Note: A short story that I hope to continue
As Vader stood over Padme's grave, a sense of dread and disappointment overwhelmed him. It was too much to bare. Thoughts run through his head. Wishing he had died with her. But it would never be that simple. He hates himself for being the monster he is now. Unrecognizable under that cumbersome suit.
All he wants to do is lash out in anger, but this place needs to be intact. Safe and sound. He runs his hand through the marble of the tomb, delicately crafted. But no amount of beautiful artistry could paint over the dark design that caused this untimely death. He would shed a tear, but there's none to shed. I'm sorry, Padme. The words running through his mind, driving him mad. He closes his eyes and imagines simpler times with her. A beautiful lie, now a painful truth. No. He opens his eyes and looks at the tomb, still there. His hand still feeling the marble. His peace is interrupted only by his breathing. The only place on Naboo that's dead silent.
He tries to forget the awful warning Palpatine gave him not long ago. They were in a Star Destroyer overseeing the completion of the Death Star. Palpatine told Vader he would use the weapon to destroy Naboo, aiming first at Padme's resting place, and destroying the rest. "You may have her bones, but you'll soon have her ashes. Do as I say, and you will have her a little longer."
Darth Vader was filled with absolute rage and lashed out at Palpatine, but Anakin was quickly subdued as Palpatine force choked him, shortly then he started to lose his oxygen and retreated. He was on his knees, trying to catch his breath. It took a couple minutes to breathe properly again, then he looked at Palpatine with pure hatred. Anger the likes he has never felt. "Rather it be the Death Star, or a swarm of Storm Troopers. I can use anything to destroy that tomb. But you will have it, so long as you do as I say."
Vader's body quakes with fury, trying to keep from tearing everything apart. "Do I make myself clear, Lord Vader?"
Anakin grits his teeth as he stands to face Palpatine, responding. "Yes, my master."
Palpatine halfheartedly cracks a smile and answers back. "Good. You are dismissed."
Anakin tries to remove it from his memory, but he can't. It's a promise he has to keep. Not to his dreaded master, whom he plots every second of every day, the most terrible ways to kill him; but to Padme. If he failed her in life, he will do one last thing in death. He doesn't expect Palpatine to keep true to his word for long, but do as commanded, and all will be well. "I promise you, Padme." Vader whispers to the tomb, "I won't let you die again."
