A/N-Merry Christmas! Here is your next chapter! Hehehe, a little present for all of you.

Thank you for the reviews!

-Sha and GP


Chapter 3


(Vader's POV)

I watch as Amidala comes strolling downstairs, a bit too fast. Her bodily movements show no signs of tension, and her force presence is much darker than before. She takes my decoy's hand and makes her way to her father. I stand back, surrounded by many senators and other politicians. I needed to test Amidala, to trust she would know the difference between me, and an imposter. Watching from a distance, I notice her behavior change. Amidala did not enjoy these types of engagements, why all of a sudden has she become a social butterfly? Though it seems as if Amidala is not herself this evening, her hand gestures and ways of speakingare not her own.She is behaving more like her coniving sister, than herself! Yet...is it possibly Sabe? My mind is struck with the knowledge of something Amidala said earlier...

"I believe someone is watching us," Amidala says concerned, "I used the force and I detected nothing."

"There is no one there. It must have been your imagination."

How blind could I be! Sabe has done something with Amidala! Promptly, I try to sense her presence; nothing, dark and silent. Scurrying to her quarters, I use the force to open the door. "Amidala?" I call. That was stupid Vader, how can she hear me? She would not recognize my voice.

I stroll into the bathroom, and notice her lifeless body, lying on the rug. My body tenses at the sight of her gorgeous half-covered body. I react rapidly by taking off my cloak, and wrapping her in it. If I had not, many evil thoughts would have cross my mind, before my wedding night…. Alhough, they already have...

I gently pick her up and she cradles against me, moaning. A good sign, that Sabe hasn't done much damage to her. I must take her to the hospital wing, her head is injured and Sabe' must have slipped her something to become unconscious. Amidala moans again and lifts her eyes. I freezeas her eyes linger on my own. Her eyes are full of confusion. "Ani? Oh my dear Ani, you've come back to me," She whispers.

My heart pounds in my head. How… who is this Ani? Anger surges through me; she is mine, not anyone else's. I don't care if she despises me; she is to be my wife! If only I could probe her mind to find out whom this 'Ani' is. I attempt to and her mind blocks the attack. Damn, she is very strong in the force.

"Ani," She murmurs, brushing my cheek lightly. I close my eyes feeling the contact between us. It almost felt good to be touched in such a way, yet I slap her hand away.

"Amidala, you were injured, I'm taking you to the hospital wing," I reply to her surprised expression. She nods and her eyes flutter shut. Her body is limp once more. Thank God, or she'd have made me more flustered than I already am….

(Hospital Wing)

A doctor standing by looks astounded to see me out of my suit. He is one of the only people who knows of my former identity.

"Watch over her. She has been hurt and slipped sleeping pills," I request, coolly. I place my bride-to-be on a gurney and leave him to take care of her injuries.

Sabe and I need to have a little chat…..


(Sabe's POV)

Tonight has been wonderful. I have had Darth Vader all to myself. Father did not even ask where I was. Well, he did not know of the switch so, Vader must not be aware either.

Vader bows solemnly and his is about to speak, when a handsome young blonde man grabs my arm, dragging me away from my love. The guests are a bit shocked, and Vader stands there astounded. Why did he allow this cruel man to drag me off! This man will pay for his insolence!

The man slams me into the wall and I gasp as I recognize the young man. He is the Jedi Knight … Anakin Skywalker. That name makes me shudder. This man in front of me is also the one Padme has a crush on. Isn't he supposed to be dead? He disappeared right after the Clone Wars!

"Who the hell do you think you are?" I demand, slapping him across his face. His eyes flare with anger, I am not afraid of any Jedi. "I will have you arrested for your disrespect!" I bark.

"You, my dear are an imposter! You are not Amidala. No, you are too spiteful to be her. I know what you did, Sabe'. You almost killed your own sister!" He claims.

"And what will you do about it, Jedi?" I spat.

His fist encloses together and he uses the force to choke me.My hands fly to my neck to stop the choke.

"I am no Jedi, your highness," His eyes are an arctic cerulean. Fear claws at my insides, this man frightens me and I can not comprehend why.

"Let me go," I spat through the choke-hold.

"I will if you promise never to harm your sister again, do we have a deal?" His evil voice whispers into my ear.

"–Yes—I promise," I whisper back, shaking slightly.

"Good." He lets go and I gasp. Skywalker turns on his heels and leaves in the shadows. I clutch my throat and frown. Anakin Skywalker just made himself an enemy. I will not obey his orders! Padme will either not marry Vader or she shall have a very quick wedding!

(Two days later)


(Padme's POV)

"Anakin?" I whisper, opening my eyes. No one is standing over me. All I see is the gray ceiling of the hospital wing.

"Mistress Amidala, you are awake," A doctor states.

"What-where's Ani?" I murmur my voice softer than it should be.

The doctor looks puzzled. "Who are you speaking of?"

"The-man who saved me. Where is he?" I reply.

"Milady, this Ani you speak of did not save you. Lord Vader brought you here." I sit straight up in bed at the mention of Vader's name. "WHAT?"

I hop out of bed and head towards his quarters. How dare he? Vader of all people saved me? From what though? All I remember is Sabe and I munching on my favorite fruit. Then a bang on the back of my head…. Had Sabe? No, she's not that malicious. She may hate me, but she wouldn't try to kill me….

I pound on Vader's door and I hear a human groan. I check my crono watch. 3:30 am.

Ha! I had interrupted Lord Vader's pleasant dreams. A cocky grin forms upon my lips, oh I wanted to make that man suffer….

His familiar booming voice says, "Who disturbs me?"

"Amidala, now let me in!" I demand, pounding on the door.

Vader is standing with his hands on his hips, and if he didn't wear that ugly mask, I swear he was frowning. "May I ask what you are doing here?"

"Did you save my life?" I demand.

"Yes Milady, if you must know," He retorts.

I blush as I remember I had been improperly dressed at the time of the rescue…. "How dare you! You were not allowed in my quarters, let alone in my refresher!" I shout, resentment filling my voice.

" I should have left you to die then?" He demands.

"Well, no…" I mutter.

"Then there is nothing to discuss. I trust you leave now," He tersely replies, using a force push to shove me out of the room. The door slides shut and I stand up.

"MEN!" I scream the door. I stomp off and head back to my room.


(Vader's POV)

That woman is going to be the death of me. Her father tricked me! I should have taken on Sabe'. At least she and I have something in common. Amidala and I have nothing to share. Visions of bitterness fill my mind. My life shall be miserable with her!

(Wedding Day)

My miserable existence will die out soon. Amidala will torture my very soul….


(Padme's POV)

Tears fall down my red cheeks as I start down the aisle. I keep my face down, so the monster does not see them, and receive satisfaction. He will not see my anger, sadness or bitterness. I will do my duty and when it is time I will strike him down in his own bed.

I reach where Vader and the minister are positioned. I keep my eyes lowered and the ceremony begins.

"We are all gathered here today to witness the union of Amidala andLord Vader." I hear the minister drone.

"All those who believe this marriage should not take place say Aye now." From the corner of my eye, I see my father putting a hand over Sabe's mouth to shut her up. I bite my lip to stop from bursting out laughing.

The Priest continues to recite all the vows. I find my self dazing off wondering why I was dreaming of Anakin when Vader saved me.

(Later in the evening, before the occurring honeymoon)

Sabe strokes my hair and hums softly to the music. "I hate him, Sabe, why do I have to sleep with him?"

She giggles slightly. "My dear sister, the marriage must be consecrated. If not, it will not be legal and you will disgrace your family."

"What is so funny? The man is probably fifty-years old and of another alien race," I utter.

"Uh-huh, we'll see little sister."

I reach out under my dress for my necklace hoping it will keep me safe.

(Later)

Sabe shoves me in and I cross my bare arms. Vader stands by the windows, gazing out at the heavens. "About time," He mutters through his mask.

"Yes, milord, Iam abit late. I am terribly sorry," I clench my teeth as I respond.

"Do not lie, my wife. I know of your true feelings," He responds bitterly, pointing an accusing finger at me.

"I do not have any choice," I counter. He whirls and closes the space between us.

He grabs my arms and stares into my eyes for a few minutes before moving away back to the window. He sighs almost like he's tired. "What am I to do with you Amidala?"

Shaking slightly, my hand reaches out for the necklace that is hidden under my dress.

"Amidala, what is that in your hand?" He questions his voice in monotone again. I hide it quickly back in my dress.

"Amidala. Hand it to me NOW!" He barks at me. I quickly remove the necklace from around my neck and hand it to him. No give that back, that's precious. Please. I cry silently in my mind. He stares at it for five minutes, fingering it gently, almost as if he is lost in a memory. He walks up to me and forces my chin up so I am looking directly into his black eyes.

"Look at me Amidala," He says. I turn to stare into his masked face and quickly look away. I hear a hiss and the sounds of the mask being unlocked. I shut my eyes, images of a repulsive creature fills my mind. A deformed figure with scars and burnt etches. Perhaps Vader uses the suit to survive.

A new voice demands, "Look at me Amidala!" I shiver and gaze up into his eyes, gasping.


To Be Continued.