Anakin and Padmé had been working their differences for two months now. The elections for new senators were taking place in every system that belonged to the republic. Former queen Jamillia was running for her planet Naboo. This also meant that elections for a new monarch were taking place in Naboo. It was almost a fact that queen Jamillia would be elected for senator.
Two days after the election, the names of the new senators were announced. Queen Jamillia was now senator Kasmillia of the Naboo, and a big ball was going to take place in Theed palace to celebrate. Anakin and his wife were invited, along with supreme chancellor Organa.
Padmé was very excited about this ball, she haven't been to one in ages. She wanted to attend to this particular party because Jamillia was going to be there, and Padmé remembered the little weakness the former queen had to her husband. There was nothing to worry about, she trusted Anakin with her life. But still...
"Padmé, are you ready?", Anakin called from the living room. They were already five minutes late, and Theed palace was ten minutes away from the lake retreat, where they were staying. "Padmé?", Anakin called again, this time not sure if his wife had heard him.
"I'm coming! I'm not used to have people doing my hair for me!", she yelled back from her vanity. Anakin laughed and shook his head softly. He removed a strand of hair from his eyes and placed it behind his ear.
His hair was very long, almost as long as master Kenobi's, only Anakin wore a different hair style. He really needed a haircut, but Padmé loved how his golden strands got all messed up covering his face, so he kept it that way. Anakin stopped thinking about his hair when Padmé walked out dragging poor Sabé that was trying to fix the last details of her dress.
Padmé's dress was long all the way to her ankles and had thin straps that went over her shoulders down to her back. The dress was a very light blue color that matched with the hairband holding her hair together in a tight bunn. Loose locks of hair fell freelly around her face, framing it. She wore little make up and a simple diamond necklace. The only jewelry piece she wore besides the necklace was her wedding ring.
"Wow, you look amazing!", Anakin exclaimed while he walked towards her and held her hand over her head to spin her. Anakin noticed that the dress had a very low back. "And that's an amazing backline!", he said a little shocked. Padmé smiled and examined her husband.
"You look quite amazing yourself", she pointed. Anakin turned around and over reacted a little, causing Padmé to laugh at him. "Alright, enough of it, galactic model. Here, let me fix your hair", she said as she brought her hands up to fix his messy hair.
"I wan to cut it", Anakin mentioned, almost complaining.
"I forbid you to do that", Padmé said smiling. "There. You look so cute!". Anakin frowned.
"Cute?", he asked almost disgusted. Padmé laughed at him and kissed his cheek.
"I meant handsome", she corrected. Anakin nodded and offered his arm.
"That's what I thought", he said as they walked away. Anakin turned his head and smiled at Sabé. "Bye Sabé, and take the rest of the night off". When Anakin turned to look ato the front he missed Sabé's little happy dance.
Padmé took another look at Anakin and smiled to herself. He was wearing blak pants with thin white stripes at the sides. His black boots were almost knee height and his black vest matched his pants. He was wearing a white shirt closed across his chest and a black leather belt with a silver buckle. He always had looked great in black.
Once at Theed palace, Padmé held to Anakin's hand tightly so that they wouldn't be torn appart by the crowd. They walked over to senator Jamillia to congratulate her and pay their respects. She was speaking to the chancellor and some other senate members. She blushed slightly when she saw Anakin and Padmé walking towards her group.
"Senator Jamillia, allow me to congratulate you for your new charge", Anakin greeted formally. He took Jamillia's hand and pressed a soft kiss there. Padmé was standing very close to Anakin, guarding her territory. He just smiled, guessing his wife's thoughts.
"Thank you, Skywalker. Hello Padmé, it's a pleasure to see you again", Jamillia greeted politely. Padmé shook the senator's hand and gave a short bow. "You look wonderful in that dress", Jamillia pointed. Padmé smiled.
"Thank you, you look wonderful too". Anakin started to talk with Organa about something and Padmé started to get bored. She didn't like to talk about politics, but there was nothing that she could do because the ball was for a politic purpose. Jamillia noticed this and asked her to join her to the gardens. Padmé was thrilled and happily accepted.
Theed palace gardens were and had always been beautiful. People must have taken care of it for centuries because it remained as beautiful and fresh as always. The moonliht reflecting on the water of the numerous fountains gave the air a magic touch, as if everything around them was a dream.
Padmé and Jamillia walked over to a stone bench and sat down. At first they were quiet but soon the senator found something to talk about. They talked about the senate, the Jedi order, the ball, the gardens, and everything they could think of. Jamillia was a very nice and simple person, and Padmé regreted being jealous in the first place. They felt as if they had been friends for ages.
Anakin walked over to them along with Bail Organa. He smiled when he caught sight of his wife having a conversation with the new senator.
"There you are, I've been looking all over for you", he said smiling. Padmé turned to him and raised her hand, asking him to stop.
"Could you wait for me inside? I'll only take a minute", she said with a pleading smile. Anakin and Bail looked at each other and frowned.
"Why?", Anakin finally asked.
"It's just that we were talking about something", Jamillia explained.
"Girl stuff", Padmé added. Anakin smiled at his wife. He was happy that she was finally getting along with politicians, specially with Jamillia.
"Alright, I'll be waiting for you inside, but don't take too long, the ball is going to start and I want to have the first dance". Padmé smiled and held Anakin's hand.
"I'll save you a piece, I promise". Anakin nodded satisfied and pressed a kiss on Padmé's hand. She let out a small giggle and slightly pushed him away. "Now go!", she said laughing. Anakin raised a brow mockingly and walked away.
*
"I was wondering if you would show up tonight...", Anakin said as Padmé walked up to him. She grabbed his hand and almost dragged him to the dance floor. Anakin just smiled and followed his wife. The music was already playing and there were at least ten couples dancing. When they found a clear spot they started dancing.
"I told you I would save you a dance", Padmé said smiling.
"Just one?", Anakin asked playing along.
"Maybe I'm up for two or three more. It depends on your negociating skills"
"I'm a politician", Anakin pointed proudly. Padmé raised a brow and smiled.
"That's exactly what I mean", she answered, mischief written on her face. Anakin tickled her on the ribs and Padmé laughed like a little girl. "Alright, alright... I take it back. Are you happy now?".
"Much happier, thank you", Anakin answered mockingly. He brought Padmé closer to him and hung his head over her shoulder. They were dancing so slowly and so close to each other that it felt like a dream. The only thing that bothered Anakin a little was that people would still gossip about his marriage to Padmé. Why couldn't they just get over with it? They were already married and no gossip would turn them appart.
"Don't worry about that, Ani", Padmé broke into his trance. Anakin looked at her and smiled knowingly. "Your shields were down, and you were practically screaming your thoughts out", she said with a smirk. Then her expression torn serious when she noticed how Anakin looked aside, avoiding her intense stare. Padmé brought her hand up to his face and softly grabbed it so that he would look at her. She raised her brows, expectant.
"It's just that it bothers me how people talk about us without knowing anything...", he complained. Padmé brought him closer to her as she rested her head on his chest.
"Don't worry, Ani. They'll never know anything and we should be glad that what they say don't affect us. Let's just drop it, alrigh?", she pleaded with a smile, though Anakin didn't see her.
"Alright, you win", he said in a sigh.
"I always win!", Padmé pointed.
"And I'm glad you do so". Padmé laughed against his chest and shook her head.
"You are so submissive, Ani".
*
"... therefore, I trespass my power to senator Jamillia of the Naboo, knowing that she will represent our people with wisdom and care fulfilling our expectations. Let us now be happy and celebrate this special occasion". Everyone cheerep and clapped after Anakin finished his speech.
In first line stood Padmé, smiling widely at her husband as he walked down the steps of the little stage that had been set up for the ball. Many of the people there called Anakin to congratulate him and wish him the best, but he ignored them and went straight to his wife, a big smile playing on his lips. When he finally got to her, he lifted her a few inches from the floor and kissed her.
Padmé was shocked, Anakin was never that affectionate in public. When they broke the kiss Padmé noticed that he was still smiling at her.
"I love you", he said cheerfully as Padmé smiled.
"I love you too". She pulled him closer by tugging on his long hair and kissed him. "See? That's why I like your hair like that". Anakin sighed.
"You are always controling me", he said mockingly. Padmé nodded.
"Yes, and you love it. Now put me down or you will ruin the dress", she asked, softly punching him on the shoulder. "Now let's dance!"
"In a minute, I've got to talk to the press about my retirement first", Anakin said. Padmé held to Anakin's hand.
"I want to go with you", she said, more like pleaded. Anakin sighed.
"Padmé, the press is very annoying. They'll start asking questions about us and all that", Anakin explained.
"They are going to ask you wether I go with you or not, so why do you make such a big deal about it? I want to be by your side, and that's final", she said trying to sound serious. Anakin noticed that she was fighting back a smile and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"Stop making fun of me and let's go". Padmé smiled and kissed him.
*
Anakin and Padmé sat behind a table, holding hands as the reporters shot questions at Anakin. It had been about fifteen minutes, and there wasn't much left to ask or answer. One of the reporters raised his hand and Anakin nodded in his direction.
"Are you planning on having children any time soon?".
Padmé was about to stand up and slap the bold reporter on the face but Anakin squeezed her hand and answered.
"I believe that we are getting a little carried away with the main subject here...", Anakin started, but he was interrupted by another reporter.
"But you do plan on having children, right?". A female reporter stood up, her eyes wide open with expectation.
"Maybe she is already pregnant!". When she finished, all the reporters started to talk and take holo pictures of the celebrity couple. Padmé couldn't take it anymore and stood up.
"That's between me and my husband, and I don't see why it should concern you or any other people. I don't go over your face and attack you with personal questions, do I?", she asked in a hard and sarcastic voice.
The reporters swallowed hard and sat down. Padmé sighed satisfied and grabbed Anakin's hand.
"Let's go, Ani. This confference is over". Anakin nodded, shocked by Padmé's reaction and followed her outside the room.
*
Padmé laid on the bed, frustration written on her eyes. She sighed heavily as Anakin positioned himself next to her. He started to trail his hands up and down her back, massaging her shoulders. Padmé moaned and closed her eyes.
"I really need that right now", she said in a whisper. Anakin smiled and pressed a soft kiss behind her ear. Padmé laughed. "I need that too". Anakin laughed and then Padmé's expression torn serious. "I'm just so tired, Ani. Everywhere we go people start asking us if we are going to have children, or if I'm pregnant".
"We are exposed to the public opinion, Padmé. It comes with our lives, and there's nothing that we can do to stop that", he explained. Padmé sighed in frustration.
"I know, but what hurts me the most is that we always answer 'no'. I really want to have children, Ani..."
"I know, me too", he said a little sad.
"Why can't I get pregnant? We've been trying for a long time and still... nothing", she said at the edge of tears. A bold drop of salty water escaped her eyes and rolled all the way down to her trembling lips.
Anakin sighed and rolled her over so that she was looking at him. As if it was a reflex, she wrapped her arms around Anakin's neck and wept. Anakin whispered comforting words into her ear as he ran his hands up and down her back. He felt how his own eyes welled up in tears and tried to stay strong for both of them.
"Maybe now isn't a very good time to have a baby. But I promise you that when it happens, we will be ready. And you know what?", Anakin asked looking at her.
"What?", she asked sobbing. Anakin smiled and kissed the tip of her nose.
"It will be the most beautiful and happiest baby in the entire galaxy". Padmé smiled and brought him closer. "Whatever happens, it will happen in a determined time", he whispered into her ear. Padmé shivered and turned her head to look at her husband. She just stared at him until he got a little uncomfortable. "What?", he asked raising a brow, but softly smiling.
"You are so beautiful", she whispered. Anakin smiled and cleared a few locks of hair from her face.
"You are gorgeous", he shot back as if they were making a competition. He brought her closer and they kissed, with so much passion and love that neither of them could get enough of each other. Anakin trailed his lips down her jaw and then her neckline. Padmé smiled and tangled her hands through his long hair.
"You want to try again?", she questioned. Anakin rose above her and admired his wife's beauty. He felt how her breathing increased in sharp breaths against his chest. Anakin had to smile at her. Padmé smiled back and cupped his face, bringing him closer.
"Yes", he whispered into her ear. Padmé giggled and ran her hands up and down his back. Anakin cupped her face and got closer, closing the distance between them. "I love you", he breathed against her lips.
"I love you too", she whispered just before their lips met in another passionate kiss.
*
Padmé woke up in the middle of the night, trembling. The window was open and a cold breeze invaded the peace of the room. Not able to take the cold anymore, she brought the sheets up to her chin, adopting a foetus' position. Her chin stopped trembling a few minutes later, when Anakin covered her with his arm protectively, spooning her against him. He pressed soft but firm kisses against her shoulders and all the way up to her cheek.
"Are you cold?", he asked in a husky voice. Padmé smiled and turned to kiss him briefly.
"Not anymore...". Anakin smiled against her cheek and nuzzled the side of her face. Padmé closed her eyes with content and grabbed his hands. "I love you Anakin", she whispered. For an answer, she got a kiss.
*
The elections for a new monarch for Naboo had already taken place. That very same afternoon the results were going to be anounced. The council of Naboo, newly elected senator Jamillia and Anakin were there.
The entire city of Theed was at the main square, waiting to hear who their new queen or king was going to be. Sio-Bibble stood behind the podium, while the people made silence, eager to hear the news.
After a little speech, Sio Bibble held a datapad before his eyes. Not a sound could be heard fron the crowd.
"You, people of Naboo, have chosen for a monarch... Anakin Skywalker", Sio Bibble anounced with a smile. The crowd cheered and cried in happyness, while Anakin couldn't hear a thing. He thought he was going to pass out when he heard his name. He wasn't even a candidate. He forgot a little detail. According to the Naboo laws, the people had the right to choose their monarch, wether there were candidates or not. Anakin chose that moment to forget it...
The crowd was eager to hear their new king say some words. Anakin stood up and walked toward the podium. He grabbed the sides of it, trying to get a hold on something while in his head race a thousand thoughts per second. He finally found the words he was looking for.
"People of Naboo, my people, I'm honored with your decision of choosing me as your new king for the next period. Serving my home planet and my people is one of the most important things in my life, and I promise that I'll do my best to achieve mt dream of being a good monarch. Thank you".
The crowd cheered their new king's little speech, while Anakin tried to get a grip on reality.
*
"Hi, Padmé", Anakin said as he dropped his coat on the couch. He got no answer. "Padmé?", he asked again a little bit louder. "Padmé?!", he almost yelled. Anakin walked across the room to the balcony, where Padmé leaned on the rail. Anakin stood next to her and looked at her.
"Did you hear the news?", Anakin asked. Padmé turned to him and frowned.
"I've been in bed all morning, what news?", she asked. Anakin sighed and trailed his hands through his hair. It was going to be hard to give Padmé the news.
"I'm the new king of Naboo", he said. Padmé's jaw dropped while her eyes opened widely.
"What?!", she asked. Anakin raised his brows. "You can't be the new king!", she said as she slowly sat on the cold marble floor. Anakin sat next to her and placed his arm around her shoulder. Padmé leaned her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. "Now you'll have to move here".
"Yes, I've got no other choice. There's nothing that I can do about it and you know it. Why do you react like this? We'll keep seeing each other, don't worry about that", he said trying to make things easier. Padmé started crying and hid her face in Anakin's shirt.
"Padmé, what is it?", he asked concerned. Padmé wiped her tears and took a deep breath trying to steady her heavy breathing. Anakin lifted her face with his hand so that she would look at him. he smiled kindly at her. "What's wrong?".
"Nothing, I'm alright. It's just that this is all so out of the blue, that's all. Let's go inside, shall we?", she said standing up and walking inside.anakin followed her and wondered why had she changed the subject all of the sudden.
"Padmé, I know that this will be hard but we'll do something about it, don't worry", Anakin insisted. Padmé came out of the bathroom, drying her face with a towel.
"I know, honey, don't worry about me", she said smiling. Anakin walked toward her and grabbed her hands.
"Looks like I'll have to start wearing those weird looking crowns again", he said with a long sigh. Padmé squeezed his hands and looked at him.
"Looks like I'll have to wear larger clothes", she said smiling. Anakin frowned. "Congratulations, Ani: you are going to be a father"