Thank you for the wonderful support. I truly appreciate it. Just a note on posting. There will not be a post on Halloween, given that I will be getting married the following day. I will resume posting the following week and there shouldn't be any further interruptions until the Christmas holidays. Thank you all again for your patience and support.

Darth-Taisha: Nice to see you back. Glad you enjoyed the ending of FLQ and have gotten caught up. I hope you continue to enjoy. Thanks so much for reading!

Slick101: Thank you very much. Update is here!

Dawn369: Well, I think the Sith aren't into A&P mush as the rest of us. And yes, I agree Anakin and OW definitely need a pow-wow. Thanks so much for reading!

Bloodreaver Alpha: Thank you very much!

Ghostreaper181: Glad you like the Anakin-Shmi scene. I agree that she can get lost in the shuffle, given all that is happening. We shall hear more from the Lars contingent. As for the Naboo starfleet, it will definitely come into play as things progress. Definitely keep those thoughts in mind as we progress. Lots of people are concerned with Dahlia and probably rightly so. She too is an enigma so anything is possible. Thanks so much for reading!

Tdk99992000: Thank you muchly!

Mo Angel: Thank you so much. Yes, definitely lots happening and many more surprises to come. I do think though there might be some time for a little mush ;). Thanks for reading!

Flaming Man of Iron: Thank you very much. More is here!

Tychron: You definitely bring up some very interesting and important points. All I can say is wait and see ;). As for Jango and Boba, they are absolutely going to have crucial roles very soon. For the moment, they've been 'busy' with other matters. Thanks so much for reading!

Hewhoreaps: I think the Jedi will be quite shocked. We shall learn of their reaction soon. Yes, much mush is coming. And as for Dahlia, I'm sure she'll be up to no good. Thanks for reading!

Mathematica: I can't imagine why they'd be upset either. Pink isn't all bad ;). As for Owen, I too have liked seeing him from a different perspective. I know I have strayed away from the Lars' but I guarantee they will come back into focus as the story progresses. Interesting points about the Jedi. I will say that both Yoda and MW in the last chapter were talking about having Anakin 'around.' That's not to say that they aren't at least considering having him join, but for the moment, I think they too recognize the problems that his acceptance could create. Still, it is an interesting notion and we shall see how it plays out. And as for Dahlia, we shall see over time what kind of trouble she gets herself into. Thanks for the long review. I definitely appreciate them. I appreciate too the well wishes. Hopefully everything will go without a hitch. Thanks a bunch!

HelenT: Aww..I'm glad you liked the Anakin and Shmi scene. In fact, it almost didn't make it in there because I thought I needed to push the plot along faster. As for the Council, I doubt their first encouters will be all smiles and giggles. Still, it should prove interesting to see what will happen. Thrilled that Dahlia comes off creepy. Always happy to know my OCs fit into the universe. Thanks so much for reading! Looking forward to your next update as well ;).

Seth: Interesting comparison between Ventress and Dahlia. We shall see later how that interaction will go. As for Anakin, I think in canon, he got too caught up with his vision of how things should be as opposed to just doing them. We shall see how this Anakin is different in time. Thanks so much for reading!

ILDV: Thanks!

General-Joseph-Dickinson: Well, I think Dahlia has other problems besides needing a man in her life. Besides, I don't quite see Anakin as the matchmaker :). Thanks for reading!

AngelQueen: Thought you'd appreciate the mush :). Also thrilled you liked seeing Miles come around again. Unfortunately, in FLQ his role had been markedly reduced, but he's here to stay now. As for the Council, can't say it will go perfectly, but something hopefully will be resolved. Thank you so much for reading!

Hopeful anticipation.

Padmé paced along the small cobblestone pathway that wound about the outer area of the Great Temple. The night air was light as she took in a deep breath of air. Summer was nearing its end. The change to the colder months was quickly approaching. While growing up, Padmé had loved the autumn, as it meant the harvest and the festival were near. Yet on this day, it did not bring her any comfort. It was several minutes past the 11th evening bell, and Anakin was late.

He will come.

She held no real doubt about her beloved's intention to marry her. Nevertheless, Padmé was unnerved by his tardiness. Perhaps it was the fear of losing him again that threatened to overwhelm her? There were still moments of disbelief that lingered in her mind over Anakin's return. She remained curious about his trek to the past. Whatever happened during his supposed year's long exile, Padmé sensed something different about Anakin. He seemed older…more centered. Still, she had the feeling that there was much more he had wanted to share, but was for some reason, had refrained from telling her.

"Ugh, my back," Sabé announced from behind her.

Padmé swiveled about to see her closest friend uncomfortably stretch her legs while attempting to find a more suitable spot on the small wooden bench. "Are you alright?"

"It's nothing a few more months won't solve."

Padmé could only smile in response. Despite her friend's good humor, she knew that the past few months had been especially hard on Sabé. Ever since Obi-Wan had taken on a padawan learner, his trips to Naboo had become less frequent. Coupled with the fact that Sabé had to deal with the many daunting issues pregnancy always brought with it, Padmé's heart went out to her. She knew that she could not have held up nearly as well under similar circumstances. Padmé truly admired her strength.

If only she herself could be as strong at this very moment.

"What time is it?"

Sabé snorted as she rolled her eyes. "About five minutes since the last time you asked."

"He's late."

"He'll be here," Sabé calmly retorted before she chuckled. "Besides, if anything is a sure thing, Anakin wanting to marry you is as certain as the sun rising in the morning."

"But what if during his time away he decided that he wanted something...or someone else?" Padmé supposed aloud, not comforted by her friend's assertion to the contrary.

"Oh, Mé…You're being daft." Padmé huffed while crossing her arms. "Tell me, how many men come back from the dead to save their intended ones yet again?"

Padmé stopped pacing to look at Sabé. "He didn't die. He was teleported to another time."

Sabé scoffed. "Same difference. From where I'm sitting, you have nothing to fear. Padmé turned away to resume her pacing. "Relax," Sabé urged. "I don't want my wedding dress returned worn out."

Padmé looked over her shoulder, forcing a guilty grin of capitulation. Indeed, her impending wedding had been so hasty, there wasn't time for her mother to bring her own wedding dress—the dress Padmé had dreamed of wearing since she was six— for the impromptu ceremony. Thankfully, Sabé had offered hers, which had fit, more or less. It was a beautiful gown made of shimmersilk with numerous intricate designs scattered about the surface. Her dress was gorgeous, and Padmé was thankful for her generosity.

Still, it wasn't the same.

Padmé didn't really care. She had lost the one person who meant everything only to have grace shine upon her by returning him. There was no chance that she would complain about her current circumstances. One day soon, she would have the wedding of her dreams. For the moment, she wanted nothing more than to be bonded with her intended one.

If only he would show up.

She again grunted as the pacing resumed. Fortuitously, the outer lights of the Temple provided enough illumination for her walk without tripping over one of the many stone fountains that decorated the grounds. Padmé was turning around when she halted in mid-step. From across the distance, she heard a smattering of voices. She squinted to get a better glimpse, but the only thing she could discern was that it was a group of people coming closer. It could only mean...

"Shavit!" she uttered angrily.

"What's wrong?" Sabé called out to her.

"I think the media found out about the wedding."

"How?" Sabé quizzically asked. "We were all careful."

Padmé was about to offer her speculations when she heard a familiar cackle. She took two steps forward, allowing herself to be seen in the lamppost light that hung overhead. It was when she heard the mousy voices that put her heart at ease.

"Aunt Padmé!" cried out Ryoo and Pooja Naberrie.

She squatted down to scoop them into her arms. "Oh my, you two have gotten so big." Padmé then looked at their tiny, cherub faces. "What are you both doing up so late?"

"We've come to see you marry Anakin!" Ryoo declared.

"Uncle Anakin," Pooja interjected.

Ryoo rolled her eyes. "Momma said you would want us here."

At that same moment, Padmé caught sight of her parents, along with Sola and Darred who were followed closely by Anakin and Miles. Gently placing her nieces back down, she raced into her beloved's outstretched arms. He spun her happily in the air, making her giggle gleefully. If not for her entire family standing around them, Padmé would have kissed him as never before. Thankfully, there would be time later to revisit that desire.

"I'm sorry we're late," Anakin whispered.

In the meantime, she had been so focused on him that she hadn't noticed see Sabé waddle over to their side. "Did I neglect to mention that Anakin said he'd be delayed a few minutes?"

"I would say so," Padmé said, trying to choke back the tears that were threatening to fall.

Sabé mischievously giggled while patting Padmé's shoulder. "What are friends for?"

Turning her attention towards her family, Padmé's eyes drifted to her parents, particularly her mother who was holding a large parcel under her arm. "What's that?"

Jobal Naberrie held out the box. "I brought you something."

"Oh Mom," Padmé said happily. "You shouldn't have."

Jobal's grin grew as she looked over at Ruwee. "We thought you might want it for the ceremony."

Padmé scrunched her face as she took the parcel and quickly opened it. She only had to catch a quick glimpse of the fabric to know what it was. "Your wedding dress!"

"I know you always wanted to wear it on your wedding day," her mother said nostalgically. "Even though you said it was alright that you didn't have it. Well, I had to make sure that you did."

"I love you so much, Mom." Padmé wrapped her in a loving embrace.

"Much happiness to you both," Jobal whispered.

As Padmé withdrew from her mother's embrace, her father immediately hugged her. "We couldn't be happier, my dear."

"Thank you," Padmé said, reaching for Anakin's hand. "I'm sorry that it isn't the grand wedding you had expected," she apologized, as tears ran down the side of her face.

"Nonsense," Ruwee said, waving his hands. "When you find that right person, you have to do what you have to do and never let them go," his eyes twinkled as he passed his gaze over to her mother.

At that moment, she felt Anakin's strong arms wrap across her chest, his body pressed up against her. Padmé loved to be held by him. It was in this place were she felt the safest. "I hope you liked your surprise," he whispered into her ear.

Turning around to face him, she stretched up on her tiptoes so that only he could hear her. "The surprises have yet to come."

"Now, now…..none of that!" Sola Naberrie chided for behind them.

"Oh leave them be," Darred gently admonished her. "Besides, you were far less…reserved…on our wedding day."

Ruwee chuckled while shaking his head at his obviously blushing older daughter. Turning his focus back towards Anakin and Padmé, he said with a knowing grin, "I'm sure you both don't want to stand around here all night long. Let's get you married."

Padmé couldn't wait to get the dress on for her beloved. She knew he would be pleased. "I'll see you inside in a few minutes."

"I'll be the one standing up front," Anakin quipped.

She quickly kissed him good-bye before being ushered by her mother and sister inside the Temple. "There will be time for that later," Sola joked.

Padmé couldn't wait.

Troubled musings.

Since leaving Ord's castle on Xinthos Prime, Obi-Wan tried to put everything together: Ord, the Mandalorians, Dooku and the Sith. At first glance, one had nothing to do with other. Yet, the more he scrutinized the situation, the more they did appear interconnected. Obi-Wan refused to believe that the man who had trained Qui-Gon Jinn had become a Sith Lord. That was impossible. Rather, he was convinced that the reputed former Master had, at the very least, come under their would explain a great many things.

Still, there was something missing in the equation. Why did the Force seem uneasy when it came to the bounty hunter, Jango Fett? By all accounts, he was little more than an errand boy for Ord and possibly Dooku. A dangerous errand boy to be sure as Obi-Wan recalled the destruction he wrought on Coruscant; but, Fett was no mastermind. Everything he had learned about the vagabond was about his skill as a blunt instrument. However, capturing Fett was his mandate from the Council.

Obi-Wan realized that Fett's apprehension was only a prelude to seeking out Dooku directly. Yet, an important mission such as that would not be given to him and Jaden. The Council would have to handle it directly, given the current political climate Obi-Wan possessed the nagging feeling that he could not be able to easily wash his hand of this situation. It was those irksome worries at the periphery of his consciousness that troubled him the most. They were the same needling feelings that he had possessed prior to the mission to Naboo during the blockade crisis.

Qui-Gon had always told him to downplay his anxieties. Unfortunately, Obi-Wan's worries had been right then and he feared they would be once again justified—especially since they were heading to a world suspiciously absent from the Temple's starmaps. Ord referred to these people as talented cloners, but provided no other useful information about the secretive race.

Why would cloners need explosives?

Running his hand nervously through his hair, Obi-Wan felt his temples throb the more he attempted to reconcile the situation. The answer to everything was just out of reach. There was a well-contrived plan at work. Every time he drew near to discovering its secrets, it would dart away. Its elusive nature seemed to almost mock his heightened intuition as the mystery refused to unfold. Obi-Wan tried to ignore it by focusing on the living Force, but as always, the nudge that was as annoying as a buzzing gnat, would return.

"Master?" Jaden called out to him.

He blinked several times, returning to the moment.. "Something wrong?"

The Padawan shook his head. "I just got clearance to land at the Kaminoan capital city."

"Very good," Obi-Wan acknowledged as he straightened up in his chair. "Take us in."

Looking out the viewport, the darkness of space had been replaced by the gray shadows of the water world. Kamino was comprised of raging oceans with enormous storm clouds covering the sky. The Force itself felt as if it was a vice, pressing down on his chest. He momentarily gasped as he tried to catch his breath. The urgent warning grew the closer they neared the planet's surface.

"Hold on!" Jaden warned.

The ship rocked violently as they broke through another storm cloud. Thankfully, the landing platform had come into view. To his dismay though, it kept pitching back and forth.

"Is there any way you can keep us straight?" Obi-Wan asked, clenching onto his seat.

"I would if it wasn't for that blasted crosswind," Jaden fired back as he fought with the controls.

Obi-Wan felt himself being lurched back into his seat as Jaden fired the retrothrusters to halt their descent. A sudden jostle followed by the resounding thud of the landing gear making contact with the landing pad brought the world back into focus.

"Another happy landing!"

Jaden snorted. "What would you do without me to fly you around, Master?"

"Probably not grow old before my time," he fired back with an amused smirk.

His Padawan chucked before looking out of the canopy. "Doesn't seem like this downpour is going to stop anytime soon."

"Let's get moving."

Pulling their hoods over their heads, Obi-Wan motioned for Jaden to depart from the ship. The distance to the foyer of the building wasn't far. Although, by the time they reached cover, both Jedi were drenched. Catching a quick glimpse inside, Obi-Wan was taken aback by the white sterile design. Before getting a better look, he immediately caught notice of a tall, lanky alien gliding towards them.

"Greetings Master Jedi. I am Taun We, assistant to the Prime Minister."

They bowed. "I am Obi-Wan Kenobi and this is my Padawan, Jaden Fai."

"It is a pleasure to meet you," the apparently female Kaminoan responded. "I am sure you are anxious to get on with the inspection."

"Inspection?" Jaden asked, turning towards Obi-Wan.

Taun We nodded once. "Your three hundred thousand are ready as promised."

"Our three hundred thousand?" Obi-Wan repeated in confusion.

"Yes," she answered, apparently unmoved by his surprise. "I can guarantee that your units will live up to expectation.

Units? Surely she cannot mean...

"The Prime Minister asked before we begin if you would be so kind as to speak with him," Taun We requested.

"Of course," Obi-Wan quickly responded as he tried to compose himself. They would learn nothing if the Kaminoans learned of their ignorance of the situation. "We are at his service."

"Excellent." The tall Kaminoan motioned for them to follow her. Falling a few paces behind, both he and Jaden looked out the windows leading into the factory. What Obi-Wan saw was appalling.

"Are those..." Jaden couldn't get the words out, "the units?"

To his surprise, Taun We stopped in place. "Those aren't part of your current order," She then swiveled over to the opposite window. "Those," she pointed at the plexiglas, "are yours."

Obi-Wan and Jaden slowly ambled towards the window. There, on the factory floor, were thousands of armored troops gathering their equipment as they were being loaded onto large troop vessels. Scattered throughout the complex were columns of soldiers marching in unison, as if preparing for an impending battle.

But an army for whom?

"By the Force," Jaden whispered. "What in the name of Coruscant is going on here?"

"We'll soon find out." Obi-Wan said as he nervously stroked his beard.

He had waited for this moment for a lifetime.

Anakin stood in quiet contemplation at the front of the Great Temple's altar as he waited for Padmé to walk down the aisle. Standing along with him were the High Priest Uyl, his friend Miles, and Sabé on the other side. His feelings were a mix of affirmation of his vision from long ago and surprise by how the reality was different. When Anakin had foreseen this day, he had recalled the sound of flowing water, as well as the gentle heat resting across his skin while sealing their vows with a kiss. He also remembered that despite their happiness, he and Padmé had shared the moment alone.

They were far from alone.

Standing only a few meters away were Padmé's parents, as well as Sola and her family. Anakin wished that his mother could have attended. If only there had been more time. Yet, he was happy because he knew they would celebrate this joyous occasion with her as well. For the moment, nothing could detract him from the swelling happiness that was building in his heart. Soon, he and his love would become one. It was what he had always wanted.

There she was!

He nearly wept.

Padmé stood alone for everyone to witness her sheer magnificence. If she had not been elected a Queen, surely fate would have found a way to make her one. Her presence reverberated through the Force like a massive supernova, whose light was everlasting. Beautiful was too simple a word to describe her appearance. Wearing her mother's ivory dress and veil made of lace, Anakin could see her deep brown eyes sparkle with joy as they locked gazes. He could almost hear her in his mind, telling him that he had found his home within her heart where he would dwell all the days of their lives. He would never be alone again…

I am hers as she is mine.

It seemed to take an eternity for her to reach him. However, Anakin was not troubled. He allowed his soul to succumb to the sweet surrender of losing himself to her. She was his beloved—his angel—the one who kept him grounded against the raging torrent of his grand destiny. Padmé gave him the serenity that he lacked in himself. She was his navigator who would never lead him astray. In turn, he would continue to shower her with more love than a thousand brides would ever experience in ten thousand lifetimes.

She was his entire universe.

Anakin's awe was supplanted with the sensation of Padmé's fingers interlocking with his own. Standing face to face with nothing to hide, he was ready to commit himself, body and spirit, to her for eternity. The planets could go barren, stars could turn to dust and yet, their love would remain, everlasting and enduring.

"Dearly beloved," the high priest called out, pulling Anakin from his daydreams. "We have gathered to witness the union between Anakin and Padmé as they declare their intentions to one another. As is our tradition, they will offer their vows of marriage and then exchange rings as a sign of their commitment." The elderly gentleman, whose hair and beard were as white as snow, smiled happily.

Reaching for Padmé's other hand, she grasped on to his, smiling as she squeezed both of his affectionately. "Anakin," she began, her brown eyes filling with tears of joy. "My friend, and my life. Simple words cannot express the depth of my love. I hope through a lifetime together that I can show you how much you mean to me. It is my solemn vow to take you as my husband and lifemate. I promise you my very spirit and in doing so, I shall forsake all others. I swear to give you everything that I am and support you in times of need. I will always love you and stand by you even in our darkest hour."

Anakin felt his throat tighten.

He was not afraid to show his emotion over the moment. What he did fear, though, was forgetting his vows. Briefly closing his eyes in order to center himself, he released a contented sigh before refocusing his vision upon her. "Padmé, he started as he felt the corners of his mouth curl into a smile. "My angel and my best friend. You are my beloved, my everything. I love you more than life itself. It is my solemn intention to take you as my wife and lifemate. Upon the Force I swear to always honor and love you with every fiber of my being. I promise to be true to you and to our family. I promise to stand beside you throughout the twists life presents us. I will love you until and beyond the moment when my body no longer draws breath."

Uyl then raised his hands. "What the spirits have called together, none can tear asunder." He then looked over at Miles who moved along side Anakin. Thankfully, after Threepio had arranged for the impromptu ceremony, he had obtained the precise ring Padmé had wanted. Anakin was thrilled that he had programmed the information into his faithful droid upon learning her preference shortly after his presentation ceremony. The widening of her beautiful eyes further confirmed her approval.

"Padmé Naberrie, please accept this ring as a sign of my love and devotion. Let it be a reminder that you possess my heart and soul, which are forever joined with yours. As the circle has no beginning or end so is my love for you; eternal and everlasting."

She wiped several tears from her eyes before Sabé handed her Anakin's ring. It was a made of a shiny silver metal with a weaving pattern in the middle. He looked at her lovingly as she smiled while slipping it onto his ring finger. "Anakin Skywalker, please take this ring as a symbol of my love and fidelity. May it be a constant remembrance of our intertwining lives and how our two destinies have now become one. From this day forward we are of one heart, one soul and one love."

"Your professions of devotion have been deemed acceptable by the spirits," the High Priest declared. "May you go forth and be blessed as you continue along the path of life. May the spirits bless you with children so they will multiply the love that you have for another." Uyl then paused, releasing a toothy grin. "You are now and forever bonded. Go in peace."

With their hands still joined, Anakin reached down to his beautiful angel and gave her a kiss that would remain in their hearts forever. Come what may, nothing could ever change that fact. They kissed passionately until they heard the High Priest speak again. "It is my pleasure to introduce to you Lord and Lady Skywalker!"

The Naberrie family erupted in applause as Anakin reluctantly withdrew from his bride. Still gazing into her eyes, he offered his lopsided grin. "I will love you forever."

"I know." Padmé smiled softly.

She was late.

Cordé Naberrie rushed through the Palace square en route to the Great Temple. She had gotten tied down with a number of security issues that could not wait. Now terribly overdue for her cousin's wedding, she hoped to at least catch the exchange of rings. Cordé had been thrilled beyond measure when Padmé had told her about their spur-of-the-moment ceremony. Like everyone else in the Palace, she had been floored by the news of Anakin's return. She had only seen him in brief glimpses, but judging by Padmé's reaction, it was truly he.

The spirits were truly with those two.

If only she could be as fortunate. Cordé had had very little success when it came to members of the opposite sex. Most men were often intimidated by her combat skills, as well as her strength of will. Others simply found her an oddity, since women were supposed to be dainty and proper—according to her mother anyway. Cordé never had any desire to be a courtier. She didn't need nor want to be dependent on someone else's whims. Rather, she was interested in finding her equal with whom she could share her life.

Her thoughts were brought to a sudden stop when her face struck an immovable object. Uncharacteristically, Cordé lost her balance and fell to the ground. Her eyes flickered as she tried to discern what she had run into.

"Lady Naberrie!" called out a heavily Alderaanian accented voice.

Cordé instantly jumped back to her feet. "Your Honor," she quickly bowed. "I'm so sorry. I didn't see you."

Bail Organa chuckled while waving his hands. "It is I who should apologize, Milady. My mind was wandering."

"Mine was too, Your Honor." Cordé admitted, trying not to appear that she was in a rush. In any other circumstance, she would enjoy nothing more than conversing with the Viceroy. He was one of the few men whom she respected completely. During her experience with the Alderaanians, she had seen him treat the cleaning staff in the same respectful manner as he would a distinguished senator. "Actually, I was on my way to the Great Temple…my cousin is getting married."

"Your cousin?" Bail said confused at first until realization struck him. "The Queen is getting married tonight? "

She dipped her head forward. "Given everything that's happened, she didn't want to wait any longer."

A strange smile instantly crossed his features as he softly chuckled,. "Love can do funny things to people."

"I suppose," Cordé responded coyly.

The tall Senator, who towered over her, leaned down, offering his arm. "May I escort you there, Milady?"

"I would be delighted, Your Honor."

If she could have thought of something profound to say, she would. Cordé was at a loss despite the fact that they had much in common. She hated being so awkward around him. Her thoughts then returned to her time at Aldera castle. Cordé remembered the beautiful mountains that surrounded it, having spent many evenings admiring them on her own. She was about to speak when she felt Bail abruptly stop. He pointed over to the Temple's main doors, where she saw Padmé and Anakin bursting out followed by her extended family.

She sighed deeply. "I guess we're too late."

"It looks as if it went well, though," Bail offered, trying to lighten her mood.

Cordé's eyes followed her family until they disappeared from sight. "They will probably have a gathering at the Palace residence." She paused and looked up at him. "Would you care to join me?"

His mirthful smile suddenly fell. "I'm afraid I need to return to my ship. We're departing within the hour."

"Are you heading back home?"

"Unfortunately no," Bail replied, shaking his head. "I am due to present my report over what happened with the Trade Federation to a Senate Security Council committee."

"Hopefully you will make them see reason."

"I would if they understood such a thing existed in the first place," the Viceroy quipped. "No, I'm afraid most of the Senate's attention is currently focused upon the growing Separatist crisis."

"Then I pray that you can bring some intelligence to our noble institution."

Bail pulled his head back and cackled. "I surely do miss your quick wit, Milady." He then swooped down to kiss her hand. "I hope that we will meet again under better circumstances."

"I shall look forward to it, Your Honor," Cordé responded, thankful that it was dark and he couldn't see her blushing.

He hesitated momentarily before turning in the opposite direction and leaving her alone. Indeed, Cordé hoped that she would see him again sooner rather than later.

After holding a brief gathering in her sitting room, Padmé and Anakin retired to her bedchambers for the night. She strode to her closet, pulling out a light blue shimmersilk nightgown and was about to change in the fresher when she noticed Anakin standing oddly still in the doorway.

"What's wrong?"

He stiffly shrugged. "Nothing."

Padmé scrunched her face, uncertain of what troubled him when it struck her. While they had had many passionate moments together, they had never consummated their relationship. That is, until now. She could feel his nervousness as if it was her own. The confident young warrior, who had staved off assassination attempts and faced death on more occasions than she cared to count, was trembling.

He doesn't know what to do.

Padmé was no expert herself. What little knowledge she did possess on the subject would have to suffice for them both. She had always felt that this, like politics, was generally about looking like you know what you are doing. If nothing else, she needed to appear confident for Anakin's sake. Eventually, nature would run its course.

"Relax my love," she suggested softly. "Why don't you make yourself comfortable while I change?"

"Alright," he said as she noticed him nervously swallow.

Turning about, she slowly strode into the refresher with her nightgown in hand. For a moment she considered disrobing in front of him. But she then thought the better of it as he would probably be too shocked by her audacity. Besides, they were young and had a lifetime to look forward to.

Padmé had to keep some mystery about herself.

She found it oddly quick to change. Perhaps it had to do with being able to do it herself rather than having the handmaidens argue about which nightgown she should wear? The way they would often carry on made it seem like the state of the planet rested solely upon what she wore to bed. Padmé tousled her long hair, which had been tied back in a single braid for the ceremony. She knew that Anakin loved to see her with her hair down. The happiness that would fill his face when she wore it loosely always made her smile.

And she was not about to disappoint him.

Taking a step back from the long mirror, Padmé quickly inspected herself. She couldn't help beaming as she caught the sparkle of her ring in the reflection. By the spirits how she loved him. She was his wife. Nothing could ever change that. Flipping off the lightswitch, Padmé returned to her bedroom to find Anakin already underneath the covers of her—their—large bed.

"I see you made yourself quite comfortable." She joked, trying to lighten the mood.

He smiled mischievously. "How is it that I don't have nearly as comfortable sheets?"

Padmé chuckled, thankful that he was behaving like himself again. "There are certain perks to being the Queen."

"Are there now?"

She allowed her shimmersilk robe to fall to the floor as she swung herself into bed—their bed. "Yes," Padmé finally replied planting a kiss on his lips.

"I see," Anakin remarked with his head resting firmly upon his hand.

She moved closer, wrapping her arms around his muscular body, which had grown during his exile. "I promise I won't bite."

His face noticeably scrunched. He suddenly looked quite serious. "But what if I want you to bite?"

Padmé paused, studying his features for any hint that he was joking. Her face suddenly became flushed. She felt hot. "Well, I..." Then he laughed that laugh that made her heart soar. Playfully, she slapped the side of his arm. "You're teasing me."

"Never," he replied with mock astonishment. "I would be much too fearful to tease a Queen."

"You most certainly will pay for that, my dear husband." In one motion, Padmé jumped on him, forcing Anakin onto his back. She then pinned him down with her hands while tightly squeezing his hips together with her legs.

"I was counting on that my darling bride."

Quickly succumbing to passion, Padmé briefly wondered who was truly the more knowledgeable one. A second later, as his hands stroked the contours of her body, she found that she didn't care in the slightest.

TBC-Thoughts, comments and suggestions are always welcomed and appreciated!