Padme entered the Jedi council room. She glanced around to find her beloved husband. There he was-straight ahead and a little to the left. She looked to her right. There was Yoda, sitting sedately. She turned to him, her face in a forced calm.
"You requested my presence, Master Yoda?"
"Requested you, I did." Mace Windu turned to her.
"Would you care to tell us the father of your child?" Padme's jaw hardened. Her eyes flashed indignantly. What will I say? How can I lie? Should I tell the truth? Anakin will get in trouble. So will I. What can I do? Questions swirled through her mind. Her thoughts were interrupted by a determined voice.
"I am." Anakin's words echoed in the small room. Heads turned, eyes widening with astonishment. Mace Windu turned to Padme.
"Were you forced?"
"No. He's my husband." Windu turned his gaze back to Anakin.
"You admit to violating the Jedi code?" Master Windu inquired. Anakin took a shaky breath.
"Yes. I admit it." Master Windu's jaw hardened.
"Both of you are dismissed from the room while the Council decides Skywalker's fate."
Flames blazed in Anakin's vision as his emotions flared in anger. Tears clouded Padme's chocolate eyes—she was afraid for her husband. Both turned and walked out of the room.
Moments later they returned, standing in the center of the room. Padme placed her hand on Anakin's heavily muscled arm, offering silent reassurance.
"Decided, your fate has been." Yoda said. Master Windu looked up.
"You are dismissed from the Jedi Order." He paused. "You are no longer worthy of a Jedi lightsaber. Give it to me." Anakin's gaze turned to ice. Using the force he lifted his lightsaber out of its case and sent it to Windu. Master Windu turned to Padme.
"We will be sure to inform the Senate about your dishonesty." Anakin and Padme left the room in defeated silence.