Whew! Finally finished!
I know I said a few more chapters, but I decided just one more.
So, this is the last chapter for this story. The Sequel Trilogy will be it's own separate story. Coming Soon!
I don't own Star Wars!
Chapter 46: An Era of Peace
~~~~Two Years Later~~~~
Sola came out of the cake shop in the small town near Varykino, carrying a large box, which contained the wedding cake she had ordered. Luke and Leia helped her to the speeder. She, Darred, Shmi, Rex, Jobal, and the girls had been putting together the surprise vow renewal ceremony for Padmé. None of them could wait to see the look on her face when she discovered their surprise for her.
Anakin and Padmé's anniversary was just around the corner, and Sola gave her brother-in-law a great idea.
She had reminisced with Padmé about her wedding day, and she loved it. But she said it would've been more perfect if everyone was there. Anakin already knew what to do, he just needed help pulling it off.
"Thank you both for coming early and helping," Sola told the twins.
"Are you kidding? We're not going to miss this. I mean, it's kind of the reason we're here," Luke said.
"Luke's right. If any two people deserve to have their love celebrated, it's mom and dad. I wasn't going to miss this either," Leia added.
"I know, but I also know that you both are very busy with your respective duties," Sola said. It was true.
Much of the past two years, Luke and Mara had spent going back and forth between Yavin IV and to Naboo to visit his parents. The new Jedi Temple was finally finished on the world that had once housed the Rebel Alliance.
The new Council consisted of Anakin, Luke, Mara, Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, Mace, Qui-Gon, Shaak Ti, Aayla, Luminara, Barriss and Quinlan
But there was still much work to be done, for the Code was still in question. Some surviving Jedi were very leery of rewriting it and wary of interacting with Talon and Galen. The red skinned Twi'lek may had turned away from the dark side, but the fact that she used to be a Sith apprentice and that she taught her son many things about the dark side as well as the light made them very concerned. They thought associating with them would do nothing but bring harm to the new Order.
But Luke was an avid voice that advocated in favor of attachment and being that he had been the one to kill Vader, he carried a lot of weight. Anakin was also a member of the new Council and obviously was very outspoken about the harm of banning Jedi from being allowed to marry. Also, as the Chosen One, he believed in balance. He would always be wary of the dark side, but he secretly believed that Jedi could achieve new levels of balance in the Force if they learned some things about the dark side without giving in to it completely.
Ahsoka, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon agreed whole heartedly that the Code needed to change.
Anakin had mostly attending meetings via holocom, but the Council would soon finally all meet in person. Everyone was venturing to Theed to attend the two year celebration of the end of the Empire.
The gala was a joint project of Pooja and Leia as they sought to re-establish the strong alliance between Naboo and what was now New Alderaan. They were all attending the gala that evening, but the Council would be meeting after that the next day in the palace.
Mara could tell Luke was fairly nervous about it, though he tried not to show it. But he gave himself away with his fidgeting and running his fingers through his hair. Padmé had told her that Anakin did the exact same things when he was nervous about something.
After the gala and the meeting, they would be returning to Varykino and that evening, they would be surprising Padme with the surprise ceremony that would take place at sunset, just as it had the first time.
"I think that's about everything we need," Sola said, seeing the trunk of the speeder packed full of things they had purchased at the marketplace.
"Yep, let's get back so we can start getting ready for the gala tonight," Luke said as he hopped into the driver's seat. His Aunt and sister got in as well and he slowly sped off on the country road that would lead them back to the majestic family lake house.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Scene Change~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Almost instantly after defeating the Empire, the Skywalker family returned to Naboo. Aiden and Isabella instantly loved it, especially the water.
Annie, Rukto and Tala had officially begun their Jedi training, and they were naturals. Not surprising, considering who their parents were. Their parents were the ones training them, treating them like students second, but first and foremost like their kids.
Cal and Merrin paid a visit to Dathomir, finding some of her people still alive. They were a different breed of Jedi; strong in the Force and Force magick. Their lightsabers were powered by the precious gemstones found on their planet, and gave the blade a more metallic look. They were also stronger and more resistant to elemental attacks like Force lightning.
Anakin and many of the younger Jedi had begun learning their ways, to have more knowledge of the Force.
Since he helped them in the end, Vader was given a funeral pyre. Galen, Talon, Anakin, Padmé, Luke, Obi-Wan and Ahsoka all attended.
Mon Mothma returned to Coruscant, somewhat disappointed that Padmé didn't join her.
The Alliance and their allies were busy for the last two years ridding the Galactic City of the fleeing Imperial loyalists, and Mon and many others did the ground work for the New Republic.
It was a very huge undertaking and at one time in her life; Padmé wouldn't have missed it for anything. But motherhood had done much to change her priorities and what she wanted. Now, she simply wanted to be with her husband and children.
They were part of the designing of the new government, but in a much less active capacity. She was confident that Leia's involvement would be more than sufficient and she would be happy to be in her daughter's corner simply as council for her. Padmé doubted Mon would truly understand her simply wanting to raise her babies, but she knew the other ruler would respect her nonetheless.
Many had called for Padmé to be the new Chancellor, and Mon agreed with them. She and Mon had always been friends, but they were very different kinds of rulers.
To her people, Mon was simply a politician, though her leadership of the Rebellion had bolstered her image and support greatly among those who hated the Empire. But Padmé was still known as one of Naboo's greatest and most effective Queen's in history. And her reputation and record in her time as Senator was much the same.
Though she was unnerved by it, her people considered her a heroin. Add to that fact, she was the wife of the Hero With No Fear, a forbidden romance that had become legend and captivated the hearts of her people and people all over the galaxy.
At one time, she possibly would have accepted and run for the office. But she didn't want to spend anymore time away from her babies than she already had.
However, she was more than happy to offer her advice and council to Leia and Pooja, since she knew both of them would be heavily involved.
She and Anakin missed eighteen years with Luke and Leia, and they were not gonna miss the same milestones with Aiden and Bella.
Meanwhile, a certain former smuggler had a lot on his mind.
He knew Anakin liked him, but he also knew that he wanted him to make some kind of solid commitment to his daughter as well. Han loved Leia deeply and even though commitment still scared him sometimes, he knew that it was the right thing.
Leia deserved that and so much more. He was always thinking that she deserved far better than him, but she was very adamant that he was the one she wanted. He knew he had some big decisions to make and he knew he needed to make his move, unless he wanted to lose her. And he couldn't lose her.
He had never been in love with any woman the way he was in love with the Princess. As different as they were, he knew he never wanted another ever again. He and Leia had a lot to talk about.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Scene Change~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It seemed that the new Queen of Naboo, Reilana, even though she was only a tender age of sixteen, grew up admiring the legacy that Padmé had left during her time as Queen.
Currently, the Skywalker was getting ready for the gala. After getting the children ready, Anakin and Luke corralled them while Padmé and Leia got ready.
Padmé had donned an elaborate formal gown, a type of dress that she had not worn since her time in the Senate and Leia also wore one much like her own.
Padmé's was an elegant royal purple color with a intricate beaded design and silver trimmings. It was strapless and the bodice hugged her curves, while the skirt brushed at the floor. Her neck was adorned with a beautiful necklace piece that matched the dress, as were her ears, with matching earrings. She chose to wear her hair down though, which was the way Anakin liked it best. However, she looked at the glittering tiara she was supposed to wear with uncertainty.
"I think it's a little inappropriate for me to wear this," she said.
Her daughter was wearing one too, but that was to be expected at an event like this, for she was the Princess of New Alderaan.
"Mom, as former Queen and one who happens to be Naboo's most beloved Queen of all time, they want you to wear it. The Queen didn't give this to you for show. I've read history and yours and daddy's funeral procession, even though it was actually fake, sprawled through the entire city for miles. Naboo was dealt a great blow by the Empire that day, but when they found out that you were merely tucked away to recover from injuries sustained by that very evil that they thought had taken you away, you brought hope back. Daddy's always telling you that you don't seem to realize the great effect you have on people and he's right. Reilana is Queen, but you will always be Naboo's true and most beloved Queen, as far as most people are concerned," Leia said as she placed the tiara on her mother's head. "This crown belongs on your head."
Padmé smiled, "Well, it was your father that was actually injured. He was dying and I..."
"Your heart was dying with him," Leia said.
Just a few years ago, she had a hard time trying to fathom such powerful love, but now that she had Han in her life; she realized, even though she and Han weren't quite at the level her parents were; she knew what it was like to love another person so much that they became your whole life.
Padmé nodded. It was true. She knew that living without Anakin wasn't an option for her, but they had beaten all the odds and everything that evil had done to tear them apart. She knew they could now face anything as long as they were together.
Padmé looked at herself in the mirror and then at her daughter, who looked so beautiful as well. Her gown was a deep burgundy, also strapless with a similar beaded design and gold trimmings.
"Come on, let's go wow daddy," Leia said.
"I may wow your father, but I believe you'll have a speechless Han on your hands when he sees you, sweetheart," Padmé said. Leia chuckled.
"Well, leaving Han speechless would be quite a feat," she joked as they exited the bedroom.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Scene Change~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
People milled about and there was much boisterous celebration as Anakin and Padmé mingled with Bella in her arms. There were plenty of caretakers in the palace to watch then and they would probably take her to the nursery later to play with the other children.
But for now, Padmé wanted to finally show her off. Enough time had passed and she wanted to proudly show her youngest daughter off. Anakin was only too happy to do so as well.
"Padmé, it's so good to see you again," Mon Mothma said as she nodded to Anakin, acknowledging him as well.
"It's so good to see you too," Padmé said.
"Hi Bella~! You've grown so much. Where is your little boy?" Mon asked.
Padmé pointed at the darling sight on the dance floor as Aiden danced with his older sister. Leia happily held her little brother's hands, as they danced. They had attracted quite a crowd and many of the Queen's hand maidens took turns dancing with the small, adorable boy.
"Oh I see. It seems he's quite the little charmer already. A chip off the old block, wouldn't you say?" Mon asked Padmé, making Anakin blush. She smiled at her husband's sudden bashfulness.
"Oh definitely," she replied.
"Do you mind if we catch up for a bit. There is something I would like to discuss with you. Do you mind terribly if I borrow your wife, Master Skywalker?" Mon asked.
"Not at all," Anakin replied.
"Are you okay with Bella?" she asked. He nodded as he took her from her arms.
"We'll be fine, won't we tiny angel. Do you want to dance with daddy?" he asked their shy little girl. She nodded and he kissed her hair. "I'll see you in a little bit."
They shared a tender kiss, before Padmé walked with Mon,
"What did you want me to talk about?"
"Well, I've recently had several meetings with a possible ally to the New Republic and there are a few things I wanted to get your insight on," Mon began.
"Who is it?" Padmé asked.
"Hapes," Mon replied. Padmé was very surprised.
"That's unexpected," she replied, instantly suspicious.
"I thought so too at first, but they seem genuinely interested in our new cause," Mon said.
"Why all of the sudden? They've always been neutral, but it's no secret that they have always hated the Jedi," Padmé replied.
"Yes, and they're still not fond of them, but they are seeing the changes in the Order and I believe they are liking what they see, especially certain code changes that are being proposed strongly by your husband and son. And I believe it also helps that the Temple is no longer located on the capital world," Mon said.
"So, they want to join the Republic?" Padmé asked, thoroughly confused. She knew the Queen Mother never did anything unless it had financial benefit or without the promise of gaining power.
"Yes, it seems that way," Mon replied.
"What does the Queen Mother want in return for joining the Republic?" Padmé asked bluntly.
"I know your opinion of Hapes is not favorable and I'll admit that they have left a sour taste in my mouth in the past," Mon stated. "But they are very wealthy and have a very large military. The New Republic is still fairly weak and our economical status is not destitute, but we have substantial debt. An alliance with Hapes would strengthen us and deter any Imperial resistance regimes. And I don't think I have to tell you what kind of financial benefit it would be."
"Yes, but at cost? You keep avoiding telling me what they want in return. That tells me that it's not good," Padmé said. Mon sighed.
"You will see it as a terrible, unthinkable sacrifice, but I see it as a noble gesture that would bridge the gap between us," she said.
"What, do they, want?" Padmé repeated, sounding agitated.
"Prince Isolder has taken quite a liking to Leia recently. They met only briefly after a Senate session a few weeks ago, but he was struck by her obvious beauty and grace. He has been seeking a Princess to wed and the Queen Mother has suggested a union between them that would be beneficial to all," Mon stated.
Now Padmé knew why Mon hadn't wanted to say anything in front of her husband. But she was about to find out exactly what she thought about the Queen Mother's suggestion and her disgust that Mon was even considering bringing it up.
"Does Leia know about this?" Padmé asked in a measured tone.
"I did present the proposal to her and she quickly rejected the idea," Mon replied.
"Then there's your answer," Padmé stated.
"Padmé, she barely gave me time to finish. When she heard "arranged marriage", she shut me down without even considering what kind of benefits she would be bringing to so many people," Mon said.
"If Hapes was so willing to join the New Republic, they would do so without us having to do something for them in return. If you know anything about a Skywalker, then you know that when we fall in love, it's usually for life. And Leia is in love with another man already. I will not have my daughter be denied the true love she desires; true love like I have with my husband. Believe me, in my days as a Queen and a legislator, political marriages were nothing new to me. But marrying someone for financial or political gain is degrading and unfair," Padmé spat.
"Oh Padmé, not everyone sees the galaxy as you do. Many see the fact that you illegally married a Jedi as far worse than any arranged marriage could ever be," Mon stated. Padmé's eyes narrowed.
"That's because some people wouldn't know true love if it was right in front of them. And my marriage to Anakin is not the issue here. I don't care what some of your so called constituents think about our marriage. I love my husband and he loves me more than you can imagine. I shouldn't even have to justify that to you. Leia said no and you can't make her marry Prince Isolder," she refuted.
"There is great pressure in the Senate for this political marriage to take place. You remember what that is like, or perhaps you don't," Mon said. Padmé looked sharply at her.
"I remember. That's why leaving that life for family life with the man I love was the easiest thing I've ever done. My daughter will not marry into a society of known Jedi haters. Leia's father and twin brother are Jedi, Leia herself knows the ways of the Jedi, Luke's future wife is a Jedi, and our youngest children will quite possibly someday be Jedi themselves. I warn you not to press the issue, lest you wish to terminate our friendship. Know that Anakin will never let you force our daughter into marriage with the Hapan Prince. Good evening," Padmé said as she stalked off.
Anakin had saw the heated exchange, though he couldn't hear what was being said from his distance. He saw Padmé venture off, likely off to the gardens to calm down.
"Hey tiny angel, how about we go see all the pretty flowers out in the garden. Would you like that?" he asked. She nodded as he picked her up and headed off in the same direction as his wife.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Scene Change~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"That didn't look good," Satine said as she and Obi-Wan danced, but had caught sight of what looked like a heated exchange between Padmé and Mon Mothma.
"No it didn't. I warned Mon not to even press the issue of the Hapans and respect Leia's decision. I told her Padmé would react like this and that Anakin would be even worse. Guess she chose not to take my advice," Obi-Wan replied.
"Arranged marriages and democracy have no place in the same sentence. I'm appalled that Mon is even letting the Queen Mother pressure her," Satine said.
"Can you imagine the blow out that will happen if the Queen Mother confronts Anakin and Padmé?" Obi-Wan chuckled.
"If the Queen Mother is that foolish, then it will certainly be a fireworks display I won't miss," Satine replied with equal amusement.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Scene Change~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Whatever Mon was saying didn't make you very happy at all," Anakin said as he followed her out into the gardens.
"I'm sorry for storming out without telling you. I just had to get out there for a minute," Padmé replied as she sat down on the edge of the stone fountain. Anakin sat beside her as Bella watched the water with avid interest.
"What's going on?" he asked.
"It's going to make you mad. I know you're not prone to losing control anymore, but this will push your limit," Padmé warned. Anakin sighed.
"Wow...okay, I promise I won't go storming back inside like a raging Reek," he said, only half joking.
"Well, it seems that Hapes has an interest in joining the Republic...if they get what they want," Padmé began. Anakin snorted in disgust.
"I really am not going to like this, am I? What exactly do the well known Jedi haters want in return for gracing us with their oh so wonderful presence?" he asked sarcastically.
"They want an arranged marriage between Prince Isolder and our Leia," Padmé told him, wincing as she said it.
As Leia's mother, she was already outraged by the suggestion, but as Leia's already overprotective father, she knew something like this would make Anakin livid in ways only a father could understand. She saw her husband's jaw clench like it usually did when he was angry and his calm cerulean eyes become a sudden startling stormy sapphire.
"They're bartering our daughter for political gain?" Anakin ground out through clenched teeth.
"Oh they're trying. Leia refused once and somehow Mon thought coming to me with the proposal would make a difference. I told her that no one would force our daughter into a marriage that she doesn't want with someone she doesn't know, never mind doesn't love," Padmé said.
"And she's still pressing the issue?" Anakin asked. Padmé nodded.
"I'm afraid she will. She claims there is a lot of pressure on her to make this happen," she said, with a sigh. "I can't believe that I'm dealing with this kind of thing again. I don't miss it Ani. After living a quiet life with our babies, I have no desire to deal with the seedier side of politics ever again."
Anakin put his hand on hers and gently kissed her lips, "And you don't have to. You're right, no one is going to force Leia to do anything she doesn't want to do. And say the word and we'll pack up the little ones and leave for Varykino tonight."
"It's tempting, but we can't. You have a Council meeting in the morning," she replied.
"You and the kids are first. Luke would cover for me. They know my position," Anakin said.
"I know, but I haven't even got to share even one dance with you. I say we go in, put Bella down and then go back to the gala for just a little while. Then we can put Aiden to bed and retire ourselves. It's early, but there's no saying we have to go right to sleep...if you get my drift," she said, a sultry edge in her voice. He smirked.
"I think I do," he replied as they went inside, intending to put Bella down for the night and ask one of the handmaidens to look after them, before they would return to the gala for a short time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Scene Change~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Luke milled about near the dessert tables, not sure what to do with himself. He had never really been to a party like this before and was feeling a little out of place. He felt someone nudge his arm.
"Why aren't you dancing?" Leia asked.
"Uh...I don't know how and I don't have a partner," Luke replied.
"Mara's been standing with Aunt Sola and Uncle Darred for thirty minutes looking at you. She definitely waiting for you to ask her," Leia encouraged, making Luke blush.
"I don't know..." he said uncertainly.
"Go and turn on the Skywalker charm. She'll help you figure the dance part out," Leia replied, pushing him toward the redhead.
Sure enough, he was soon dancing Mara, who smiled brightly. Leia shook her head in amusement and suddenly heard someone clear their throat behind her. She turned and saw a tall, long ash-blonde haired man standing there.
"Princess Leia, it is an honor to finally meet you in person," Isolder said smoothly as he kissed the back of her hand.
"Prince Isolder...I didn't know you would be attending," Leia replied as politely as possible.
"It was last minute, really. When you rejected my proposal, I felt that I needed to address this in person," Isolder replied.
"I'm terribly sorry you made the trip for nothing then, because my answer has not changed," Leia said.
"That's why I came in person. I believe I can change your mind," Isolder replied.
"Well, you can't. I'm already involved with a man and I love him," Leia told him. But Isolder only chuckled arrogantly.
"Forgive me Leia, but I don't see this man. If you were mine, I wouldn't let you out of my sight," he said smoothly.
"Who says I have?" Han said, as he approached.
Leia had never seen him wearing anything formal before and she was taken aback by how handsome he looked, even more than usual. Han's stare penetrated the prince, as he laced his fingers with Leia's.
"Han Solo. You are?" he asked. Isolder chuckled in amusement.
"When you said that you had a man, I assumed you meant another dignitary. Not this...hired hand," he said snootily.
"Hired hand? You're about to see that hand go down your throat," Han growled, but Leia held him back. Isolder chuckled.
"I would expect such uncouth behavior from a scoundrel like you. Leia, this man is not worthy of one such as you," he said.
"That's my decision," Leia said as she tried to keep Han from advancing.
"Let me punch his lights out. We'll both enjoy it," he insisted. Leia smiled at him.
"I know we would, but this is hardly the way to handle this," she told him.
"You keep telling him no, but he ain't taking the hint," Han said. Leia smiled knowingly.
"Trust me, he's about to and you're going to get a good laugh," she promised as she felt her parents closing in.
"Is there a problem here?" Anakin asked.
Isolder scoffed and turned to the source, preparing to tell them to kindly mind their own business. But when he saw the former Senator Amidala on the arm of her Jedi husband, he quickly lost the words on his tongue.
"M...Master Skywalker, no there's no problem," Isolder stammered. "Lady Skywalker, you are a vision of beauty."
"Prince Isolder, I didn't expect you to come all the way from Hapes for our humble little celebration here on Naboo," Padmé replied eloquently.
"Naboo is a beautiful world with many beautiful women, but first and foremost you and your daughter. I have been awestruck by her prowess in the Senate as of late. She is without a doubt your daughter, indeed," Isolder said, attempting to flatter her.
"Yeah and you'd just love to get your princely claws into her too," Han spat.
"I was simply conversing with Princess Leia when this riff-raff so rudely interrupted and tried to attack me. However, I am a forgiving man and I won't request that he be removed. I'm sure you can agree with me, as the parents of this lovely young woman, that he has no business anywhere near her," Isolder said, smirking smugly at Han.
"Actually, we couldn't agree...less," Padmé retorted, causing the prince's smirk to disappear.
"Forgive me, milady, but surely you can see how beneficial to both our families, not to mention to the Republic, this union would be," Isolder stated.
"What I see is Hapes trying to prey on the New Republic in an uncertain, financially unstable time by promising to shower the Senate constituents with wealth if you get what you want. Believe me, there was much of this practice in the late days of the Old Republic and it was corruption like yours that left us ripe for Palpatine's picking. If you really wanted to join the New Republic, then you would do so without asking for an incentive and for you to demand our daughter's hand is an outrage," Padmé spat.
"Lady Skywalker, I assure you that Hapes has only the best intentions and your daughter would be treated like a Queen!" Isolder insisted. Anakin glared at him, before he was suddenly in his face.
"My daughter is not marrying you. You would be wise not to press this issue," he warned, making Isolder very nervous.
"Very well, I shall take my leave. But I assure you that you will regret refusing me," Isolder promised, though Padmé knew an empty threat when she heard one.
"He was kind of a creep for someone who's supposed to be a Prince," Ahsoka scoffed.
"Yeah, what a stuffed shirt," Rex joked as he, Sola and Darred joined them.
"I was really hoping one of you would punch him out. It would have certainly livened this party up," Sola mentioned, looking and Han and Anakin.
"Well, I say we liven it up then," Anakin said as he led Padmé to the dance floor.
"You sure put him in his place. You can definitely still put a person in their place with words," he mentioned. She shrugged.
"I don't let anyone threaten the people I love and I know you don't either," she replied as she gazed up at him.
"True, but you're the brains. I'm just the muscle," he joked.
"Oh please. You my love are not lacking at all in the brains department," she told him.
"Maybe not, but I'm happy to be your muscle," he replied.
"Mmm...I'm happy that your muscles are all mine too," she said, as she slid her hands along his biceps and gave him a sexy grin.
"I say we go get Aiden tucked in and then have our own private party," he suggested.
"I love the way you think," she replied.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Scene Change~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Leia...can we talk?" Han asked. She nodded.
"Of course," she replied.
"Maybe somewhere not so...busy?" he asked. She nodded again.
"The gardens are beautiful this time of night," Leia replied as she led him there. "What did you want to talk about?"
"You know, that guy had a point in there. You're way outta my league," Han said.
"Han, I love you. Social class means very little next to that," she replied.
"I know and I'm lucky to have you. I love you too and it's time I start showing it or I'm afraid I'm gonna lose you. If I did, I'd only have myself to blame," Han said.
"You're not going to lose me," Leia insisted.
"You're right, cause I'm gonna marry you," Han blurted out, stunning her to speechlessness. He then realized how that had come out. "I mean, will you marry me?"
She smiled, as tears welled in her eyes. She nodded enthusiastically, as she hugged him tightly.
"Is that a yes?" he asked. She pulled back and kissed him passionately, before hugging him tightly again. He sported a goofy grin on his face.
"I think that's a yes," he said.
Later that evening, the celebration soon winded down and the Queen thanked all the guests for attending, before the palace quieted for the night.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Scene Change~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Padmé waited patiently in the palace atrium for the Council meeting to conclude. Bella bounced up and down in her hover stroller, not too happy about waiting. Aiden was not so patient either, since he found it entertaining to run around the atrium. Fortunately the palace staff and handmaidens were very understanding.
"Aiden, come here," Padmé called. "No more running."
"But Mommy, I'm bored. When are we going to go?" he asked.
Before she could respond, she saw the meeting room's door slid open and the Council members file out. Some she was unfamiliar with, but Mace, Shaak Ti, Aayla, Luminara and Barriss acknowledged her as they came out, followed by Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, Ahsoka, Luke, Mara and finally Anakin.
"How did it go?" she asked.
"Pretty well. There's still some that are resistant to re-writing the Code, but fortunately, Mace's opinion, as well as the senior members carry a lot of weight and they're in favor of it, even Mace. I don't think the same could have been said twenty years ago," Anakin replied.
"Much has changed and Mace is wise to change with the times," Padmé said.
"Yes, I must say that before I married Satine, I believed strongly in the old ways. But I'm glad I had a headstrong padawan and a stubborn Senator to change my mind," Obi-Wan mused, making them all chuckle.
"Yeah and fortunately, we're the majority now," Luke replied.
"We all agree that moving the Temple to Yavin IV was the best first decision. The Force is very strong there and we are able to focus more on rebuilding the Order," Ahsoka said.
"Things are definitely changing, but it's change for the better," Anakin said. They nodded in agreement.
"Daddy, are we going now?" Aiden asked.
Anakin smiled and lifted him up, "We sure are, little man. Everyone else went on ahead of us, so I say we go join them."
He couldn't wait to spring their surprise on Padmé when they got there. Rex, Shmi, Sola, Darred, Jobal, Ruwee and Satine had gone ahead to get everything ready. Padmé was in for the surprise of her life.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Scene Change~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As they stepped off the ferry and walked onto the veranda, Padmé noticed that it was decorated with fresh flowers and she noticed that their family was waiting anxiously for them.
"What's going on?" Padmé asked as she noticed everyone was smiling at her. Anakin handed Bella off to Sola and Leia eagerly took Aiden, before Anakin took Padmé's hands in his own.
"What have you been up to?" she asked coyly.
"Well, this is something Sola and I have been cooking up for a while now. Our wonderful family did most of the work and I know it's still a couple weeks before our anniversary, but I thought it would be really great to renew our vows. We didn't get to have a wedding with all of our friends and family as witnesses and now we can," Anakin said. Tears were already slipping down her cheeks as he got down on one knee. "Padme Skywalker, will you marry me again?"
She nodded eagerly, "Yes..."
He stood up and took her in his arms. She laughed as he spun her around and their lips met passionately.
"Well, let's go baby sister. We need to get you ready, because you're getting married again in just two hours," Sola said as the women whisked her away into the house.
"Daddy, I thought you and mommy were already married," Aiden said. Anakin smiled.
"We are little man, but when mommy and daddy got married the first time, we had to keep it a secret so no one got to come to the wedding except mommy's family and grandma Shmi. I know it's hard to understand, but this just means that mommy and daddy love each other and you kids so much," he explained. Aiden accepted his answer as Obi-Wan came to stand beside him.
"I'm glad I got invited this time," Obi-Wan joked. Anakin smiled.
"Me too, I'm glad you're here Master. And you should have been invited the first time," he replied.
"No, I wasn't enlightened enough then and probably would have tried to stop it. Then none of us would be here," Obi-Wan said. Anakin smiled humbly as they went to prepare themselves.
~~~~~~~~~~~~Scene Change~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Padmé sighed as she look in the mirror, looking as beautiful as she did on her wedding to Anakin the first time.
"You ready, baby sister?" Sola asked. She nodded. The other women had donned matching dresses, yellow in color, and they had even dressed Bella in a similar yellow dress.
"Mommy, you look pwetty!" Bella called. Padmé smiled down at her tiny daughter.
"Thank you sweetheart, you look so pretty too. Let's go show daddy how pretty we look," she said as she took her daughter's tiny hand in her own and they started down stairs.
~~~~~~~~~~~~Scene Change~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anakin waited beside the Holy man that Rex had shuttled to their home. The first time Anakin had married Padmé, he knew it was right. He had known it was right since the moment he laid eyes on her.
But their first marriage had begun with an ominous calm in the midst of a war that had erupted in the galaxy. And their union had been kept a guarded secret for almost three years. But today, they would renew their vows in front of the people that they loved most, including their four beautiful children.
Obi-Wan, Rex, Luke, Han and Lux stood beside him as they caught a glimpse of the women slowly coming in. Qui-Gon stood nearby, along with Yoda and Dooku's Force ghosts. Even Aayla, Shaak Ti, Luminara and Barriss were there.
Leia slowly walked in first, holding a bouquet of flowers and approached her father, giving him a soft kiss on the cheek.
"I love you daddy," she said. He smiled.
"I love you too princess and you look as beautiful as your mother," he told her. She smiled and took her place across from Han.
Ahsoka came in next and took her place next to Lux, then Mara who soon took her place beside Luke as Sola, Satine, Aisha and Annie followed, taking their places as well.
There were chuckles and giggles coming from everyone as they next watched Aiden and Isabella walk in. Aiden was walking too fast and had to stop to wait for Bella, who tossed flower petals. She started out just tossing one and then she got excited and started tossing them by the handful. Aiden waited impatiently for her, as he held the pillow with the rings on it like he had been instructed.
They finally reached their family and Aiden stood in front of his older brother, who patted him on the shoulder. Bella stood in the middle, not sure what to do now and Anakin knelt down. She grinned and ran to him as he took her in his arms.
"I throwed the fowers like aunt Sola said," Bella told him.
"You did and you did a wonderful job. Mommy and I are so proud," Anakin told her.
"You and mommy is getting married?" Bella asked.
"Well, mommy and I are already married, but we're having this ceremony to renew our vows to each other," Anakin replied, knowing she really wasn't going to understand.
"How come?" she asked.
"Because mommy and I love each other so much. You'll understand when you're older someday, tiny angel. Can you go stand by your big sister for now?" he asked.
She nodded and trotted over to stand in front of Leia. He stood up, just as Padmé entered and he suddenly felt all the air leave his lungs. She floated toward him like the angel he knew she was. She had stunned him with her beauty before, in fact, she did so on a daily basis, but to see her like this made him speechless.
"Are you an angel?" he whispered to her as she reached him. She smiled, her cheeks warming at his charming words.
"Just yours, my love," she replied as they turned to face the Holy man.
"We have gathered here today to witness the vow renewal of this couple, Anakin and Padmé Skywalker. I am here only to officiate and they will speak the words from their heart, but I must say, in the few minutes that I have been here, never have I witnessed such true, pure love between two people. Speak your vows to each other from your hearts and proclaim your love publicly," the Holy man said.
"From the moment you walked into that junk shop on Tatooine; I knew you would be the love of my life. Some would have said that it was silly of me to think I was in love, since I was only nine at the time, but growing up as a slave; I knew true love when I felt it since the only other person in my life that loved me was my mom. But you changed everything. Just seeing you for the first time, your very presence, showed me that true love was real. And then, when we met ten years later, I had grown up and you were still the same, as were my feelings for you. And I knew how impossible it should have been for us to be together, but I loved you so much that I didn't care about any of the rules that were supposed to keep us apart. I just knew that as long as I had you, my life would be complete. Being your husband is by far the greatest honor of my life and I promise to continue to make sure that you know how much I love you each and every day. I will never, ever take you for granted, because I know how lucky I am to have you and how lucky we are to be together. We've been through so much, but we made it because we refused to give up or lose faith in our love. If I have to choose one lesson to teach our children, it is that love can conquer any darkness or evil and that you must never lose faith in it. There...was a time that I believed that only more power could ensure that I could keep you close and safe. But fortunately, thanks in no small part to your love, I realized that power would only destroy the man you loved and replace him with something evil that you could never want. Your love literally saved my life, I know that with every fiber of my being. You are the greatest blessing in my life, as are our children, and I will spend the rest of my days loving you, cherishing you, and protecting you," Anakin said passionately as he gently brushed away a few of her tears that were slowly sliding down her beautiful face.
"Oh Anakin," she cried as she tried to quell the strong emotions inside her for the moment so she could speak her own vows to him.
"You are the love of my life too. I didn't even believe true love existed until you came back into my life. How could I when all around me was evil and corruption constantly. But you...you changed everything in my life for the better. You showed me true love made the impossible very possible. Your unconditional love humbled me and the more I tried to fight my feelings for you, the more I realized how trivial those reasons for not being together truly were. Suddenly, all I could find were reasons why we should be together. You made me happy and I wasn't happy before you came back into my life. There were times that I didn't even care if I lived or died, because I was only a public servant. But you made me realize that there was such more to my life than that. That's when you became my life. You saved me too, in more ways than one. You're my husband, my handsome protector, my Knight in shining Jedi armor," she said, smiling at him, as he looked down shyly at her praise.
"You are the greatest blessing in my life as well, as are our children, and I will love you for eternity. I will also spend the rest of my days loving and cherishing you. You've made my life more whole and complete than I ever imagined possible. I'm still in awe that you did all this for us, but then again, I shouldn't be surprised. You've always been so romantic, so much more than I believed I deserved. I love you so much and I will spend the rest of my life making sure you know how much," she promised as they turned back to the Holy man.
"It is without a doubt that we are in the presence of true, powerful love. The Force has truly blessed this union and your vows have again reinstated the promises you made to each other upon your first union. May the Force continue to bless this union and the family you have created. You may kiss your bride, just as you did on the day you first took her as your wife," the Holy man stated.
Anakin and Padmé smiled at each other as their lips met in eager passion. Their family and friends applauded and their young ones ran to them. They embraced their little ones as they commenced with a celebration reception with their loved ones.
There were still a great many things that were uncertain in the galaxy, especially with a young and struggling new government. But freedom had been restored to the galaxy, thanks to the love of one family. They knew that despite the uncertain times that the galaxy would flourish prosperously once again, especially with their two oldest children involved in much of the New Republic's design.
As for them, they knew their love had brought them through the worst of times and now they would continue to raise their family, as they were finally home in the place they had always dreamed of raising their children. Nothing and no one could ever come between them ever again.
"I love you Anakin...so much," Padmé said passionately.
"I love you too angel. I've loved you since the moment I laid eyes on you and I'll love you for eternity," Anakin replied.
"And I, you, my love," she said passionately as their lips met again in a soul searing kiss.
The Force had been brought back into balance by their love and the galaxy flourished in the light of the Force again. Peace had been restored, a peace that was created by the incredible love between two extraordinary people. A love so powerful, true, and unconditional that it transcended all obstacles and overcame the darkest of evils. Through it all, it shined with the light of the Force, banishing the darkness to the shadows.
And to think, it all began when a little boy first laid eyes on a girl he would always swear was an angel in a run-down junk shop on Tatooine...
That's a wrap! *exhale*
That emotional ending almost brought me to tears.
I really loved working on this and I hope you all enjoyed it, and continue to enjoy it!
The Sequel Trilogy will be coming soon. Until then...
Read and review, please! And May the Force Be With You, always!