The Mirror

It was no longer easy for Amidala, once of the Naboo, to enter the public eye.

She had not gone into the Palace District since leaving Alderaan and coming to Coruscant, and did not plan on making any further trips to it in the future. The Empire was sickening to her; as sickening as any plague or monstrosity could be, and she wanted nothing to do with it. Having her husband be a part of it was bad enough as it was.

She wondered why she had been called up to the palace in the first place. Palpatine well knew her views of him and his regime, and that she had not forgotten his dependence on her in the past. His manipulation of her in the past, and her resentment of it. He knew this, and yet he called her to him. Amidala thought it ridiculous. Unless he wanted to humiliate her, which would not be good form in front of Ani, there was little reason for her presence. That was, unless he did something to Leia -- and Amidala knew well that as much as she and Ani might fume inside about it, they would be powerless to react to whatever he did in [i]that[/i] regard.

That was, if they were interested in remaining alive.

It's wrong, she thought. How can you allow such things to continue? You know its wrong -- fight it.

Ani will never leave him...

You look beautiful, my love.

She turned in a swish of heavy cloth from the mirror she was at, and smiled at him. Help me with this necklace, she said, motioning to a string of thin stones around her neck. She knew that his mechanical fingers were too clumsy to actually snap the clasps in place, and that he'd have to resort to using the Force, but she liked to feel his touch on her neck, as gloved and fumbling as it was. She suspected he was pleased by the request, for he came to her side without protest.

I'm worried, Ani, she told him, in a low voice. He needs nothing from me. But Leia. . .

The barrier will hold, he replied. She felt the necklace close and settle on her shoulders, and his hands rearrange it over her high-necked gown. His movements were gentle, just as she remembered from before.

From before everything...

She turned to him and wound her hands through his. How can you be certain? she whispered. You're always saying he's so much stronger. Are you certain he won't sense it?

I am certain, he said. Leia's shields are very strong, and will hold it tight. I have always told him she was mute.

But he suspects, she murmured, her eyes half-closed. Like this, she could almost wish the mask away, and see Anakin as he truly was. As he was with her and Leia, when he no longer had to pretend.

He suspects, Ani confirmed, drawing away. I do not know why.

Amidala closed her eyes fully. I do not have barriers, Ani. What if he senses Luke?

She almost thought he smiled. Amidala, you underestimate yourself. Your mind is as closed to him as Leia's.

That's not enough.

She reached for him in momentary desperation and need, and he pulled her to his chest. He was careful to direct her body away from his metal chestplate, and into the softer leather. It was a thoughtful gesture, and one she appreciated, but did not need. She had accepted Anakin as he was, and he did not need to shield her from himself any longer, as much as she missed the way he had been before. She was his wife.

I miss him, Ani, she said into his suit, and she felt tears forming in the corners of her eyes, threatening to bleed into her makeup. I don't know how he wouldn't sense it -- the missing.

I miss him too, he said. She knew he was sincere, though he had never known Luke himself. But he could never be here. It would be too dangerous.

she agreed, though her heart screamed everything to the contrary. It was a good decision to leave him on Tatooine.

He leaned over and pulled a square of cloth from her dressing table, and carefully dabbed it at her eyes. She leaned into the motions, and let her fears be wiped away with the tears. She had to be strong, so that Leia would be strong. Ani was strong. She knew how to be strong. She had always been strong before.

She only needed her mask, like Ani.

I have to finish my face, she murmured, pulling away and stepping back to her dressing mirror. He nodded, and she gave him a cool smile, knowing he'd understand.

I will check on Leia, he said. Leia had left Amidala's chambers earlier, to change into a dress. Though I will be hopeless at anything she wants of me.

Amidala nearly laughed, but composed herself immediately. I will be there shortly.

He bowed -- formally, still her knight and protector -- and swept out of the room. Amidala frowned at his back, then turned back to her paints and mascaras.

It was important she played this game correctly.

***

AN: Many thanks to everyone that has read this so far. I appreciate all of your comments!