Author's Note: Hello everyone! Long time indeed. I apologize profusely, but tis life. I had midterms to study for and a general school overload. Well, I have a brief reprieve and decided to update. This chapter is kinda long as a peace offering. Hopefully its a nice one, :P. I've been watching a lot of romantic movies so that might be a strong influence with the current direction of the story. (Ahh the Cinderella moments)
Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter and reads the story. I appreciate it. I must thank 'Guest' for popping a review in my mailbox and letting me know I had to get my act together! I hope you enjoy! xoxox
Thanks to my beta Kolodey.
Darth Vader walked through the dimly lit hallway to his office. The penthouse was now quiet as the twins, Atina, and Padmé were asleep. Vader loved the long nights he kept, as he had the whole house to himself. He used the quiet time to sort through his jumbled thoughts. He entered his office and shut the door. Moving to the window, Vader stood with his back to the door and clasped his hands behind him as he often liked to do when he meditated.
The weather had began to clear up. Snowflakes were no longer flying across the skyline wildly but instead now floated past the window gently. Vader took and deep breath and prepared to submerge himself in the force.
As he did so, a soft whine at the door drew Vader out of his preparation, the whine was followed by insistent scratching at the door. A small smile twinged Vader's face as he raised his hand and used the force to open the door.
Bleu entered the room wagging his tail excitedly. He ran over to his master and sat beside the dark lord. Vader reached down to pat the large dog. When the twins had pleaded for a pet Vader had been skeptical about the whole idea. However, Owen had spouted about the benefits of pets in a home, claiming they helped teach children responsibility.
Not wanting to say no to the twins, Vader had caved and they had adopted Bleu from a local pet shelter. The twins lavished Bleu with affection, however when it came to choosing a favorite family member Bleu had surprised everyone by choosing Vader. Atina tutted about the fact that she was the one who fed Bleu, but it was clear where the furry creature's loyalties lay. Vader found it odd that dog prefered his company over the others, but had now grown used to it, and actually expected it.
Vader once more gathered the force around him so he could submerge himself into it. Bleu lay down quietly while Vader meditated. Vader remained floating between reality and his thoughts for several hours. The time spent earlier with Padmé and the twins had served to calm him and the dark lord found submerging himself in the dark side even harder than before. Grimacing, Vader called to mind several of his most painful memories and allowed the anger, hate and pain he had felt in the past to brew.
Meditation of the dark side was a torture in itself. Vader was forced to dig into the dark depths of his mind, where he often hid the painful memories he wanted to forget, and retrieve them. Vader sighed knowing he had been immersed in the light side of the force. Now he was forced to meditate on the dark side, before his master noticed the imbalance. He used the stark emotions associated with the memories to drive his connection with dark side. Vader often marveled that no matter how often he did this, the memories still felt as painful as the day they had happened.
A soft step sounded outside the open door and Bleu looked up with a growl. He sat up and gave a short excited bark of recognition. Vader eyes snapped open and he turned to find Padmé watching him. He almost stilled as her overwhelming emotions hit him.
From the look of fear on her face, Vader knew his eyes reflected the dark thoughts that had been present in his mind earlier. Swallowing quickly and shoving his thoughts aside, Vader acknowledged her. "Did you want something?" he asked, hoping to put her at ease.
Padmé eyes fluttered and her mouth opened. "I...no, I didn't realize this was your office" she said. "I must have taken a wrong turn in the hallway"
Vader raised an eyebrow, while the penthouse was big it wasn't confusing enough for Padmé to lose her way. "I see" he said moving to his desk, Bleu got up and headed for Padmé but stopped when Vader cast him a warning look. Padmé turned to leave when Vader stopped her. "Are you alright?" he asked.
Padmé gave a rueful smile. "It's nothing, I can't sleep is all" she said.
Vader frowned, from the waves of weariness and worry she was giving off to the force he was sure something more serious was going on. "Is that all? Insomnia is often caused by worry" he stated.
It was Padmé's turn to frown. "I am pretty sure I would be the first to know if something was bothering me, Ani" she said untruthfully.
"Don't call me that" Vader said shortly. He hated that insipid name and the memories associated with it. Padmé flinched at his words and Vader regretted his harsh tone. Thinking quickly he said, "Do you want something to drink to help you relax? Coffee perhaps?"
Padmé's shoulders relaxed. "I am trying to go to sleep, not stay up." she said in a teasing tone.
Vader shrugged. "Tea then, or that sugary chocolate stuff Luke and Leia like" he said.
Padmé's face lit up at the suggestion and she smiled. "Hot chocolate sounds lovely" she said.
Vader's heart stopped for a moment as she smiled at him. It had been a while since he had seen her smile, for him. Just him, not the twins or Atina. Trying to ignore his skipping heart, Vader walked around his desk, joined his wife at the door and they headed to the kitchen. Bleu followed the couple sniffing at Padmé in open curiosity.
Once in the kitchen, Vader prepared coffee for himself and hot some chocolate for Padmé. Padmé sat by slightly uncomfortable as her husband made the chocolate, she couldn't help but feel awkward that Vader was serving her . Bleu stood in front of her wagging his tail and watching her with a smile on his doggy face. Hesitantly Padmé reached over to pet the odd creature. Bleu moved away from her slipped beneath the table while Vader retrieved two cups from the cabinet.
Minutes later Vader handed her a steaming cup of hot chocolate and took a seat opposite Padmé. Padmé took a sip and sighed appreciatively.
"This is really good, you should try it" she said.
Vader made a face. "No thanks" he said sipping his bitter coffee. "Never understood Luke and Leia's obsession with it"
Padmé laughed. "They are such lovely children" she said almost wistfully. "And they are so close"
Vader snorted. "Sure they are, you are yet to witness them having one of their epic arguments. Seriously, at times I wonder if they love each other" he shook his head. "Then two minutes later they are laughing like they are best friends and I am left feeling confused"
Padmé laughed again. "Have they always been like that?"
"Not always, Leia has become more independent since her adoption. When I just got them, she let Luke do everything for her and never really spoke." Vader said. "I thought she was quiet, but she is actually quite cheeky"
"Reminds me of someone I know" Padmé said with an arched eyebrow at Vader. Vader shook his head in disagreement. Padmé gave a small smile and looked down into her cup of chocolate. "How long have you had them?" she said in a low voice.
"Four years. It's a decision I don't regret," Vader said "And I have no doubts as to who Luke and Leia father is. They are my children no matter what some birth certificate says"
Padmé looked at him with an odd expression. "Well, I am sure they feel the same way about you." she said. "I'd would never guess they weren't your children" She continued to study her beverage before she asked in a low voice. "How did the twins parents handle the adoption?"
Vader frowned at the question and wondered why Padmé wanted to talk about the twins past. She had always seemed fascinated by them. But why such details? "I wouldn't know, Luke and Leia were orphans. I adopted them from an orphanage in Alderaan."
Padmé started as if his last words caused a realization and she upset her cup of hot chocolate over the table. "Oh no," she said as they both stood up quickly to avoid the dripping chocolate. "I'm sorry, I don't know where my mind is" she apologised.
Vader shook his head. "It's fine Padmé" he said grabbing a towel and sopping up the mess on the table. Padmé grabbed another towel and cleaned up the floor. When they were done, Padmé threw her towel in the sink and washed her hands. "Thanks for the chocolate, I think I'll give sleep another try" she said.
"Are you sure?" Vader asked. "I was going to make you another cup" he was pretty sure Padmé had not even drunk half of the previous cup.
Padmé hurriedly shook her head. "No that's fine. Thanks anyway. Goodnight" she said practically fleeing the room.
Vader stared after her in confusion. He replayed their conversation, trying to figure out what he had said to spook her like that. He finally decided that perhaps Padmé was just tired, he headed back to his office to continue his meditation.
Padmé hurried as fast as possible from the kitchen. Her mind was going at a hundred miles a per minute. She entered Vader's bedroom and shut the door. Leaning against it, Padmé finally stopped to catch her breath and simply felt the rapid beat of her own heart. This couldn't be possible, it had to be impossible. Her own Luke and Leia had last been in an orphanage in Alderaan. She had missed them four years ago because a man had adopted them. The kind Mrs Akan had said the twins had been adopted by a single father. Vader was single.
Was it possible that she had been looking everywhere else, but the last place she expected? Had her children...no their children had been with their father all this time? Padmé bit her lip as a mixture of unbidden tears of relief, dismay and grief began to pour down her cheeks.
As happy as she was that she had most likely found her lost children, there was a voice screaming in her head. The voice in her mind was telling her how much more complicated things were. Right now, everything she wanted was in one place. The one place she had no business being and that was in Vader's home.
She didn't know whether to cry or jump in joy. All she could think about was what she was going to do with the information she now had. She couldn't possibly leave Vader and her children now could she?
Padmé moved from the door to the window. There was no way sleep was coming to her now. Her mind would keep her up for the remainder of the night. Padmé glanced out and noticed for the first time in days she could see a few twinkling stars. She had always thought of stars as a sign of hope or an assurance that some higher power was looking out for her. As she stared out at the stars that she had often looked at during her lonely nights, Padmé made a decision.
Instead of running off as soon as the weather cleared as she had intended to do. She would stay. Just for awhile. There were several things she had to consider now. If she could confirm for certain that Luke and Leia were indeed her children, then regardless of the risks of her being a rebel, she would have some claim in her children's lives. Even if it meant living with Vader for the rest of her life.
"Finally! I was considering building a kriffing weather machine and fixing the nasty weather!" Vader announced as he entered the dining room. He was feeling extremely pleased with the way things were going.
In last few days, he had began to sense a shift in Padmé. She had more than softened towards him and she felt nothing but love for Luke and Leia. He at least knew his wife didn't hate him. She probably resented him, but now he knew she was still in love with him and he would remind her of how special their love was. Then they could be the family she had always wanted. "What was that? Some freak storm?" he taking his seat at the head of the table.
Triggered by the wild emotions of our love, Padmé thought as she played with her breakfast. Atina was a marvelous cook but Padmé just didn't feel very hungry. Her thoughts were plagued with questions concerning the two cheerful children opposite her.
Atina placed a tray in front of Vader. "Well I'd have been the first to congratulate you if you had" she said. "I am sick of seeing white outside. It's snowed for several days, for crying out loud. That's every nanny's nightmare" she said shooting Luke and Leia a look. It had been a challenge to keep the two children entertained during the terrible storm.
"Good thing its over" Vader said to Atina as she turned to leave the room. He had never been a fan of extreme weather, particularly cold weather. "However, I might build that machine just in case" he added casting a glance at the gloomy skyline.
Luke looked up excited. "Really Dad? You can build a weather machine?" His father could do anything.
"Don't be stupid nettlebrain. He's joking" Leia said mimicking Padmé's placement of hands as she ate.
Luke stuck his tongue out at his sister. "I like this weather! We were supposed to be in school. Yet here we are...FREE" he said waving his arms wildly.
He knocked over a jar of juice but fortunately Vader suspended the jug and the juice droplets in the air. He gave Luke a look before floating the juice back into the jug. "Well let's keep our freedom to our side of the table, shall we?" he said grabbing the jug from the air and placing it on the table.
Luke nodded sheepishly and continued to eat. Atina entered the room. "Apparently the communication is back up. Moff Tarkin is waiting to speak with you"
Vader looked up with a look of distaste on his face. "You couldn't have let him think we were still disconnected?" he asked.
Leia waved her hand in front of her crinkled nose. "Is it the stinky man?" she asked.
A laugh escaped Padmé's lips and she covered it up quickly with a cough when Vader shot her a look. However, Padmé saw the glint of amusement in his eyes. He turned to Leia. "Leia what have I said about name calling?" he asked in a patient voice.
"Sorry, but he really stinks Daddy, it's like a wet wookie that fell in bantha poo" she said apologetically.
"Nah, it's more like a dead rancor's guts and a wet wookie that died in bantha poo" Luke added a matter of factly, as he poured himself some more juice.
Padmé held her napkin to her face and collapsed into helpless laughter. Vader's mouth's twitched but he didn't break into laughter. Vader stood up slowly, "Leia and Luke, that is not polite" he said in a measured tone, still he couldn't stop the dry smile that crossed his face.
Vader left the room and entered his office. The face of Moff Tarkin greeted him coldly. "Welcome back to reality Vader. I wish you would be more prompt in answering your calls. I have other business to attend to. Some of us aren't so lucky to be stuck in storms"
Vader's good mood disappeared with the sound of the Moff's voice. "Tarkin, you do realize I can kill you from here?I have no time to waste listening to your petty complaints" he said irritated.
Tarkin smothered a scoff and simply nodded. "Well then, to business I suppose. I am calling to invite you to the imperial ball of Karfeddion system" he said. "the ball is to celebrate the Empire's recent victories in keeping peace and bringing the system to Imperial standards." He bragged proudly.
Vader raised an eyebrow. The ball sounded like another ploy of propaganda to popularize the Empire in the eyes of the galaxy. Vader didn't care if people liked the Empire, he simply demanded that galaxy respected it and the justice it brought. Tarkin probably just wanted the publicity an appearance from the Emperor's second in command would bring. "When is it?" He asked disinterestedly.
"In a few days, I understand the weather has cleared up, so you should be able to make the trip." Tarkin said.
Vader bristled at Tarkin's demands. Tarkin continued to spout on not realizing he was annoying the Dark Lord. "It will be a lavish ball to celebrate the new and improved imperial Karfeddion. You may bring a date if you wish. Though if you don't have one, I am sure you won't lack company." he said maliciously.
Vader's bristled as he realized what the imperial officer was insinuating. "What makes you think I am attending?" Vader sneered back.
He knew Tarkin was being spiteful asking him to attend the one ball he had no interest in attending. Not only did Vader hate Karfeddion and what it stood for, he despised the noble family that ruled the planet. Including but not limited to the Duchess Leone of the House of Valdron.
The simpering woman was very influential imperialist in the Karfeddion system and ever since a brief encounter with Vader at one such an event, she had made it her personal life goal to woo the dark lord. It annoyed Vader to no end that the emperor expected him to tolerate her outrageous behavior. Her infatuation with Vader had become an inside joke among the higher ranking imperial officials, which aggravated the Dark Lord even more.
Tarkin smirked at Vader's words."I talked it over with his Majesty and he thinks it's a splendid idea." he said in a gloating voice.
Vader glared at the screen. He hated being backed into a corner, especially by someone lower in rank than he. "I see." He said in dark tone. " So neither you nor the delightful Lord Crueya Valdron thought to ask me directly before going to the Emperor?" Vader asked. He was annoyed at the various officials eager to put their names in front of the Emperor. Tarkin included.
"That didn't occur to us, no" Tarkin said defensively. "But, the Emperor says you are to attend. So you better be there. If you will excuse me, I have other business to attend to. Good day Lord Vader, " He said before cutting the connection.
Vader glowered at the disrespect. Not only had Tarkin forced him to attend a stupid ball, he had the gall to end the communication before Vader was done with him. He had half the mind to call Tarkin back and attempt to force choke the man via hologram. However, he had a much bigger problem on his hands, the Duchess Leone. Vader groaned at the very thought of the woman.
He walked back to the now quiet dining room in a thoroughly foul mood. The twins had cleaned their plates and headed to their room to play. Padmé sat by still finishing her food while Atina cleared up the rest dishes.
"Remember what I said about the weather?" Vader said resuming his seat. "Never mind that. I want it back and let the heaviest snow fall!"
Padmé smirked. "Why the change of heart?" she asked.
"Tarkin" Vader growled.
"What about him?" Padmé asked.
"He wants me to attend a stupid ball. He even went over my head to the Emperor about it" He said crossly. "And to make matters worse that woman..." Vader stopped and studied Padmé closely as if he was suddenly hit by an idea.
Atina smiled, familiar with who 'that woman' was. Padmé felt uncomfortable under Vader's sudden scrutiny. "Why are you staring at me?" she asked after a moment.
"You're going with me" he said in a decided tone. He then turned to finish his food now seemingly calm.
Padmé's eyes widened. She couldn't help the small flash of panic she felt. Had Vader realized she was a member of the Rebel Alliance? Even though she knew it was ridiculous, she couldn't stop the tremor in her voice. "Going with you? Where?!" she asked concernedly.
"To Tarkin's stupid ball" He said calmly.
His answer didn't relieve Padmé of her fears and she gasped in horror as she realized what this meant."Excuse me?!" she asked indignantly.
"This isn't a discussion, you're coming and that's final" Vader finished his coffee and stood up. Padmé glared at him as he walked past her. He looked so smug and pleased with himself. Atina who had watched all of this in silence, clapped her hands and cackled almost evilly.
"How did I get roped into this?" Padmé asked. Atina simply squealed with more laughter. "Why does he even want me to go with him?"
"Oh. You'll see" she said with another evil cackle.
Padmé fished in her vanity bag and pulled out a small jewelry box. She sighed as she sat down on Vader's large bed. The last remnants of falling snow had cleared up to reveal a white washed world with shiny skyscrapers.
The last few days had been like a stolen dream from a winter land fairy and the twins had began to include Padmé in their exclusive family circle. And Padmé had began to feel they were a family: the way they ate meals together at the table,or the laughter they shared when they played games together. Even Vader had dropped his stoic exterior and loosened up considerably.
Padmé found she loved watching him interact with the twins. It was the small things she loved about it, such as the way he gently chided the twins when they misbehaved or allowed them to cuddle next to him. It was a side of her husband that she had never witnessed and the more she saw it the more she was convinced he could be saved. That they could be a loving happy family.
However, the rational side of her, kept telling her it was just a lover's dream. the waning voice inside here were telling her she had to leave and soon, before she became further attached to her children or witnessed softer sides of her husband that were making her fall for him all over again. The more she stayed, the more she realized Vader was just a darker version of Anakin. Though the dark lord had tried hard to rid himself of all traces of Anakin, they were so ingrained, they came out without him even noticing. And Padmé didn't need be around that, it was too dangerous to her ever crumbling wall of emotional resistance when it came to Vader.
She opened the small jewelry box on her lap and opened the secret compartment. Inside was something she had thought about everyday, but hadn't worn in seven years. She pulled out the small japor snippet Anakin had given her years ago. It was supposed to bring her good fortune and for a while she was sure it had. But then everything had gone bad, and right now she could surely use some good fortune.
She was ready to admit that she was in love with Vader. The fact that she was able to admit that disturbed her greatly. At this moment, Vader and her had completely opposite ideals. He obviously believed that the work he had accomplished for the Empire was good, while she did not, she abhorred the Empire. Vader worked hard to cement the Empire and she did her best to undo that work.
Her life and work belonged with the Rebel Alliance. It certainly wasn't here with the twins and Vader. Padmé found it cruelly ironic that everything she wanted was in the one place she didn't want to be.
A soft knock sounded at the door and Padmé hurriedly stuffed the snippet into the small box. The last thing she needed was for Vader to know she was reminiscing about their past. "Who is it?" she asked.
"Leia. May I come in?"
"Sure." Padmé said throwing jewelry box under the covers. She looked up with smile as the small girl entered the room. Padmé was a little surprised Leia was approaching her. The girl was extremely attached to her father, and whenever he and Padmé had been at odds it was very clear as to whose side Leia was on. Padmé couldn't help but study the girl with different eyes. She looked for little signs that she was possibly her daughter. She noted the girl's determined look and couldn't help seeing a resemblance between Leia and herself.
Leia stepped in and smiled at her scrutiny shyly. "Hello" she said hiding something behind her back.
"Hey Leia, you two have been awfully quiet. Is everything alright?" Padmé asked.
Leia nodded. "I was drawing while Luke fixed Atina's chrono, he's always tinkering with stuff..." The little girl paused and moved from foot to foot. "I made something for you" she said finally.
Padmé smiled and patted the bed, encouraging Leia to sit beside her. "You did? Let me see" she asked.
Leia bounded onto the bed and handed her a datapad and Padmé gasped at what she saw. "It's our family." Leia explained "I thought you might like a picture of us. You know to start your collection? I know Daddy has several of my drawings"
Padmé traced the outlines of the five kiddie drawn figures on the screen she held in her hand. Leia had drawn her father, Luke, herself and placed Padmé beside them. Next to Padmé was Atina. All this was scrawled under the title 'Family'. The drawing was a picture of a very happy family. Padmé's heart ached and her eyes misted. "Oh Leia, it's beautiful"
"You like it?" Leia asked her little eyes lighting up. "I even put Bleu in it" she said pointing at the shaggy creature in the corner of the image.
"I see that. Thank you." Padmé said giving Leia a hug. "I'll transfer this to my datapad right now so I don't forget it" she said.
Leia beamed at her and returned her hug. She slipped off the bed and slipped out of the room, leaving Padmé to her thoughts. Padmé felt like hitting something. Things were getting so hard and complicated every day she spent here.
Why did Leia have to draw a picture of them as a family? Why did she have to be so sweet? Why did Luke have to have those adorable blue eyes that Padmé couldn't resist? Why did Vader...? No! Don't think about him, Padmé chided herself.
Then there was the most complicating issue of all, which involved the possibility that Luke and Leia were the children she had lost. Everything about their story was past a coincidence going on to glaring signs. Signs she couldn't ignore any longer.
The door opened stopping her confused thoughts and Atina entered with a clone trooper behind her. Both carried a bunch of dress boxes. Atina dumped them on the bed and moved aside while the clone trooper did the same. Padmé looked at the fancy boxes in shock. "What are those?" she asked.
"Your clothes, Milady" Atina said.
"My clothes?!" Padmé gasped.
Atina nodded. "Yes all the latest fashions from the top designers. His lordship didn't know what you would like to wear to the ball, so he had the whole lot shipped in. There are more boxes downstairs" she said. She looked at the already large pile on the bed and shook her head. "He seemed mighty pleased with himself this morning. I was wondering why"
Padmé eyes widened. "So, he figured he would try and bribe me into attending the ball with him?"
"No. He is making sure that you do attend the ball with him" Atina said with a smirk.
Padmé scowled defiantly "Well I am not going. So you can send these boxes back to whichever designer's house they came from!" Padmé said indignantly.
Atina snorted and cocked her head to the side. "Now Milady, are you sure you don't even want to take a peek? Some of these dresses are really nice."
Padmé caught a glimpse of her favorite designer house and bit her lip in hesitation. Atina raised an eyebrow and Padmé cleared her throat "No!" she affirmed mostly to herself.
Atina shrugged "Your choice. But one ball can't hurt. The man's been pining for you all these years, surely you can go to one stupid dinner with him?" Atina said before she ushered the trooper out and left the room.
Padmé was annoyed. How dare he assume she would just go to a ball with him if he dumped a bunch of expensive clothes in her face? Well, he could throw his new money around all he liked. Padmé wouldn't even take a sniff of the clothes.
As she proceeded to march to the bathroom, a glistening cloth caught her eye and she stopped. One peep couldn't hurt, Padmé reasoned. She pulled the soft pink dress out of its box and gasped softly as she admired it. It was satin with gold accents and by her favorite designer.
Maybe I should try it on. Padmé thought. She took the ball gown to the bathroom and slipped it on. It fit her perfectly. The dress fitted close at the waist before flaring out. Padmé turned to look in the mirror and sighed. She had missed dressing up for events. She bit her lip as she thought One ball couldn't hurt could it?
"I like this one!" Leia said holding up a blue and white dress. Padmé and the twins were in the living room perusing the stacks of dress boxes for the perfect gown. Padmé had enlisted the help of Leia while Atina had begged off saying fancy clothes weren't her area of expertise. Luke simply sat observing Padmé and Leia gush over gowns with a look of apathy.
Padmé smiled at Leia's enthusiasm. "So do I, let's put it aside with others" She turned to where Luke was sitting bored amongst the piles of tissue paper and boxes. "Luke don't you like anything?" she asked.
Luke scrunched up his nose. "They are all fine, but they're kinda all girly stuff" he said.
"So you don't like any of them?"
Luke shrugged. "I don't know...Not really"
"Well, why don't you come here and help me look for the perfect dress?" Padmé said. She was hoping to engage the boy and wipe the bored look off his face.
Luke looked uncertain but he nodded and made his way over to Padmé. Leia smiled at her brother and removed the lid of another box. She held up a lacy dress and made a face before she stuffed it back inside. Luke looked through the boxes with mild interest, holding up a few dresses he thought Padmé might like. Padmé politely put them aside not wanting to hurt the boy's feelings or discourage him from helping her.
Several minutes passed before Luke lifted the lid of another box and ruffled through it boredly. His eyes lit up as he removed the dress from the box.
"How about this one?" he asked suddenly interested. He held a black lace dress with a mauve underlay.
Padmé and Leia both looked up and gasped. Padmé took it from Luke. "Oh, Luke its perfect!" she said, "Leia, what do you think?"
"I think you'll be the belle of the ball in that! You'll make everyone jealous"
Padmé laughed. "I don't know about that. I think I've lost my touch for being the fashion beauty at these type of events. But I do like this one, it's simple but elegant" she said. "Luke, you found the right dress"
Luke looked pleased and grinned. "I didn't really like any of the others you picked." He admitted. "But this one is nice"
Leia looked at all the other unopened boxes sadly. "There are still so many boxes. Too bad they have to be sent back undiscovered" she said wistfully.
Padmé smiled. "Who says they have to? Now that we've found the 'one' we can look at the others purely for pleasure's sake."
Leia clapped her hands in delight and began to open the several of the boxes at once. Padmé laughed as Luke joined his sister. As she watched them Padmé was glad she had decided to stay even if it was just for a while. Even if her suspicions turned out to be incorrect, nothing in the world would make her regret spending time with these two children.
Padmé stood looking at the holograms of twins on the wall facing the turbolift. Luke and Leia had lovely smiles which they showed off in most of their pictures. She wondered about what they had been like when they were younger. Had they been fussy babies? Cheerful ones perhaps? Had they gone through the 'terrible twos' stage? There were so many questions going through her mind that she was dying to know the answers to. The turbolift whirled and opened behind her.
Padmé knew it was Vader without turning around. She could feel his sharp eyes as he watched her silently. Finally, Padmé couldn't stand it any longer and turned to face him. "What?" she asked slightly irritated.
"Nothing" Vader said.
"Well, what are you staring at then?" she asked.
Vader didn't reply and walked to the living room where Atina was directing the twins to clean up. Padmé followed behind him and hid a smile as Atina chased after Bleu who had a dress box lid in his mouth and was shaking it furiously. Vader took in the room. "Did you find something?"
"To wear? Yes. But I resent you making decisions for me. You could have asked me to go with you instead of demanding"
"You would have said no" he replied. Padmé opened her mouth to protest. "I read your mind"
Padmé's mouth fell open in anger."You did what?" she asked bristling, wondering what else he had been privy to.
Vader smiled at her reaction. "I was kidding, I'd never read your mind Padmé" he said. "I also don't handle rejection very well"
Padmé snorted, relief washing over her. "I know that." she said. She moved to step in the living room to help with the cleaning up but Vader stopped her.
"I have something for you" he said.
Padmé raised an eyebrow. He gestured toward the dining room and Padmé allowed him to lead her there. Padmé marveled at her own calm of late. She didn't like how Vader was sneaking his way back into her heart, she was becoming used to him. She didn't want that. She didn't want to forget what Anakin had been like and just adjust to this darker version of him. Vader pulled a small rectangular flat box from his pocket and held it out to her.
Padmé eyed it dubiously. "What is it?" she asked.
"Open it"
She took the box and yanked off the ribbon, the lid fell off and Padmé gasped. Inside was the most beautiful necklace she had ever seen. It was a beautiful diamond necklace. Padmé lifted it out cautiously, afraid it might break. She simply stared at it admiring it's beauty. "I...I..can't take this" she said finally.
"Yes you can." Vader said moving behind her. "Here" he took the necklace from her and put it around her neck. Padmé's breath caught as his hands brushed her skin and she swallowed. Vader stepped around her and looked her over. "You look beautiful" he said in an all too familiar tone. Padmé felt alarmed as her skin suddenly felt warm under Vader's gaze.
"Anakin...I.." Padmé began as he moved closer. Padmé tried to move away but her feet locked and she watched helplessly as the inevitable began to happen.
"Daddy! Luke's fighting! He..." Leia's voice interrupted from the doorway just as Vader's face was less than an inch from Padmé's. Padmé snapped out of her trance and practically flew out of the room. Leia had stopped mid sentence and looked from her father to the fleeing Padmé.
"Oops!" she said apologetically.
Vader glared at her . "This couldn't have waited?"
"He hit my elbow! See?" Leia showed her father a small pink mark on her elbow.
Vader sighed. Clearly a house with children was not the place to try and romance Padmé. He would have plenty of time to do that in Karfeddion. "Where is he?" he asked in a tired tone.
Padmé had kept her distance from Vader after their "almost kiss". She had retreated to the bedroom to hide out. She just wanted to die of shame and embarrassment. How could she be so stupid? How had she allowed him to get under her skin again? No, no no. It couldn't happen again. She had to be more careful this time. Just because Vader sometimes acted like her husband didn't mean he was Anakin. He had said so himself. Anakin was dead.
This man...this monster was not her husband. Just think of all the people he's killed, she told herself as she carefully packed the ball gown. She looked around for her make-up bag and hair stuff. Her eyes landed on the sparkling necklace. It would go so well with the dress...she thought wistfully.
She bit her lip nervously as she stared at the necklace. Why was she even going with the man? She had no reason to attend this ball. She wanted to be away from Vader and yet she was planning to board a ship along with Vader.
Padmé pushed the thoughts aside not wanting to analyze her messed up decision making. Padmé grabbed her make-up bag and sighed. She slowly moved to the bedside chrono and picked up the open jewellry box containing the necklace.
This was the second necklace Anakin had ever given her. No! Vader. Don't get confused Padmé, she warned herself. Padmé was touched, despite the fact that Padmé didn't want accept such an expensive gift from Vader. Against her better judgement she wrapped the necklace box in some left over tissue paper and packed it as well. A beep sounded and the door opened. Padmé started. "What is it?" she said turning to find Vader.
"Are you ready to go?" Vader's asked.
Padmé swallowed. "In a minute, I'll be done soon"
He nodded "Hurry up. The twins want to say goodbye" he said before he left the room.
Padmé nodded absently in response. Vader had decided to leave after supper. The almost four day trip would have them arriving just in time for the ball on Karfeddion. Padmé hurriedly pulled on her cloak and took her bag.
She could do this, she would endure the stupid ball. Just be aloof and indifferent and not let on about her treacherous beliefs. Vader would clearly have a reason for showing up with her. She had no reason to worry about the Imperials suspecting her of Rebel activity. Padmé paused. But what if things went horribly wrong? What if the rebels caught whiff of this and assumed she had gone rogue? She could possibly be arrested by the Empire or worse. She could be disowned by her friends and the people who had stood by her all this time.
The last thought caused Padmé a spark of fear. As much as she wanted to be near her possible children, she couldn't lose everything she had worked for the past seven years. She once again found herself considering escape.
She could tell by the way Vader was treating their situation, that he intended for this arrangement of them staying together to be permanent. Padmé couldn't help the helplessness she felt as she realized that she might never be able to leave Vader.
She decided to shove the disturbing thoughts aside and focus on packing. Hopefully, she could earn Vader's trust and maybe if Vader felt inclined to trust her then she could possibly plan her escape.
After finishing her packing, Padmé opened the door and stepped out. Vader stood outside and took her bag from her. "The twins are in their room" he said. "Meet me in the hangar"
Padmé nodded and scuttled past him to the twins room. Luke and Leia sat on Luke's bed and huge grins split their faces when they saw Padmé. "Hey you two" Padmé said kneeling beside the bed. "I can't believe I am doing this." she whispered.
Luke and Leia laughed. "Don't worry Ro..I mean Miss Padmé" Leia said. "You'll have fun and you and Daddy will get along right?"
Padmé nodded quietly. "I'll try" She smiled slightly. "I'll miss you two"
"Aww shucks, we'll miss you too" Luke said,
"But you will come back right? After the ball?" Leia asked with worried eyes.
Padmé smiled at the two worried children. "Of course" she said.
"You promise?" the twins asked in unison.
Padmé laughed nodded. "I promise" she said. She kissed their little heads and left the room.
Atina was nowhere in sight so Padmé simply headed to the hangar. A small ship stood prepped and Vader waited beside it. As she approached the ship she wondered again exactly why she was doing this?
She turned the matter over in her mind briefly. Vader hadn't threatened her, she could have said no. But Padmé knew the reason. She had to, if she wanted to be near Luke and Leia then pacifying Vader was essential. Besides that a small part of her wanted to. There was something romantic about going to a ball with her husband, even if their marriage was on the rocks.
For once, they could be seen together without having to hide or worry about discovery. Vader helped her into the ship and Padmé wondered if the cramped vessel would be their transport to Karfeddion.
The thought of being in such close quarters with only Vader was enough to make her slightly antsy. She certainly couldn't afford anymore accidents like earlier. Nevertheless, Padmé strapped herself in and leaned back in her seat. This was going to be one long trip.
"Veers! To the hangar, stat! Vader's on his way and he hates it if no one is present for him to yell at when he arrives" Tantor's voice said over the intercom.
Veers groaned and made his way to the hangar of the Executor. Why did it have to be him? He found Piett in the hangar, his friend was milling around talking to the troopers on the floor. Veers walked over to him. "What are you doing here?" he asked.
Piett smiled at Veers. "Hey there" he said. "I am waiting for Vader and making sure the hangar is in impeccable condition. We wouldn't want him to know we had a party while he was snowed in." Piett said calmly. "What are you doing here?"
"Tantor sent me down to receive the Devil riding in straight from hell" Veers said.
Piett shot him a look. "I wish you wouldn't say such things. It makes me nervous because I have to hear them" he said.
Veers shrugged. "When's his ETA?"
"Anytime now. He was very brief with his message. He wanted his personal quarters cleaned well. We are apparently going to the ball in Karfeddion"
Veers raised his eyebrow and wondered if his smart uniform was clean. "All of us?"
Piett nodded. "Yes."
Vader's small personal flyer entered the hangar and Piett and Veers made their way to its landing spot. Vader disembarked shortly and Veers gasped at the figure who followed him out. "Oh my eyes! It's Lady Vader! I told you she existed!" he said.
Piett was too shocked to respond. A petite woman stepped out behind Vader looking around at the hangar in disdain. She was truly beautiful, she had dark wavy hair that fell loosely just above her shoulders. Her pretty face was puckered with a frown that still managed to look elegant. She wore a light silvery green cloak with a matching top and light trousers. She followed Vader down the ramp and allowed him to help her down.
Piett and Veers stood to attention as Vader approached them. "Lord Vader! I have the information you requested..." Piett began when Vader shushed him.
"Piett, Veers, this is my wife" he said drawing the woman forward. Her frown deepened at his words but she didn't say anything. "Take her to my quarters and make sure she is comfortable.
Veers eyes bulged and he not so subtly attempted to kick Piett. Piett bit his lip and gave him a side glare. "Yes Lord Vader" Piett said.
"Take care good care of her and make sure she has everything she requires." He said, "And If anything happens to her while she is in your care I will personally ensure there are no remains left from either of you for your relatives to bury." Vader said coldly.
The woman gasped at his threat and she grabbed Vader's arm and pulled him to the side, where she began to whisper frantically in protest to him.
Veers turned to look at Piett. "What did I tell you? You see I told you! There she is, Lady Vader, in the flesh. Charmed by the demon. But how can something that beautiful be married to someone so vile?!" Veers questioned as he shuddered.
Piett glared at him. "Shut up you fool. They'll hear you!"
"Yes. But still! Does he have her under some sort of love spell?"
"I don't think so, she seems to have quite a mind of her own" Piett said glancing to where the couple stood whispering.
"Oh I am sure she would have to have a strong mind. Surprised he hasn't choked the life out of her…"
"Hush! They are coming!" Piett nudged his loud friend.
Vader had apparently reassured the woman and they now made their way over to Piett and Veers.
Vader nodded to his men and let his wife walk to them. "Your orders stand. Ensure that my ship is unloaded and have the luggage taken to my quarters" he said.
Piett and Veers saluted as Vader turned and left for the main control room. Vader's wife smiled at the nervous men. Neither of them showed their nervousness, but Piett couldn't help but feel that it surrounded them like a heavy cloud. The two officers silently led 'Lady Vader' through the winding hallways and a couple floors up to Vader's quarters.
"Your chambers Lady Vader" Piett said as he tapped in the security code to open the door.
'Lady Vader' grimaced. "Please don't call me that. Padmé is fine, or Milady but not that hideous title" she said as she stepped.
"Might I venture to ask how you acquired the said title?" Veers asked.
Piett kicked his colleague soundly in the shin. "Milady pay him no mind!" he said frantic.
Padmé smiled. "It's okay. I married him...well we were married before." she said.
"Before what, Milady?" Veers pressed.
"Before he became Lord Vader" She said walking around the modest apartment.
Piett nodded slowly digesting the facts she had just given them. "And Luke and Leia are your children?" he asked.
Padmé looked stunned at the question. Piett hurried to explain his question. "I am sorry it's just Leia looks awfully like you and Luke well, looks like his father" he said. "And well we just always wondered..." he stopped.
Padmé was quiet for a minute. So she wasn't insane. If others thought it, then it had to be true. Luke and Leia were her children. The Imperial officer had been right in noting that Luke did look like Anakin, he was almost a carbon copy. And Leia, she resembled Sola when she was younger right down to that weird knuckle popping habit her sister had.
"Yes..." she said quietly. "They are our children. Has he brought them on the ship?"
"Several times Milady. I babysit them" Veers said.
It dawned on Padmé that Bail Organa had mentioned meeting the twins aboard the Executor and she nodded. "So he has. Thank you Piett and Veers, I got your names right didn't I?" she asked.
Veers nodded. Padmé smiled. "If you'll excuse me. I am in need of some sleep" She said suddenly feeling overwhelmed and tired.
The men bowed and left, leaving Padmé to herself. She explored her surroundings till she found where the bedrooms were located. She found a small room with a full sized bed and fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
So yeah, I know, MIA much? I am terribly sorry, not only was my school load crazy, I have no clue why, but I just kept ripping this chapter to shreds over and over. It just didn't seem good enough. Its a kinda bridge chapter taking the story to where I want it to go, we are getting close to the end. Not quite but kinda. SO hopefully I will be better about updating. Anyhu I hope you enjoyed it!