Chapter 8

Chapter 8

The suite Kin was staying in was atop a private staircase, and it was an oasis of privacy and luxury. This expansive suite featured designer finishes, dramatic vaulted ceilings with skylights, a king-sized bed, a sofa and recliner, a comfortable lounge area with a wet bar, an elegant bath with a shower, a deep soaking tub, plush robes, and spa-quality bath products. The room overlooked the beautiful and serene lake, whereby the guests would have access to a wide range of amenities, from stargazing equipment to kayaking, canoeing, or even stand-up paddleboards.

Aah… What bliss to be able to stay in a room as exquisite as this. While Kin was busy lifting my luggage to place it on the luggage rack, I opened the sliding door to the balcony that faces the lake. There were two big balcony chairs with a matching table, perfect for sitting in the evening for gazing at the stars. I leaned against the wooden railing of the balcony, taking in deep breaths, relishing the fresh air from the greenery and the crisp smell of the water from the lake.

“I wish I didn’t have to go to New York,” I said wistfully to myself, but Kin listened in as he was standing beside me watching the lake.

“Then, stay, as long as you want.”

“Are you staying too?” I lifted my face to him and asked challengingly.

“If you are, then I will,” he murmured softly.

I looked directly at him and smiled. Then, I shook my head and muttered, “You’re insane.”

“Maybe I am,” he conceded. “But I know this is something I want to do.”

“So you’ve done this before?” I asked, needing confirmation.

Kin shook his head and said with a slight smile, “Never.”

“Do you want to take a rest, Ami? I’m pretty sure you need it,” Kin added.

“Surprisingly, I’m not the least bit tired. I thought of sitting in the gazebo down there or perhaps a walk on the shore,” I uttered quietly.

“Then, may I have the honour of accompanying you, Queen Amidala?” Kin smiled teasingly.

This time I laughed heartily at his playful bantering. No point beating myself about it. If my mom felt that it was a beautiful name, I might as well cherish it.

“I won’t have it any other way, Sir,” I responded with a smile.

“It’s Anakin.”

“What?” I countered, puzzled.

“My name. It’s Anakin,” he beamed.

I was stunned. Speechless, astounded, dumbfounded. Call it anything in the book but never had I imagined that I would be looking at the most gorgeous, the sexiest, sumptuous man in the whole wide world with that name. I automatically clapped my hands over my mouth, eyes wide, staring at the man named Anakin. I was gawking at him when I asked, “You said you would never lie to me, right?”

“Yes, I did say, I don’t lie; nor will I ever lie to you.”

“Was it your mom, too?” I asked, still couldn’t believe my ears.

“Well, moms during that Star Wars era were crushing on Mark Hamill. She might have wanted my name to be Luke, but my cousin had taken it, so after watching The Phantom Menace, she decided Anakin was the best choice for me. Little did she realise that Anakin would turn into the villainous Sith Lord Darth Vader. Up till now, she prayed every day that I wouldn’t turn into one,” Kin deadpanned.

Kin

Upon hearing my confession, Amidala doubled over convulsively. Her laughter was just like the rest of her; alluring, genuine and sincere. It’s like music to my ears. When she laughed, she made me want to make her laugh again and again so that I could hear that sound and see her smile as much as possible. If I didn’t already love her just from talking and listening to her, her laughter would probably change that. She looked like a refined young woman at first glance, which she probably is, but all I have to do is tell her something humourous to see her laugh uninhibitedly.

I smiled at her teary gaze and said thoughtfully, “Don’t stop laughing.”

She sniffled and said, “I’m so sorry. Really. I didn’t see that coming, Anakin. So, have you turned into one?”

“Into the Sith Lord, you mean?” I put on a make-believe frown. Ami nodded vigorously.

“It’s too soon to tell,” I gave her the deep breathy voice of Darth Vader plus an evil smirk, wiggling my brows. She continued her uncontrollable chuckle.

“So now you know my name, it’s evident we were made for each other. Tell me, how many people in this world that you know who has the name Amidala and Anakin?”

“Beside The Phantom Menace, none. Well, not that I know of,” Ami replied, eyes twinkling.

“This calls for a celebration, don’t you think?” I cracked a smile and winked.

She smiled broadly and quipped, “As I mentioned, I won’t have it any other way.”

She was holding my gaze. With the initial awkwardness out of the way, she drew my attention with a long, deliberate look. Then she teased me by mouthing, “Anakin.” I could still see the mirth in her eyes as we made our way down the stairs.