A Promise
A Promise
Padmé could not help but notice the difference between the meal she shared now with Anakin and with the dinner they had at the lake retreat not so long ago. Instead of sitting across from one another practically half a parsec apart, they sat side-by-side at the small galley table. The brilliant Nubian sunset was replaced by a single glowing votive on the table. There was no longer any need to hide the conflict in her feelings with clothing that said one thing and words that said another. He was her betrothed now and she wore a black diaphonous gown that expressed her feelings for him quite clearly.
Anakin was accompanying her home to Naboo, just the two of them and their droids travelling aboard her ship. It was the first instance they'd had time alone since Geonosis, allowing them to continue their clandestine romance, one that was just about to become something permanent and serious. Anakin had proposed to her the night before and she'd accepted, knowing there could never be anyone else and believing his love was worth any sacrifice either one of them would have to make.
He gently rubbed her lower back, well away from the still-healing wounds she'd incurred from battling the nexu. Her own hand rubbed his thigh. He captured her gaze and held it with his own, slowly drawing her lips toward his...
"Master Anakin, Miss Padmé!"
They looked up to find Threepio standing in front of the table, wearing a serving apron. "Do you need anything else? More wine perhaps?"
"No, Threepio, we're fine," Anakin said, trying not to show his annoyance with the droid he'd created. "That's all we need for the night."
"Why don't you and Artoo clean up in the galley?" Padmé suggested. "That would be of great help to us."
"Of course, Miss Padmé," the protocol droid said, clearly thrilled to be of assistance.
Moments later, Threepio could be heard bickering with Artoo over the crashing of dishes and a wild flurry of electronic beeps, whistles, and hoots. Anakin and Padmé couldn't help but exchange amused looks.
"They'll be occupied for a while," Padmé said. She grew serious before adding, "You know something? I don't think I ever thanked you for everything you've done for me."
"Padmé, you don't have to do that..."
"Yes, I do." She placed her hand on his chest. "You've been my protector, my closest friend, my partner in 'aggressive negotiations.'" She paused to flash him a knowing smile. "You're my love and soon you'll be my husband. But the most important thing you've done for me is you've helped me discover who the real woman is beneath the titles and politics. I will never forget that."
Anakin pressed himself so close to her, each could feel the heartbeat of the other and they breathed as one. He gazed into her amber-brown eyes and caressed her cheek with his left thumb. "I've never forgotten how as a boy, you were so gentle and kind to me when I was but a stranger. I remember how you comforted me and took care of me when we left Tatooine. I knew I had been right about you from the start, that as beautiful as you are on the outside, you are even more so on the inside."
"Ani," she whispered. "That's the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me."
"There's not much I can offer you in return besides my love," he continued. "And my deepest, most solemn promise that I shall never fail you or let you down."
Before she could say anything, he kissed her with warm, slow-moving lips.