mead instead.

“I never had the chance to meet a knight who refused wine”, lady Mary remarked with amusement.

Obi-Wan offered a polite smile.

“I am at duty, Your Highness. And I take my duties seriously.”

Mary appreciated to hear that. Her piercing blue eyes studied his ones and her heart felt in peace for being able to find truth and honesty in his words.

“It’s good to see there’s honesty in this world, my lord. We live in perilous days.” She lets out a sigh.

Obi-Wan could read more than lady Mary let it show. He thought perhaps by showing how much he understood her position that he may gain her trust.

“I’ve been in the service to nobility before in different realms”, he says. “I understand you more than you think. But if I may say a word of advise is this: fear is not the answer you need to strength yourself, but rather the faith you have in the Lord.”

Mary was reminded of the following psalm 23:

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

And thus she smiled.

“My lord ambassador was right in sending you here, Master Kenobi. I appreciate your words. You seem wise to me.”

Obi-Wan felt his heart warmer than he expected it’d be when his words brought a smile to his princess’s lips.

“If only, my lady. I am merely moved by my faith”, said he humbly, making use of these words.

And they fit precisely in what lady Mary wanted to hear and in what she believed.

“You are doing well by following the Lord’s commandments”, said Mary, sounding pleased with what she heard. “Early tomorrow I’d like to have you with me as we join our prayers to the Lord.”

“If it pleases Your Highness, I’ll gladly follow you”, said Obi-Wan, always careful with his words and behavior. In a world where the true nature of the Jedi had to be masked accordingly to the mentality there in currency, it felt like he was going through such a deep, nearly personal struggle. But duties came first and it would do no well to dwell in the matter. Would this really be different from other missions where he had to conceal his nature and disguise himself?

That first night together went well as expected. Lady Mary told him of her plans, how she expected him to be by her side as discreet as possible as she’d visit her siblings.

“In truth, Master Kenobi, I do not think I will suffer any kind of attack here”, said she. “I comprehend your superior’s concern towards me but I’m still a princess of full noble blood.”

Thinking about Senator Amidala made him internally disagree, but of course he’d not voice that, though Obi-Wan carefully expressed his concerns:

“Even so, my lady. One must never underestimate the circumnstances one is in. Be wise to whom you place your trust and be always watchful.”

A good feeling felt lady Mary when seeing genuine concern displayed in those blue eyes that mirrored her own. She nodded her head and smiled kindly as she thanked him for the counsel she vowed to always remember.

As the days went by, Obi-Wan became almost a shadow to the princess he vowed to protect. He followed her up to Hatfield House and was sure he’d not be seen not even by the retinue of Lady Elizabeth, his princess’s younger sister. As she engaged in conversations, the Jedi Master disappeared out of the public sight.

In fact, he went to his meditations. It was when he came out to find about a plot involving the queen of England that could as well complicate Lady Mary Tudor’s life...

(to be continue)