Third chapter…please review. And I don't own anything except for the plot points that you don't

recognize. Everything belongs to the genius mind of George Lucas.

We spent our days lazily, simply loving one another. We swam in the lake, hiked through the

forest, and lay out in the sun. One morning, I opened the cabinets in the kitchen and found the

cupboard completely bare.

"Ani!" I called, "Did you eat the last loaf of Blaconiz bread? I planned to make some toast for

breakfast…I mean I specifically planned to cook this…"

He sheepishly shuffled into the kitchen wiping the sleep from his eyes.

"I had this really odd dream last night…um it was actually really scary. There were Sand People

and uh…Wookies…"

I snapped the cabinet door shut impatiently and shot him a death glare.

"And so I ate the loaf of bread after waking up from said really, really, scary dream," he

hurriedly finished.

"Well, get dressed because we must make a trip to town," I said, "and don't forget to dress

inconspicuously, we are safer here, but there is no need to tempt fate."

"As my lady commands," Anakin said, exiting to change.

As we traveled through the village of Kalanzamo, I felt odd being around so many people. The

time at the lake house had fooled me into believing that Anakin and I were the only two people in

existence. I entered the market place and approached a fish vendor. After a few stalls, I noticed that

Anakin was visibly impatient with my negotiations.

"Ani," I said, placing a package of fruits into my basket, "how about you look around for a few

minutes and then meet me at the entrance of the market when you think I am finished."

"Alright…negotiate your best. I love you," he said as he kissed my cheek and then walked off in another direction.

I finished my grocery list, accumulating enough sustenance to furnish our needs for at least

a month. Walking up to Anakin's back, I placed my palm over his eyes.

"Guess who?" I said in a ridiculously low voice.

"Hmmm…Jar Jar…let's see…Yoda…nope, he couldn't reach my eyes…"

"No," I giggled, skipping in front of him and plating a kiss on his lips.

"Definitely not Yoda," he said, kissing me back.

That night, I was preparing dinner when I heard Anakin enter the kitchen.

"It smells wonderful," he said, "What is it?"

"Well, I grilled up some fish that I bought today and made a combination of fruits and vegetables

in a wine sauce. Also, I made a special surprise dessert for us to enjoy after dinner."

"Sounds wonderful…can I do anything?"

"Um, you can take the dishes and wine out to the table and sit down. It should only be a minute

with the main course."

I quickly finished up the last minute touches to the food and brought the steaming platters out to

the table.

"Looks delicious, Padme. Who knew that a Senator could be so culinary?"

"Former Senator," I said absentmindedly, and then casting my eyes down once I realized my slip

of the tongue. We ate in silence for a few minutes when Anakin spoke up.

"This afternoon while we were in market I talked to a man at one of the stalls. He had some

information concerning the state of the Republic."

I took a deep breath and spoke steadily, "I want to know."

"Padme, these things disturb me greatly. I am not sure you want to hear them…you many think

you do but…"

"Chancellor Palpatine has become the Emperor, and has seized power with the help of his new

apprentice, Darth Volorin. Darth Volorin used to be Timothy Jubintia. He was brought into the Order

soon after I was, and showed incredible promise…also Senator Yasblack from some Outer Rim planet

died. He had a large state funeral. That is all the man knew, but the next time we return to market, I am

sure that he will have more."

I sat in silence for a moment and then placed my hand over his.

"And to think, that might have been us."

Anakin wrapped his large hand around mine and squeezed it strongly.

"But it isn't. Master Yoda and our love saved us."

I smiled as he leaned in to kiss my lips.

"But in better news, I have a gift for you once we finish our meal."

"Oooh! What is it, Ani?" I asked in childlike glee.

"It is a surprise. But I am sure that you will love it…I saw it and knew we must have them."

He gave me a mischievous smile and then returned to his plate.

"This fish is really excellent…what did you do to it?"

I decided to play along with his little games.

"Well, the vendor told me it would be best seasoned with sea salt, orange peppercorns, and

green, ripe Tattoian gomoron fruit, and so…"

When we finished dinner and all the dishes were cleared away, I eagerly clapped my hands in anticipation.

"Present time," I said excitedly.

"Alright, wait here with your eyes closed."

I closed my eyes and heard him reenter a few minutes later and plunk down a box in front of me.

"Open your eyes."

I opened them and saw a small sandy colored box wrapped in a blue ribbon. I slid the ribbon off

and gingerly lifted the top. Inside was a lovely silver ring with a large turquoise gem set in the middle.

My eyes filled with tears and I raised my hand to my throat.

"Oh Ani," I whispered through salty eyes.

"I saw it and knew you must have it. And," he said lifting his left hand off the table, "I found

this one that matched it and I thought they could serve as our wedding bands since we no longer have to

hide."

"Oh Ani!"

"Say something besides that…"

"I love it and I love you!"

"That's more like it…I love you too," he said, sinking down to one knee and slipping the ring on

my left ring finger. He rose up and kissed me passionately on the lips, sliding my robe off my shoulder.

"What…about…dessert?" I asked between kisses.

"It can wait 'til breakfast," he said, hoisting me over his shoulder and carrying me to our

wedding bed.