I'll be honest, I've come back and forth to this chapter so many times and rewritten so many parts that I was about ready to scrap it... but, I am stubborn. It may not be 100% to my liking, but this chapter is at least DONE! I can now move on to other parts of this story for which I have a growing number of outlines. Hopefully this means that the next update won't take too long!

Happy Reading!

Chapter 10

The deafening cheers from the crowd and the flashing of cameras from the press section left Sola a little nervous as she sat listening to remarks from the director of the children's home gave his gratitude to the royal family for their commitment to the wellbeing of the youth of their country. She barely heard a word of it as she fiddled with the paper leaflet in her hand on which her own speech was written. She had practiced it well over a hundred times in the past few days, wanting everything to be perfect. From the outside, it might look like a simple opening ceremony, but for Sola, this was the culmination of years of hard work done by her father. His last passion project. The essence of what he wanted to be remembered for. All her life, her father talked about improving the lives of their own people. International conflicts, and assisting valued allies, had required him to put such things aside for what many at the time considered to be "the greater good". In the end, he regretted their involvement in some conflicts, saw that there had been easier solutions that would not have required as much man-power or financing, and wished that he had put more effort into the home front. That wish, drove him to work as hard as he could in his final years to make some impact on the lives of his people. For the last twelve years of his life, he had built seventeen public schools, ten homeless shelters, established three charities, organized five annual events for veterans and police, and constructed five children's homes. This last children's home was the biggest, and most expensive venture he had planned. He wanted it to represent the standard on which all future establishments to compare themselves to, it was why he picked the capital city for its location. To be the monarch to unveil this capstone of another monarch's life-long wish, was intimidating for Sola, doubly so as her father's shadow seemed ever so imposing as she thought about everything that was now on her shoulders. There was so much to live up to.

The cheers of the crowd roared louder, pulling Sola's attention to the Director who now looked at her with a wide smile on his face as he stepped back. It was her turn to speak. Standing tall, she walked forward, giving the director a kind nod as he bowed his head as she passed him. The crowed went quiet as she placed her paper on the podium and read over the opening line again. The typed paper was full of scribbles that she had marked up to help her remember key parts of the speech. Padme had always been a more natural speaker, her voice resonating powerfully and always knowing exactly where to pause for breath or speak slower. Speaking as not a talent Sola had and so she had always needed extra time to rehearse and mark up speeches. Looking out into the crowd, she watched the yellow and green banners wave in the breeze and took a deep breath to ground herself.

"Thank you, Director," She began. "My father always said that 'the solution to most problems, starts at home,' as a girl, I did not understand this. But as I stand before you now, I think we can all see the wisdom in those words. If we can not take care of our own children, the most vulnerable citizens of our country, how then can we be expected to help with the problems in the rest of the world? Charity, and the construction of facilities to provide aid is a small step towards solving the larger issues. But by building this home, to standards set my a monarch much wiser than I, I believe this is a step towards a brighter future for our youth and our nation."

Applause crescendoed through the street as Sola stepped back from the microphone towards the gates to the property where a red ribbon was tied between the two main posts of the gate. The mayor of the capital handed her a pair of golden scissors with which she took a moment to simply hold by the ribbon as the press took pictures before snapping them over the ribbon and officially opening the home to the public.

Bright colors radiating from the sun were slowly replaced by the cool blue-white glow of the moon as night settled over Naboo. The cool air was contrasted by the warmth from the fireplace as the orange flames crackled and popped. Padme was settled on the floor beside Anakin as they leaned against the couch, both of them huddled under the same blanket wrapped tightly around their shoulders. Her head was on his chest as his arm was resting around her shoulders, the tips of his fingers playing with her drying hair. The day had been wonderfully lazy. They spent it swimming in the lake and had tea and lunch on the terrace before returning to the water, not leaving until their fingers started to shrivel and the sun began its decent. It was then that they retired to the small sitting room they were in now, still clad in their bathing suits letting the fire warm them.

Padme leaned closer to Anakin, pressing her face to his chest, and sighing in content from the warmth that seemed to be almost constant with him. They hadn't said much since they settled down here, the silence somehow adding to the mood of the evening. It was strange for her to look back on the past few days, and think about all the pleasant feelings that seemed to accompany them. She'd had fun. She'd enjoyed being with him more than anything else. Part of her felt as if all of this was simply because it was a change from what her life normally was, that the feelings were nothing more than a fondness… but another part of her ached to be heard. A part that told her that her life would be empty without him. And to her surprise, she was finding that she agreed more with the latter. The thought of going back to the way things were didn't seem feasible to her anymore. The thought that after their week was done, he would go one way and her another, made her heart ache.

His lips touched her temple in a light kiss and she sighed. This was nice, so, so nice. She leaned in closer and pressed her lips lightly to his chest in appreciation for him. He shifted slightly and kissed her temple again, and then another kiss to her cheek. She returned the gesture with a kiss to his jaw, and he ducked a little lower to kiss the side of her neck once. Her breath hitched as she tensed for a moment, and he placed a second gentle kiss to her neck right over her pulse.

"Oh…" this felt… strange to her, but in a good way. Her chest tingled from the sensation and she could hear her pulse in her head as a shudder traveled down her spine as he kissed her pulse again. Unconsciously, she pulled him closer, and she felt him smile onto her throat as his breath wafted over the spots where his lips had been moments before.

Anakin pulled back slightly and met her eyes. They just sat there, staring intently at one another for a moment or two, as if reading one another. Padme could see a longing in his eyes, and a worry that she couldn't put words to at the moment. All she could focus on was the restrained look on his face, and how she simply wanted him to let go and show her exactly what he wanted because she knew that she wanted the same thing. Padme took his face in her hands and kissed him deeply, wordlessly giving him permission to give in. He sighed into her as his lips parted for a second before he pulled back, "M-maybe we should—"

"No," She said, leaning back into him, "it's fine." She kissed him, again, and again, each caress of their lips encouraging them on. Her fingers pulled on the ends of his hair, drawing him closer, until sitting by his side made her crane a bit too far. But she wanted— needed to stay close to him, needed to keep her lips on him. Surprising him just as much as herself, she shifted herself into his lap. His hands rested lightly on her waist as his eyes raked over her with his mouth agape. Padme caressed his cheeks with the pads of her fingers as she touched her forehead to this.

He swallowed as he brought his eyes to meet hers. He licked his lips and let out a shaking breath. "Are… are you sure?" He asked.

Padme replied with a smile and leaned down to kiss along his jaw until she reached his ear. "Yes." She said.

And as if a switch had been flipped, any hesitation in his movements ceased as he gave in. His lips capturing hers, as his hands slid up and down her back sensually. Her neck craned back as he pressed soft kisses to her throat, her shoulder, her chest. Her body felt as if it were on fire as she felt his hands on the ties of the top of her bathing suit. He pulled back for a moment, their eyes meeting intensely as he once again silently asked her permission. He truly was so sweet. Her hands went to her back over his, and carefully pulled the tie, leaving no question of her desire as she let the fabric fall between them.

His cheeks lit up in a small blush as his eyes darted between her eyes and her breasts for several moments, seeming to be trying to be respectful, while also juggling the desire to simply stare. Eventually, he lost his internal battle as his eyes landed on her breasts and lingered. His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed and from her vantage on his lap, she felt a twitch inside his pants, leaving no doubt the effect she had on him. His fingers trembled where they were on her back before he pulled his right hand along her side to her front, slowly raising it up to the underside of her breast. At first all she could feel were his fingertips, skimming the outline before he grew more bold and held her breast in his hand. He inhaled sharply as his back shuddered and he gave her breast a small squeeze once, twice, and then a third time accompanied by a flick of his thumb over her nipple.

"Oh…" Padme arched her back in pleasure as he lunged toward her, his lips latching to the flesh above her breast as he peppered kissed there before making a wet trail to her nipple. Her fingers carded through his hair as he eased her back on her back, settling between her legs. His eyes locked on hers as he flicked his tongue over her nipple, eliciting a hiss from her lips. He smirked as he repeated the action again, bringing his other hand up to treat her other breast with its touch. "Oh, Anakin…" She sighed.

He released her nipple with a pop before easing himself up towards her lips, kissing her deeply as she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, her legs wrapping around the back of his knees. She wanted to be closer to him. She wanted him so badly… Padme ran her finger tips along his jaw as they pulled back and she traced her fingers along his lips. He kissed each of her fingertips in turn before he opened his mouth and spoke, "I… I've never…"

"Me neither," She admitted in a whisper. His eyes widened as he stared intently at her, before letting out a shuddered breath before leaning to kiss her again.

"I… I don't…," He voice caught in his throat as groaned lightly.

"It's alright," She assured him with gentle kisses.

Anakin shook his head and lifted himself up slightly, "No, what I mean is… I didn't plan— I don't have a… a c-condom…"

"Oh…" Now she understood. He blushed red as they stayed the way they were. She didn't have one either. It was clear what they both wanted, and one time wouldn't be that bad, would it? No, that wasn't a viable option. They could always wait. Go into town tomorrow morning, get some things at one of the shops, then come back here and pick up where they left off. But then she remembered. Sola.

Anakin eased back onto his knees and helped her to sit up as well. "We should probably wait…" He mumbled, his hand rising to scratch the back of his neck awkwardly as he shifted, visibly uncomfortable. But Padme had other plans.

She brought her hand to his cheek and guided his lips to hers, brushing them sweetly before pulling back a little. "We won't have to wait," She said, kissing him again. "I'll be right back." Climbing to her feet, she took the discarded blanket that had been around them a little while ago and threw it over her shoulders before hurrying towards her sister's room. Even though Sola hadn't been to the house in a little over a year, the room was still her sister's typical mess. The vanity was flooded with a mix of both full and empty containers of cosmetics, the brushes were laying on the glass surface as if the owner had left only a few minutes ago. The wardrobe lacked any sort of organization with dresses that were hanging on by one shoulder, or laying in a pile on the shelf floor. Padme rummaged through the contents of every drawer and box she could find, knowing that her sister had to have a box of condom's somewhere. She found almost everything else but what she was looking for. Old phone numbers from guys she had probably flirted with on one of their trips here were scattered on the desk, a pair of fuzzy handcuffs were in the drawer of the wardrobe, and the bedside table even had a dildo hidden under an assortment of books that she knew Sola had never once read. Padme muttered a curse under her breath, frustrated that it was starting to look like she and Anakin would have to delay until tomorrow. But one last look through the over-stuffed dresser in the back of the room, had her grinning widely as she looked at the small cardboard box of condoms. Yes! Satisfied with her find, she hurried back to the sitting room where Anakin was waiting for her.

He was seated almost exactly the way he had been when she had left, though his hands were now resting in his lap, trying to hide the obvious tent in his shorts. The light glow from the fireplace cast dark shadows across his face, though not nearly dark enough to hide the small blush on his cheeks. His brow raised slightly as she rejoined him, falling to her knees in front of him and kissing his lips as she leaned into him. He practically melted into her as his hands found her waist, and she easily moved in, straddling his lap as she gently pressed the box of condoms in her hand to his chest. Anakin pulled back from the kiss, and reached for the box. He took a moment to read the label before he grinned widely and eagerly pulled her face back to his, kissing every inch of skin he could find. She giggled as he tugged the blanket from her shoulders and kissed down her clavicle, her hands twining in his hair in encouragement. He nipped lightly at her breast before flicking his tongue over her nipple and she sighed as she slid one had lower down his chest to the waistband of his shorts, and even lower still. He let out a gasp as she ran her palm over the bulge, and she smirked as he jerked his hips involuntarily against her.

"Padme…" His rough voice sent currents of electricity down her spine, her core clenching in anticipation.

Without warning he brought his face back to hers, kissing deeply as he lunged up onto his knees, his strong hands holding the backs of her thighs tightly so she wouldn't fall. Padme held onto his neck as he carefully laid her back down on the rug. His hands moved teasingly slowly as they slid down her sides with purpose. Padme allowed her hands to mimic his, as she slowly wrapped her arms around his back and slid down towards his trunks.

He tugged lightly on the bottom half of her bathing suit, carefully easing the material down her legs until she managed to slide one leg free, and left it dangling around her other leg, leaving her bare before him. The natural instinct for modesty made her want to cover up, but anticipation for what was to come outweighed instinct as she held tightly to the waistband of his trunks and started to tug them down over his firm buttocks. She felt him smile against her neck as he raised his body up higher and moved his hands to pull the drawstring free to assist in her pursuit. Once undone, the shorts fell away tantalizingly slowly before he reluctantly pulled away to completely rid himself of his clothes. Padme shivered, but whether it was from the cool breeze that drifted between their heated bodies or from the apprizing look in his eyes, she didn't know. She didn't care either.

The corner of his lips twitched up into a small smile as he leaned back over her and brought his lips to hers. "You're so beautiful," He said, his words unwavering, conveying what could only be perceived as truth as he wrapped his arms tightly around her, his fingers playing with the ends of her hair. "So beautiful," He said again.

"Anakin…" She gripped his hair tightly as she ran her fingers through his hair, finding purchase on the top of his head and the back of his neck.

He groaned as he rolled back onto his heels, bringing her with him. She gasped, her nails digging into his scalp as she held onto him but he didn't even seem to notice as he settled back in a seated position with her in his lap.

She felt something twitch by her thigh, it was firm and hot and as she shifted, against it, she could feel Anakin shudder. Padme blushed as they broke from the kiss. She took a shy glance between them and eyed the stiff erection sprouting from a trimmed nest of blonde hair between his legs. His shoulders felt tense as she looked back at his eyes. The deep blue held her gaze, as if searching for her approval. Padme swallowed and returned her gaze to his cock. She had an idea of how to pleasure a man, but inexperience made her hesitant. Shyly, she reached out and just touched him to start with. Her hand had barely wrapped around the head of his cock before he shuddered, giving her the confirmation that she was on the right track. Slowly she stroked him, sliding from tip to base, and back.

"Harder…" He whispered, his eyes closed and his nostrils flaring.

She did as she was asked and squeezed him tighter as she continued stroking him, adding a light twisting motion as she reached the tip. With a shuddering groan, he lurched forward and took her lips in a passionate kiss as his right hand grasped her breast. The action caught her off guard enough that she stopped her ministrations as she returned his kiss and let out a startled cry when he pinched her nipple before she came to her senses and returned to her task. It felt strange to do this, but in a good way. His left hand wrapped around her backside and gave her cheek a gentle squeeze that made her core clench.

His hand tightened its grip on her backside as he pulled her closer. He pulled back from her as she felt her center touch the base of his cock and he let out a hiss as he glanced down to where they were touching, she continued to stroke him slowly as she watched him shyly. The corners of his lips curled as he let go of her breast and with shaking fingers he slid his fingers down towards her center. His fingers brushed gently across the tips of the short fine hairs there before coating themselves in her wetness and trailing past her lips. She jumped as he brushed against the small bundle of nerves hidden there, and he glanced up at her. Their eyes focused on one another as they slowly pleasured one another with their hands. Padme let her eyes fall shut as his fingers moved. They were a little jerky, and sometimes they missed the places she wanted him to touch, the movements screamed inexperience, but regardless, somehow there was just something more to it than what she could achieve on her own. She wanted him to feel the same, and so she doubled her efforts.

"Oh, God… Padme…" His voice sounded hoarse as his thighs trembled under her. He bit his lip hard as he hummed low in his throat. She smiled in satisfaction and leaned forward to press light kisses along his neck.

Anakin hissed before roughly pulling her hand away from him. "No…" He said through clenched teeth. "Not… not yet…" his eyes opened and he brought both of his hands to her neck, lightly stroking her skin as he leaned in to give her a soft kiss on her lip. For this moment, the passion and lust subsided, dimming as they took the simple pleasure of their skin touching. After a few moments passed, he returned his hand to her center, where he started to reignite things slowly. She felt his cock twitch against her and he let out a strained groan. Reaching out, she took him in her hand again, intent on bringing him pleasure, but his hand stopped her again. "No," He said again. "I want— I need to last." He said. She didn't fully understand exactly was his meaning was, but she accepted it nonetheless, and let him do what he felt that he needed.

He touched her with a deep furrow in his brow as he seemed to try and figure out what brought her the most pleasure, what she liked, what she didn't… he was very attentive in his ministrations. He watched her as he slid a finger inside her, his eyes focusing on her with such intensity it made her shudder. He slid his fingers in and out, adding a second finger once she was adjusted, and doing what he could to make her more comfortable. Anakin leaned in and kissed her brow, and her cheeks as he withdrew his fingers and pulled her close enough that she could feel the full length and girth of his cock. She tensed in anticipation and a little bit of worry as she felt how large he was. He swallowed as he carefully brushed a lock of her hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ear. He looked just as worried as she felt and knew he was doing what he could to make her comfortable with it.

"It… It'll hurt at first," He started. "But I… If you need me to stop… I'll stop."

Padme smiled at him and ran her fingers through his hair before giving him a short nod of consent.

Squaring his shoulders, he reached for the box of condoms and pulled one out before rolling it over himself, giving his cock a firm tuck before wrapping his arms around her waist. Padme gripped his shoulders as he lifted her up until she felt the head of his cock between her folds. She sunk down on him with a pained hiss, stopping once he was halfway in. Anakin kissed her shoulder, her neck, whispering sweet nothings as his hands moved up and down her back, and sides in an effort to sooth her. She braced herself on him before gave one final downward thrust and cried out as he filled her completely. Padme burred her face in his shoulder as he held her tightly, his body stiff as he resisted moving inside her, whispering words along the slope of her neck as she adjusted to him.

After a few moments she felt herself relax, and shifted slightly in his lap. It felt strange to have him inside her, but at the same time, it felt as though he was close to… something. Something that would feel so good if she could get him there. She slowly rose a few inches and then rocked back down over him. Her eyes closed as he rocked up to meet her. Their movements were jolty, uneven and lacking semblance or rhythm as they slowly worked to find a balance. She took his face in her hands and brought his lips to hers in a heated kiss as he gripped her hips to help guide her movements. Padme wrapped her legs around his waist and whimpered as his cock drove deeper inside her. She kissed him again, and again as her hands carded through his hair and he rocked into her faster, determined to chase the pleasure that she was sure he felt as well.

With sudden force, he rolled her back onto the rug as he hovered over her, his hips never stuttering as he rocked into her. "Oh, Anakin, oh, yes, yes, yes!" Her nails raked down his back as his hand gripped the back of her thigh tightly, pulling it up high on his hip, allowing him to deliver thrust after earth shattering thrust. It was perfect. Without warning she felt something burst inside her. Her back arched as she felt her walls spasm around him and yet still he did not stop, not until the last few jerking thrusts and she felt his cock twitch sporadically inside her, emptying himself into the condom.

Anakin's shoulder shook as muscles rippled beneath his skin before he collapsed on top of her, his breath just as shallow and harsh as her own. Padme traced invisible patterns along his back as he lifted his head with some difficulty. He gave her a lopsided smile before leaning towards her and kissing her lips languidly. She could have stayed like that for eternity.

Side note: I don't know what it is with me and the 10th chapter often being smut... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯