Padmé was sat at her desk working her way through the myriad of documents, proposals and letters that had built up. She was thankful she had no meetings today so she could take this opportunity to get through a considerable amount of her work, and it offered her a good distraction from her thoughts of Anakin. As she sat at her desk, engrossed in an article she heard a knock on her door.
"Yes", Padmé said, as he put down the document and looked up.
The trooper opened the door and said, "Sorry to bother you, My Lady. You have a visitor".
Padmé looked at her wrist chrono at the time and was unsure who it could be. Trying not to look too confused she asked, "Oh, who is it trooper?".
He paused for a second and then replied, "It is Emperor Palpatine My Lady".
Padmé tensed at his response and immediately felt her heart rate increase. She forced a smile and tried her best to remain calm before saying, "Very good, please let his majesty in trooper, thank you".
As the Emperor entered her office, Padmé knew she had to compose herself. He had no reason to visit her and she wondered why he had come to her. She wished Anakin was here with her, but right now she had to remain calm and keep her mental walls strong.
"Good afternoon your majesty. To what do I owe the pleasure", she asked, indicating for him to take a seat in front of her desk as she too sat down, trying to ease her shaking hands under the table.
"I like to pay visits to many who serve in the Senate. It is important for me to ensure I consult them and understand their problems", Palpatine replied. Padmé knew this was a complete lie, but she also knew how important it was that she play along with his pretence.
"That is very kind of you your majesty", Padmé replied simply, unsure what to say. She bore so much hatred for this man. He had manipulated her as a young queen and then as a Senator and she knew that it was partially because of her that he was in this position. She had been part of his route to power, as Anakin had.
"I trust you feel suitably protected here during the absence of my apprentice, Lord Vader?", the Emperor asked, looking deeply into her eyes.
"I do thank you, My Lord. It was incredibly kind of you to offer Lord Vader's protection to me. He and his commanders have executed their duties with excellent professionalism and etiquette. I feel perfectly well-protected", she replied with a smile.
"Excellent. It was my hope that assigning my apprentice to protect you would ward off the assailant who made such a cowardly attack on your life Senator", the Emperor stated.
"Indeed, I am very grateful. Serving as Senator is a great privilege and it is an honour to serve my people. But with that privilege comes responsibility and there is always a risk", Padmé told the Emperor. She knew all too well about the risks of being a Senator and had faced more than one threat to her life. She immediately stopped her train of thought as she realised where it would take her.
The Emperor leant back in the chair opposite her and paused for a moment before saying, "You are correct. I have seen many fall victim to such attacks. I'm sure you remember her well, but did you ever have the honour of meeting your predecessor, the late Senator Padmé Amidala?", he asked, watching her intently.
Padmé knew this was a test and kept her face calm of any reaction. She then replied, "Unfortunately I did not ever meet her, but I was starting out my diplomatic career whilst she was the Queen of Naboo".
"That is a shame", he stated half-heartedly, "Senator Amidala was a dear friend of mine. She was an incredibly talented diplomat and leader. It was indeed a huge loss to the Senate and the Galaxy when she died", he added.
"It was a great day of mourning for Naboo, My Lord", Padmé replied, hoping he would soon leave.
"With regards to Senator Amidala, one of her flaws was her ties to certain individuals who threaten peace in our Galaxy. I would not want you to fall into the same trap and suffer the same fate as Senator Amidala. I caution on such relationships Senator, such as with the Senator from Alderaan. I would hate you see you get hurt My Lady", he said coldly, the sincerity in his voice unconvincing.
"I appreciate your concern greatly My Lord. I assure you I am here to serve my planet and engage with individuals professionally to succeed in my role", Padmé replied, keeping her best senatorial face on.
"Good", the Emperor replied as he stood from the chair and turned to depart the room. Just before he reached the doorway, he turned to Padmé and said, "I trust you are enjoying your accommodation in 500 Republica".
Padmé was slightly taken aback by the question and quickly forced a smile and replied, "Indeed, thank you again, my Lord, for your kindness".
He paused and looked directly at her and said, "I only ask because one of my aids mentioned to me that he had not seen you there for several days and I wanted to be sure that the accommodation was to your liking".
It took everything Padmé had not to panic and she took the few seconds she had to quickly think of a response before saying, "I have been very busy these last few weeks My Lord, and consequently I have worked many late nights and made trips off-world. It has been easier for me sometimes to return to my rented premises which are located closer to the Senate, or I have arrived back very late at night".
"I see", the Emperor replied vaguely.
"But again, I am sincerely grateful for you offering the apartment to me. It was very kind my Lord", Padmé added for good measure.
"Think nothing of it, My Lady. I just want to keep you safe so you can continue to do your job for my home planet. Good day Senator Soruna", Palpatine said, nodding to the Senator before turning to exit her office.
"Good day your Highness", Padmé replied as he left.
Once he had gone and her door was closed, Padmé moved to sit down at her desk, panic filling her. He knows I haven't been staying at 500 Republica, Padmé thought to herself. What if he knows I am staying with Vader, What if he knows who I am? What if he knows about the twins? she thought finally. She tried to calm herself down and convince herself she was being irrational. She was not surprised that Palpatine had had one of his aids watching her at the apartment, and she berated herself for not thinking about that more when she had been staying with Anakin for the last several weeks. She knew she needed to contact Anakin and tell him what had happened. But she could not leave right now. This had been a test, and no doubt the Emperor was watching to see what she would do following their meeting. Deciding she would deal with this later, Padmé refocused and picked up one of her many documents to review and started reading.
Anakin boarded his ship, confident that he could report his findings to the Emperor without arousing any suspicion. He decided it would be wise to contact his master now on his long journey back, before contacting his wife. He could still feel the darkness within him, and whilst he hated himself for what had happened on the planet, he knew the emotions would serve him well in convincing his master of his loyalty. He ran his gloved hand through his hair as his ship took off and departed the planet's atmosphere. He input his master's communication frequency and waited for his image to appear.
"Ahh Lord Vader. I trust your mission on Dantooine has been a success", the Emperor asked.
Anakin nodded and reported, "Yes Master. I discovered a base here on the planet. It is clear the alliance has abandoned it, but a small gathering of rebels remained, and they have been destroyed".
"Good, excellent work Lord Vader. I can feel the darkness flowing through you through the force. It is making you stronger my apprentice. Let the hatred and anger flow freely", he stated.
"Yes, my master. I am most grateful for your teachings", Anakin said, knowing his master would feel his emotions through the force.
"I shall meet you at the Senate upon your return Lord Vader", the Emperor replied.
"Yes Master", Anakin stated, bowing before his master's holo image disappeared.
Palpatine was correct, he was filled with hatred, but it wasn't for the alliance and the rebels as his master believed. He hated himself for the man he had become, he hated all that he had done and the atrocities he had committed for his master, who treated him worse than a slave and who had lied to him. He hated his master with every fibre of his being for convincing him that he had killed Padmé and their unborn child and had made him suffer so much believing he was responsible. But most of all he was overwhelmed by the hatred he felt for the man who had betrayed and nearly killed his wife and children. He knew that Padmé had forgiven him, but truthfully, he knew he would never forgive himself for that awful day on Mustafar. He had made peace with Obi-Wan and they were working on rebuilding their relationship. He planned to bring balance to the force and kill his wicked master and end his tyrannous reign. But that didn't change what he had done, and he hated himself for it. He quickly removed his mask and suit, wanting to be rid of all remnants of Vader and tried to calm down before he contacted his wife.
Padmé was most eager to depart the senate when she had completed her work for the day. Following her usual routine, she was escorted to the hangar bay where she met her driver who took her to Vader's establishments. In the speeder home, she struggled to calm her nerves and she was worried she was now being followed and knew she needed to return to 500 Republica to keep up her façade as Senator Soruna. When she arrived back, she thanked her driver, before informing him that would contact him later this evening to take her to 500 Republica. He responded simply, knowing that he had been asked to execute his duties with the highest level of discretion and secrecy by Lord Vader. Padmé quickly walked towards Anakin's office, hoping he would answer her call.
Anakin had just returned from the fresher aboard his shuttle when he heard his comm ring. He called the device to his hand and answered it.
"Anakin thank goodness, I hope you are okay", he heard his wife say.
"Yes, I am fine. I have completed my mission and I am on my way back to Coruscant. I anticipate I should be back tomorrow afternoon", he replied.
"That is good", she said, pausing before adding, "There is an urgent matter I must discuss with you".
"What is it?", he asked, a little concerned.
"I was visited by the Emperor today", she stated. "He asked if I felt I was sufficiently protected. He also questioned my relationship with Senator Organa and claimed that Padmé Amidala had been romantically involved with him during her tenure as Senator of Naboo", she added distastefully.
Anakin rubbed his chin and said, "That does not surprise me. He has made such a statement to me before in the Senate, in an attempt to rattle me. Is that what has you worried?", he asked.
"No. He then proceeded to ask me how I am enjoying my accommodation at 500 Republica. He knows Anakin. He knows I haven't been staying there. He said he had been informed by one of his aids that I have not been seen there. I told him it was because I work late sometimes or stay in other rented accommodation", Padmé replied, the panic and fear clear in her voice.
Anakin paused for a moment thinking. He acknowledged that in his excitement of Padmé being alive he had neglected to consider the possibility that Palpatine would have her apartment watched. But he knew he needed to calm her down so replied, "He is just trying to unsettle you. He wanted to see how you reacted. He is suspicious of your involvements with the Rebel Alliance and Senator Organa. If anything, he suspects you are with him. He would never suspect you are staying in my establishments", he added.
Padmé was not convinced by his statement and replied, "I am going to stay at 500 Republica tonight. I have informed my driver that I would require transportation there later tonight".
"No Padmé. You cannot go there. It is not safe. I know you are safe in my establishments. And while I am not on the planet, I must know you are staying in a safe location", he stated strongly.
"Anakin, I know it is safe here. But I used to live in 500 Republica and it is perfectly safe. I need to do all I can to avoid drawing any suspicion upon myself. If I return and stay there tonight it will permit things to settle and then we can re-evaluate the situation upon your return", Padmé replied, using her senatorial voice.
Anakin clenched his gloved fist and replied, "No Padmé. We will discuss this matter and develop a solution when I return. But you must remain in my establishments for your safety".
"Anakin, I know you are concerned. But I think it is sensible for me to go to 500 Republica. I have made my decision", she stated strongly.
"Padmé you are being unreasonable", Anakin said becoming increasingly frustrated at the situation.
"No, Anakin. Perhaps it is you who is being unreasonable. You are not here and I am making the decision based on how I feel and the information I have. I am staying there tonight", Padmé contested.
Anakin banged his gloved fist on his shuttle console and said, "Padmé, if you stay there, I cannot guarantee your safety, and if anything was to happen to you, I wouldn't know what to do. I forbid you from going", he ordered.
Padmé was shocked by his statement and replied, "You forbid me? Anakin, I am not one of your troopers you can order around. I am your wife. You are being stubborn and overprotective, and it is clouding your judgement", she added.
"I cannot help how I feel Padmé. I cannot let anything happen to you. You are taking an unnecessary risk and are endangering yourself", Anakin replied, as he felt his anger build.
Padmé too was becoming increasingly frustrated at the situation before saying, "Anakin you are letting your emotions cloud your judgement. I have made my decision". She paused for a moment before adding, "I sometimes think it's because you love me too much". After saying it she immediately regretted the way she worded it, but it was too late.
Anakin was shocked and hurt by her statement and angrily replied, "Well, maybe you don't love me enough". Before any more could be said he terminated the call and threw his commlink across the cockpit of the shuttle.
Padmé was distressed by the events that had just transpired. She did not mean what she said to Anakin but was frustrated at how his feelings were preventing him from seeing the logic behind her decision. It hurt her that he had accused of not loving him enough. How could he say that? How could he believe she did not love him after all they had been through, after she had forgiven him for all he had done, after Mustafar? She had not seen her husband that angry in a long time and wondered what had happened to him on his mission. But right now, she was hurt and wanted to forget about what had just transpired between her and Anakin. Padmé rose from her chair and exited the office, wanting to pack and depart as soon as possible. She knew that if she was being watched she could not arrive with a large case, and instead did her best to fit suitable attire for tomorrow, as well as her toiletries into her normal work case. Having signalled for her driver to come and pick her up, she headed for the hangar bay and then departed Vader's establishments.
Anakin too was distressed by the call he had just had with his wife. He did not mean what he had said to Padmé, but he was frustrated that she would not stay at his establishments where he knew she was safe. It hurt him that she accused him of loving her too much. How could she say that? How could he love his wife too much? She was in his very soul, and he knew that few people would ever understand the bond that he and Padmé shared. But he knew that Padmé loved him, and he should have not cast doubt on that. It still astounded him that she had forgiven him what he did to her on Mustafar, and more than that she opened her heart up to him again and had given him two beautiful children. Anakin knew he needed to talk his wife again, but right now he knew she needed space and that she was likely travelling to 500 Republica. Anakin rose from his chair and exited the cockpit, wanting to try and get some sleep on his journey back before he met with his master tomorrow. He ran a hand through his tousled locks before trying to get some rest in the small shuttle bedroom.
It had been several weeks since Padmé had visited the apartments that the Emperor had assigned to her. When she first visited it, she had been hit by a powerful wave of memories and emotions. It had reminded her of what her life used to be, and it reminded her of Anakin. This was before they had been reunited. Padmé reflected on how much had changed in the last few weeks, as she got into the shower and washed off the makeup disguising her as Senator Soruna. She knew when she next spoke to Anakin, they would both need to apologise for what had been said. But they were both strong-willed and stubborn individuals and Padmé knew they could get past this. After what they had been through, they could truly get through anything together.
Padmé woke up the next morning and quickly got ready for her day. She found it strange how she relished in not being spoilt for choice with regards to what to wear. Having only packed her outfit for today, she only had one choice, and that made getting ready much quicker. She tied her hair in a simple chignon and left her chambers to meet her driver on the balcony. As the speeder got further away from the apartment, Padmé couldn't help but wonder how soon she would be returning. It was something she would need to discuss with Anakin when he was back from his mission. She was still upset about her argument with her husband, but Padmé knew that today she had an important meeting to attend at the Senate and it required her undivided attention. With everything else going on in her life, trying to juggle the twins, her part in the rebel alliance and now her relationship with Anakin, she felt as though she had let her role as Senator of Naboo slide. She had made a commitment to her people and she was not about to let them down. She figured she was fortunate that she was experienced in the position, and that unfortunately, the role of a Senator was not what it used to be, since the inception of the Empire and Emperor Palpatine's authoritarian reign.
Anakin woke up the next morning and rubbed his eyes tiredly. He had not gotten a great deal of sleep, as he had been plagued with flashbacks from his encounters on Dantooine, as well as being upset about his argument with Padmé. As he rose from the small bed he sighed heavily. He was not excited about any of the tasks that he was faced with. He had to meet with his master whom he hated more than anything in the galaxy. He had to continue to be subservient to a monster who had lied to him and manipulated him and tell him the stories of the men he had killed. He also had to see Padmé, and whilst he had missed his wife, he was not looked forward to any further confrontations with her and it pained him to see her upset. He headed to the fresher for a shower, wishing desperately that he could wash away his problems.
"Good morning My Lady", the trooper said, greeting her as she arrived in the hangar bay.
Padmé smiled at the Commander and replied, "Good morning to you Commander. How are you?"
"I am well thank you My Lady. I trust you are well", he replied
"I am indeed thank you. I have an important meeting this afternoon, so I will be in my office until then preparing for it, and I will inform you before I leave", she informed him.
"Great, thank you for the notice my Lady", the trooper replied.
They arrived at Padmé's office and the trooper closed the door behind her as she down and started her preparation for the meeting later.
When Anakin exited the fresher he dressed in his usual all-black attire and headed to the cockpit of his shuttle. He double-checked the co-ordinates that had been set for the Senate and knew it wouldn't be long before he would be coming out of hyperspace. Deciding it was pointless prolonging the inevitable he returned to the small room to put on his mask and suit.
Padmé exhaled deeply as she finished reading the final documents that were in front of her in preparation for her meeting. She was about to leave for an important meeting with delegates from other mid rim planets regarding future trade deals. Since starting her position as Senator Soruna, Padmé knew this was important as Naboo had long struggled with some trade deals, especially since the blockage and invasion they experienced from the trade federation. The planet did have value to offer other planets, as it was one of the biggest contributors to the galactic plasma energy trade market, and it was a position that Padmé planned to argue for strongly. Padmé again couldn't help but let her mind wander to her husband, for it had been him who had destroyed the Trade Federations droid control ship. Even as a young boy of only nine, Anakin Skywalker had been a hero, she reflected. She shook her head softly, and cleared her head of thoughts of Anakin, before picking up her necessary papers and exiting her office.
"I must leave for my meeting now trooper", Padmé told him as she stood in the doorway of her office.
"Of course, My Lady. I will escort you there now", he replied as they walked down the long corridor.
Once they arrived at the meeting room Padmé thanked the commander but did not revel with the idea that he would be stood around waiting for her, drawing more attention to herself than she already had since the assassination attempt.
Padmé turned to the trooper and said, "Thank you trooper. I am perfectly safe here. You are free to return to your post and I shall meet you back at my office when the meeting has concluded".
"If you are sure My Lady, I am happy to stay", he added, knowing his orders from Lord Vader were always for her to be watched.
"Absolutely. My office is only down the hall, I will be just fine, and I am sure you have better things to be doing than standing outside a meeting room for several hours. Please, go and have some lunch or a break elsewhere, you deserve it", she added with a soft smile.
"Ok. Thank you, Senator. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to contact me", he stated as he nodded before leaving her.