AN: Hello guys! Again thank you for your comments and I will really make this note quick, because you are all dying to read about that kiss.
Chapter 20 (Part II)
Vader's P.O.V.
Vader fidgeted uncomfortably in the shuttle that was about to make planetfall on Corouscant. His master had informed him that he wants to celebrate the fall of an Outer Rim coalition under the Empire's rule.
"It will only be a small gathering, my friend. I am assured you will attend personally?" rang the question of his master in Vader's ear.
Funny was that his master's invitation was formulated as a question, but behind the nice phrasing a clear order was hidden.
A small gathering…that means that there will probably be 200 people.
The problem was that the young dark sider absolutely hated attending social gatherings.
His master, however, seemed to adore them. The apprentice never understood how someone could actually enjoy being surrounding by so many false people. Most of the invitee were stuck-up, ignorant and simply deserved being invited into the Empire's Inner Circle because they were born into the right family.
Not like you…Never like you…
He hated how the female guests sweetly complimented each other's hair and silky robes, but never failed to express their true opinion once the aggrieved party left the scene. Most male guests were no better. Some drank too much, laughed too loudly and began coquetting heavily perfumed ladies more directly when the moon stood highest. To be fair the military officers that were attending weren't too bad of a company. Sometimes they were even fun to talk to. Usually timid with the drinks...
Ergo the group under his command was very unlike the aristocrats and the industrialists, who seemed to follow the credo that you should never let a good wine go to waste… Vader already knew how the upper class would look at him as soon as he arrived. Obviously no one dared to bother him or show him any disrespect. If this was due to his new position as Lord of the Sith itself or because of his military rank, Vader didn't know. Nevertheless even with his high status in the military of the Empire, the rich still gave him a feeling to not belong among them as no one sought to converse with him.
And they were right about their assumption.
Just like you don't belong with the Senator.
Yes, his traitorous mind had begun picturing the witty brunette as a potential associate after he had almost crushed her wrist. Or was it even before?
Force…this sounds all wickedly wrong…
The force user knew that Amidala was supposed to be his enemy. He knew how wrong he had treated her in the beginning – and he was sure that the woman was clever enough to figure out that lately he behaved strangely around her.
I shouldn't have brought her onto my ship.
Scowling as the thought passed his mind, Vader turned to check his reflection.
Not that I had a choice…if I had left her- Force knows what those perverted idiots would have done with her…
The matureness of his protective thoughts contrasted with the look he received after checking his reflection. His face still looked young, almost innocent. His hair was longer than he usually tended to keep it, probably because in the last months he had planned the downfall of the Republic in every waking hour so he hadn't got time to visit a hairdresser... However in his opinion the style suited him strangely. He thought himself to look a bit more mature with it, especially because facial hair was still non-existent on his cheeks.
What was Amidala actually thinking of him?
Did she think him handsome in return?
Or does she only see the monster?
The thought angered him. He was no monster. He was a kriffing hero! The bringer of peace and order!
They were fighting for the right cause. Why did the Senator fail to notice this?
While watching his tanned skin in the mirror, Vader's eyes fixated the ugly scar above his right eye. He remembered how he had obtained the mark by fighting Assaj Ventress a few years ago, how that bloody Dathomirian got lucky and brushed his eye with her sparkling lightsaber. Obviously he had beheaded her at the end of their battle as a punishment …but the permanent damage was done. Actually now he wondered why he had refused the wound to get treated with bacta after his return, so that it wouldn't leave a permanent scar – but the reason was so simple it made the dark sider smile: 1. Physical appearance was unimportant to a Sith and 2. it was a good reminder to never underestimate your opponent.
Who would have thought that I would become self-conscious about this… and all of an infuriating woman!
Too cynical? Perhaps. It didn't matter anyway… Amidala would be given Clovis after he completed his mission.
"Lord Vader, Sir" echoed the voice of the pilot out of a speaker, while the gloved fist of the force user clenched.
The Sith turned automatically in direction of the voice, even if he was all alone in the passenger transport part of the ship. "We are about to enter the sphere of the Capital. Please have a seat and follow the safety instructions."
Vader growled at that and felt a ping of jealousy mix with his nervousness.
Ugh…let the show begin now… thought the blonde tensely before leaving his mirror image behind in order to take a seat.
Padmé's P.O.V.
To the Nubian's surprise Vader had already left for the merry gathering before her and left her in the care of Bemere to get to the Emperor's Palace.
Entering the expensively decorated ball room, Padmé greeted a few prominent faces reluctantly. A few of her former Senator colleagues, who were in favour of Palpatine's rule, were eagerly talking and nipping on their wine. However the crowd did not only consist of known-faces. There were various royals from associated systems, even a Hutt ambassador was lurking in a corner and speaking to the heir of the Atlas Corp.
The brunette exhaled carefully while finding a free spot she could spend the night at rather undetected from any unpleasant company. However instead of following her instincts to find a safe spot, the former Queen caught herself searching for a certain someone.
Vader.
Was he already here?
How did he behave at a party?
Did he speak to others, laugh and perhaps dance with ladies?
I can't picture him dancing…
Would he be hiding his face? Or did everyone from this circle know what the dark apprentice looked like underneath the hood?
Somehow Padmé hoped for the latter, because wouldn't it mean that she was special as he did not reveal his blonde locks from her?
"Ah…look, Lady Amidala! How do you do?" sounded a voice from behind the Nubian and she immediately knew whom the creepy tone belonged to. Fey'ryn Kruobek.
The mere thought of the woman let the blood freeze in her veins.
What does she want?
"Good evening. How do you do?" retorted the Nubian unceremoniously and turned to face the strange fellacat. The woman stood tall in contrast to Padmé's slender statute. Her cat like features were almost hidden unrecognizably under her military parade uniform in the dim lit light of the ball room of the Emperor's Palace.
"You seemed in deep thoughts…I hope I didn't disturb you" answered Fey'ryn observingly.
If you saw that I am deep in thoughts…why bother me?
"Absolutely not. You never disturb me, Fey'ryn."
Did I get worse with lying casually?
The beautiful soldier simply nodded, hiding that she knew how disliked she was by the Senator while guiding her champagne flute towards her sharply painted lips.
"If you excuse me now, Fey'ryn. I think I spotted the person I was looking for" spoke Padmé now firmly, giving her conversational partner a polite nod.
As Amidala thought that she was able to rid herself from the woman's presence, Fey'ryn lunged swiftly forward to whisper something against Padmé's ears: "I know you have convinced the Emperor to spare you, however I don't know how you did it. But I am watching you, trait-!"
What?
"The Granz Vezir is looking for you, Fey'ryn."
It was the voice she would recognize everywhere. Vader!
What is he now? Saviour or captor?
Gooesebumps spread on the back of the Nubian, while she felt every hair of her back stand up in sweet anticipation.
"Lord Vader" hissed Fey'ryn, an almost knowing smile plastered on her lips after she retreated from the Senator.
"Then I shall not leavve him look for me any longer, or?" With another polite nod towards the second in command of the Empire standing behind Padmé's back, the fellacat left the couple alone.
"Senator" greeted the dark sider coldly and Padmé couldn't resist the urge to turn towards him.
Kriff. Why am I blushing so hard?
And indeed, the blush was not badly timed. Vader stood there in all his glory. His hair falling lazily against the sides of his jawline, rich but dark fabric hanging over his muscular shoulder and a hint of gold shimmering in his eyes.
Has she mentioned the toned muscles standing out on his neck, yet?
"Lord Vader" greeted Padmé back shyly, knowing that her cheeks must betray that she found her captor handsome.
Obviously Vader didn't miss this part.
His lips parted by the sight of her, locking eyes with the far more petite Nubian after noticing her flushed cheekbones. Now the same colour was blooming on the Sith apprentice's tanned skin, too, which made Padmé smile a bit.
"How come you left without me?"
As if bitten by a nexu, Vader's mimic darkened and he seemed to collect himself. Did he just suspiciously glance around, checking their surrounding?
"Is everything alright?"
The line of Vader's lips curled downward.
"Yes, obviously. Everything is fine" he replied rather harshly
Why is he behaving all prick-like again? Perhaps I should try with light conversation attempt?
"Don't you like parties? I bet you- with Palpatine as your Patron, this is not your first time on a pa-."
"No" answered the warrior shortly while averting his eyes. The topic seemed to be uncomfortable for him.
Alright...?
"Perhaps…" she admited and Vader seemed to instictinvely knew, that something else was about to follow: "You could tell me more about-."
"We are not bonding"
Not only his second interruption, but again with such an idiotic answer!
"Bonding" she mimicked his remark stiffly.
"We are merely talking. I wouldn't want to bond with you" she retorted decisively. The disclosure was aimed to hurt the complicated Sith, because the Nubian knew deep down that Palpatine's apprentice wanted to be regarded in a good way by her.
"I advise you to leave, Senator and pester someone who cares with your questions" bit the Sith back, clearly dismissing her.
Padmé gulped.
Really?
That bloody nerf-herder! May he rot in hell with his device – she wouldn't help him any longer even if he begged!
Actually Padmé had to blink a couple of times after receiving Vader's statement. Fine. If he wanted a game of hot and cold, he may as well have it!
Just in that moment the Palace guards sounded a trumpet and signalised the generous host's arrival.
Without even glancing in Vader's direction during the evening after leaving Palpatine's dog behind…
Vader's P.O.V.
He needed to act carefully, no one – especially not his master – may notice his special feelings towards the Senator.
But why did he rush to help Amidala the minute Fey'ryn threatened to intimidate her anyway?
Why couldn't he resist the pull the of Amidala's light?
This is your chance to become her saviour…! the annoying voice of a boy long dead had coerced him to step into action. And he, Darth Vader, followed the command and went to scare away the interferer.
However the smirk Fey'ryn had given him after leaving the Senator behind made his stomach turn. It was as if she knew something…. He needed to act carefully.
Hardly anyone in the small leadership circle around his master knew that Amidala was to be given to Clovis after he completed his task. They were merely informed that the Senator was still usefull for their goal...So her status had changed from useful traitor tool to useful bargain chip.
Deep inside Vader hated how the Senator was reduced to a status of a trading object – but he couldn't do anything about it!
I hope Clovis fails… he is an idiot, anyway.
But what if he won't?
No, he mustn't think that way! It was vital for the Empire to have the rebelling Banking Clan firmly secured under their rule… not that he wouldn't be able to convince them to join with a visit of his lightsaber…
He took a glass of liquor from one of the serving droids and emptied it at once.
Shab! That taste's vile…
And when had he started to drink anyway?
This is what you do when you have problems. Drink them away.
Unintentionally the blonde stole another glance in direction of the Senator. She was standing there among some ladies, who probably fed her the same superficial praises they had offered another lady only minutes ago. But what made Vade content was to finally see a relaxed look on her face and couldn't fail to notice how her eyes sparkled. Or was it simply the reflection of the Senator's dark sequin dress in her eyes?
At least she is not talking with man…throwing herself at them…
"Vader, my friend" interrupted his master just the right second before his traitorous thoughts could evolve into something more…
"Master, it is a splendid feast" offered Vader and immediately cleared his mind, hoping that his master didn't notice his distraction.
"Bread and circuses, my friend. That is what secures our reign" breathed the older Sith in a satisfied way, before he put an arm around Vader's shoulder.
"And I thought it was tactics and the glow of our lightsabers?" Vader heard himself mutter a cynical comment.
His master simply stopped his pace and locked his golden eyes with the ones of his tall apprentice: "Indeed. But we don't want them to know…" With a final chuckle, the man led Vader away from the hall so they could converse more privately….
Padmé's P.O.V.
It was well past midnight after Padmé had been escorted back to Vader's ship above the Capital. She couldn't deny that she felt relieved that the evening had ended.
Most people whom she somewhat enjoyed speaking to could hardly be considered as acquaintances from the days of the old Republic… the other conversation she had to lead were with the supporters of Palpatine. And let's put it the way that neither Padmé nor the upstarts were very keen on conversing for a long time.
Then there was Fey'ryn…and Vader.
That bloody idiot, Vader. Where had he left with Palpatine?
Were they planning something?
After walking along a corridor with C3PO mumbling inconsequential stuff behind the Senator in robes, the droid stopped after receiving an order via his installed comm.
"Oh, yes master. I will bring her, immediately" replied the droid dutifully and quickly asked Padmé to stop her walk towards her chambers.
"Lady Amidala, my master asks for your presence. Please follow me…"
Padmé exhaled exhaustedly.
What does he want now?
Apology? Force choke or the exchange of tenderness?
One could never be certain when Vader was involved.
Knowing that she won't be able to avoid meeting the master of the golden protocol droid, she nodded towards C3PO and asked him to lead the way…
As they reached the corridor before Vader's office, Bemere showed up from an opposite corridor.
"Padmé! What are you doing here?" questioned the woman sounding rather surprised.
"Officer Brandes! What a surprise!" expressed C3PO excitedly. "Master asked me to lead Lady Amidala to his office."
Padmé noticed on Bemere's face that the information got her thinking.
But why?
"Alright C3PO. I will take Lady Amidala to Vader. I need to speak with her anyway."
"But-"
"No, we don't need your assistance anymore."
C3PO glanced from one woman to the other, before excusing himself and muttering something about Bemere being rude…
"I don't know what Lord Vader wants with me at this hour…" stated Padmé sincerely, trying to figure out of Bemere's reaction if she knew why the dark sider required her presence.
Bemere simply shook her head while continuing to lead the way.
After they had turned around the next corner, Padmé felt herself being pushed roughly against the cold wall of the corridor.
Startled the Nubian looked into her handmaiden's face. With Bemere's hand on her shoulder, Padmé noted that the other woman now looked terrified and the fact frightened the Senator, too.
"Padmé, listen carefully" whispered her handmaid and checked the corridor.
The Nubian felt her heartbeat quicken. What was going on?
"Listen, Padmé. This is no joke" slithered the words from the female officer's tongue.
"I don't under-"
"Hush and listen" Bemere emphasized again and pushed the Senator more firmly against the walls.
"We have mutual friends. They encouraged me to give you this whenever I see fit" continued the newly appointed handmaid conspiratorially before putting her hand inside her officer jacket to pull out a small…gun.
"Wha-?!"
"End this now, Padmé. Without Vader the galaxy the Resistance will have a chance."
Now Padmé's heart was almost jumping out of her ribcage as Bemere carefully shoved the weapon towards her hand.
The Resistance. So there was an opposition! Her friends, probably Bail, Mon, Ackbar…they still believed in her and fought for the right cause!
Amazing!
But could she do it?
Could she end Vader's life with a precise shot?
With trembling hands the brunette took the weapon firmly and attempted to hide it in her sleeve.
"Why are you- doing this, Bemere?"
The brown orbs of the woman met and the silence stretched the seconds.
"I owe you. I never told you that as a child I used to live on Naboo. We were starving during the blockade. My baby sister was eating shreds of our linen cloths in order not to starve…and then you ended it all with your courage. My sister still lives. This is how I repay my debt to you, Queen Amidala."
Padmé felt her eyes water, but thought back the tears.
"Thank you…" whispered the former royal touched.
"There are two bullets, my Lady. One for him and one for…you" whispered Bemere once again and gave Padmé's shoulder one last squeeze before leaving her.
"What about you-?"
"Don't think about me. I have a set up precautions."
Could she believe Bemere? Would she be tortured after her treason comes to light?
"May the force be with you, my Lady." The smile on the officer's lips were sincere.
Padmé nodded, now processing that her life was about to end soon.
Was she ready?
The Resistance expected her to make the right call.
I can't help them in any other way!
What If Vader stopped her- no, she mustn't think of failing…
With being so under stress, Padmé almost missed the door to Vader's office.
Kriff…I need to act normal. NORMAL Padmé!
Again only a few seconds passed until the doors opened themselves, which was probably Vader's doing from inside the dark room. Inside the dragon's den the calm of the galaxy greeted her. Vader only presented her his back, sitting at his usual spot on the great table…
She approached him like he usually did. With calm but swift steps.
Her heart was furiously pumping blood to her brain.
Could Vader actually hear how nervous she was? Would he become suspicious?
Finally coming to halt behind him, the smell of liquor hit the Senator's nose and through a peek over the Sith's broad shoulder's, Amidala clearly saw the source of the sweet odour.
Vader was drinking alcohol.
By the look of the bottle...he had plenty of this Corellian whisky, yet!
Now or never! Even within her thought Padmé heard her voice tremble…
With shaking hands she quickly let the small gun appear out of her sleeve and pressed it against Vader's skull.
The dark sider froze in motion. However a few seconds later she feels Vader lean back, so the gun bored even further in his head of hair.
"Do it" he dared her with a hoarse hiss.
However Padmé only stood there, indesisively shaking so hard that the gun was resonating in her hands.
"If I don't kill you now…you will destroy the Galaxy"
Staying calm the man answered: "Probably. I will destroy worlds, stars and lifes." It sounds almost like a confession, but there was not a single bit of repentance in the force user's quiet response.
Padmé took air in her lungs. She was nervous.
The air seemed to burn... but her finger still wander onto the cold steel of the trigger.
She was poisitively trembling now. Why hadn't she fired yet?
A few seconds passed.
She was gulping- but still hadn't overcome her doubts...
Out of nowhere the gun flew was pushed out of her hands. A metallic sound echoed as the weapon hit the floor...
I have screwed up.
Vader also jumped up, probably drawing out his lightsaber.
Ironic was that she had failed to assassinate her enemy, but he woudln't show her the same degree of mercy. Now she would have to die for her mistake. The brunette closed slowly her eyes, while her eyebrows contract in the anticipation of the end.
But instead of death something soft pressed eagerly against her lip.
They were warm. Smelled of licqour and sang a song about hunger. Then a pair of of arms followed, which were pulling her into the Sith's frame.
Padmé felt overwhelmed. She wanted to smile and to cry at once. She felt sad and angry, but also embarrased and happy.
Opening her hazel eyes the former Queen met Vader's blue orbs.
Shocked the Senator stood there and Vader ended the kiss almost tenderly.
"Why?" heard Padmé her voice whisper through the dimly litted office.
Vader's face, which usually didn't give away his emotions, told a story of their own.
There was fear.
Uncertainty.
And a flush of pink, mixed with a demanding look.
Vader almost looks like a disturbed school boy.
An incredible handsome…
Padmé still felt the man's spit against her open lip and slowly dragged her lip accross her lip. With a racing pulse she awaited the tall man's answer.
"I tried to stay away! You are to blame now…" Vader whispered desperately while pressing his forehead gently against the brunettes.
As the Nubian didn't retreat. He closed the distance and once again pressed his hungry lips against Padmé's mouth. He was fierce. Getting more intense with every passing second.
And finally, Padmé gave in. Her lips began moving rhythmically against Vader's demand, only breaking to draw breath. The encouragement was enough for the force user and so he quickly lifted the Senator up in order to hold her tighter.
Padmé embaraced her captor's hold with placing her hand securely on the tall warrior's chest.
Vader broke the kiss. Panting now.
Was he now really smiling mischievously?
Smug idiot...
"You are truly an infuriating woman, Senator."
The Nubian tilted her head, unsure of what to make out of his sentece. But this was not all, because the Sith continued: "Look at you, totally shameless. Returning my advances even though you shouldn't."
Padmé looked at him, knowing that she had just betrayed her friends and he knew about it..
"And here I am, trying so hard not to fall in your trap."
AN: SOOOO! How did you like it?
I absolutely enjoyed writing this chapter and loves how our strong Sith is acting.
Comments are highly appriciated!