Chapter 22

The morning event dragged on, it had been so long since she had to put on her politician face and interact in such an arena. Even with her experience it was still strange to be an Empress, when she spent most of her life fighting to protect Democracy. Vader's request still ran through her mind and she wasn't sure if she wanted or even could successfully help him. She noted how many of the Moff's were former senators who never showed her an ounce of respect her whole career and were now kissing her feet as if they adored her. It was laughable how Vader always hated the fakeness of the senate yet has surrounded himself with all the fake parts of it.

"My Empress… Such an honor you were able to come join us this year. Your absence has been noticed and felt in all our hearts." Grand Moff Tarkin greeted, sarcasm heavy on his words but Padme chose to ignore it. She didn't want to bring Vader's attention to them in fear he would cause another scene.

"When my husband wishes it, I am always here." Padme smiled sweetly.

"The Emperor seems to hide you away… Perhaps it is force of habit. A senator and Jedi must have been a difficult secret to hide. Imagine my surprise when I realized the always sweet and pure Senator Amidala had let a lowly Jedi knight… woo her. You must have had great foresight knowing one day he would be our adored emperor."

"I trust you have a point Moff Tarkin. If not, I will wish you a good day and go back to my husband."

"Of course, Milady, I'm dreadfully sorry I did not mean to offend you my Empress." Tarkin nodded with a arrogant smile before turning and disappearing in the crowd of Imperial high ups.

Padme took a few deep breaths to mask her discomfort and annoyance before heading up to the balcony where Vader was overlooking the whole ceremony.

"How does it feel to be the most powerful woman in the room? To have a pompous ass like Tarkin at your feet." He asked without turning to face her.

"Uncomfortable…. Its fake praise and glory. Tarkin along with many of these men you have entrusted to keep order are no more then Snakes waiting to tear you down. Tarkin sees me as another way to get to you, I just don't know what angle he is going for yet."

"I don't trust them…. I only have trust in you and eve that has its limits… after everything." There it was again the pained tone to his words he tried so much to not show. "I can't control everything on my own I need people to keep order. This is where you could help me."

"Keep order?"

"In a way… If you agree I will let you re-establish the senate. You can be the heart of the Empire and use your political skills to make the people feel they are being heard. While I can focus more on the military and policing the systems."

"You would trust me with that? You would have to let me out of my gilded cage and allow me to be around people again."

"That is part of it…. I want you by my side. I want you back in my bed. I miss you. I know I have all but lost you over these last years and I kept you locked away out of fear you would run away and disappear like our children." He finally turned to her, reaching out and pulling her to him. "I am realizing though my methods are doing more harm then good. I know everyday I am further into darkness with the choices I make… you are my light and I need you Padme. I love you."

She just looked up at him, she felt the pain in his words and was moved by his admission that he has not handled himself well. He smiled that same old devilish look he always gave her, the one that made her knees weak before he slowly leaned in. He paused just before his lips touched hers and his eyes searched hers, waiting for permission to move continue.

"Kiss me…" She whispered as she moved her hands up to rest against his strong chest.

"As milady wishes." He whispered back playfully and claimed her sweet mouth in a deep and heavy kiss. His tongue brushing against her lips, begging for entry inside which she quickly granted him. He let out a satisfied and possessive growl and his tongue vigorously explored her mouth.

The sound of a woman clearing her throat interrupted what was more than likely going to lead somewhere it shouldn't at a formal event. She instantly felt Vader tense up and could sense his anger realizing the woman was Dr. Anella.

"Forgive me Milord…. For overstepping. I wish to beg for both you and Empress Vader's forgiveness."

"You decide what you want done with her or I'll finish what I started earlier." Vader said to Padme sternly before giving her one last kiss and turning his attention back to watching the party below.

"Doctor. I appreciate you risking your well being to come and apologize. My husband has asked me to handle this situation and I shall. From what I understand you record as a physician is impeccable and you obviously are very loyal to the Emperor. You will return to you post as physician for the crew of The Executor effective immediately."

"Forgive me Milady but I was promoted to Emperor Vader's personal physician here on Coruscant."

"When it comes to my husband you will keep your eyes and hands to yourself." Padme said with a territorial sound to her words. "For your own wellbeing you, I suggest you pack up your office here and report back to the Executor my morning. I hope you are able to enjoy the rest of Empire Day." Padme gave her the fakest smile she ever has given to someone before looking to one of the guards to have Anella escorted away.

Once she was out of ear shot Vader turned back to his wife with a goofy smile, the kind of smile she had not seen from him since before the war.

"What?"

"I do believe you are jealous milady." Vader's smile widened. "Sending Anella as far from me as you could."

"I… I simply thought in order to keep her alive being away from you would be best. With what happened earlier." Padme blushed and turned from him, pouring herself a glass of Nubian wine.

"Oh.. of course, Milady." Vader said sarcastically.

"So. back to your offer." Padme quickly changed the subject. "What if I didn't want to play a leadership role in the Empire…. That I choose to have nothing to do with it other then the role I have already been filling."

"… That would be disappointing…. If you don't want to rule by my side, I can't force you…." She was unable to read him, weather he was angry or truly accepting. "But I hope that you will still consider returning to my bed."

She blushed brighter. "I didn't say no… I just… Not sure how I feel about the idea… I need time to decide if I want to be an active Empress of something I never wanted." She reached up and slide his dark hood off his head so she could see all his face. "I may not be sure about being your Empress, but I do want to be your wife."

"So, I can have your droid move your things to my room in the palace?" He almost sounded like an excited child in this moment.

"I would like that."

"Good, because I already had it done after we left this morning."

Padme shook her head and laughed softly.

"Padme… I know we have issues to work on. I am not perfect and will most likely do things that hurt your morals, but I am devoted and faithful to you and love you more than anyone has ever loved someone. Try my proposal about Senate, see how things could be. Maybe once you see how the Empire can work you will be on my side about finding the twins."

Padme sighed softly but nodded in agreement before leaning up and kissing him again, just wanting to keep the subject away from their children.

"I want you." Vader growled against her lips.

"You have me… But for now, you have responsibilities to your Empire."

"I'm the Emperor… If I want to bring my Empress to bed and have my way with her until she can't stand straight, I should be allowed." He pulled her against him so she could feel how hard he had become.

She allowed him to grind up against her for a moment, realizing how much she missed this side of her husband, she missed the feeling of his desire for her and hers for him. "Ani…"

"Let me take you home Padme… I don't care about anything else …. Just you… I am half a man without you… make me whole."

Across the courtyard

Tarkin stands in the shadows watching Vader and his Empress with a look of repulsion. He always detested the Jedi and General Skywalker was one that disgusted him most. The only person he hated more the Anakin was Padme. He hated how idealistic she was and how she didn't know her place.

"She is sending me to work on the damn star destroyer. "Anella whispered as she came to stand behind him. "All these years of trying to seduce the Emperor and she comes in and banishes me in one day. I don't understand why someone as powerful as him puts up with her."

"That's unfortunate. Last thing we need is for our Emperor to give all his power to that woman to cause all Lord Sidious built to fall apart. We will have to just figure out other ways to control Vader or rid ourselves of Amidala."