- - - Chapter Twelve: The Baron - - -

The carriage rattled on through the English countryside. Padmé was curled up against him. His arm, his left normal arm, wrapped around her. Her hand rested on his chest. She was soothed by his presence. The feel of his body against hers. The warmth of his skin. The sound of his breath. She closed her eyes and soaked him in. She snuggled in closer. He leaned over and placed a soft kiss on the top of her head, and she smiled.

The past few days had been dreamlike, a dream she feared she would wake up from at any moment and find herself back in the sand of a small square room. But it hadn't ended. It wasn't a dream. She was free, she was with Anakin, and they were going home.

Home.

It felt so unreal. She was going home. Home to Varykino. Where she could be with Anakin and Luke. Oh, Luke. There was a warm tightness in her heart when she thought of her son. He would be four years old. She had dreamed of him and his sister so often. She was glad to know that Luke had been with Anakin this whole time. It was clear Anakin adored him. His eyes lit up when he talked about his son.

"You would not believe how much . . . excrement there was," Anakin had said. "To this day I can not understand how such a small baby could have that much in him."

Padmé laughed. "You did not have to do all that," she had told him. "You could have let the nanny and the maids take care of him."

"Never," he said. There was such a conviction in his voice. His head shook slightly from side to side. "I was always going to be there for him."

Padmé sighed. It was a deep contented sigh. It was clear Anakin cared very deeply for their son, and that wasn't surprising. That was just who Anakin was. Once he grew to care for someone, his love was strong and fierce. It was why when he spoke of the Jedi, especially of Obi-Wan, his voice was laced with such venom. His heart had taken a large blow with Obi-Wan's betrayal in the role of taking Padmé and the children.

She opened her eyes and looked up at him. He was staring straight ahead. His eyes were a burning gold ringed in a bleeding red. His jaw muscles were taught and she could make out his fangs under his lips. He had this look on his face frequently. He would go quiet and just stare off. She understood it perfectly.

He was thinking of Sidious.

He was thinking of how they both had been used by him. How he had used their happiness and love as a way to twist them to do his bidding. A bidding that only benefited him. He was angry. No furious.

And she understood it all too well. How she had raged when she first found herself in that tower. That prison. She had attacked any who dared enter. She feasted on their corpses. She had ripped open the walls and escaped. But each time she was caught whether she fled into the desert or into the canyons. She may be able to withstand the bright sun, due to being a scion of Sidious, but it still weakened her. And there was nowhere to go. At least not without dying of starvation. She had to stay where there were humans to drink blood.

She swore to herself she would break free. But as the months turned into years, she had started to lose hope. But she always kept that fire of hatred burning in her. The same hatred burning in her husband. Anakin just showed it more clearer than her.

The carriage rolled to a stop. Padmé lifted her head off his shoulder to look out the window. A short distance away stood a decently sized country house with the windows ablaze against the dark night. Nothing as grand as Varykino or Coruscant House, but it still had a simple grandeur.

"You don't have to come," Anakin said. His voice stiff. His eyes looking at the house.

She brought her hand up to cup his cheek. Finally, his golden eyes looked at her. She slowly pushed his face so he completely looked at her.

"I want to come," she said.

His face softened. His lip slightly frowned as his brows furrowed. He was concerned. Worried. She couldn't help but smile. She had been without such tenderness for four years that it warmed her heart to receive it so unconditionally. She gave him a quick kiss on the lips.

"Don't worry about me," she whispered.

"I don't believe I can," he murmured back. Their heads leaned in and their foreheads touched. His hand slid up her back and rubbed it. "My thoughts are always on you."

"You think I don't think the same? But Anakin, I can handle myself. Do not forget that I have been a vampire longer than you. I come from Lord Sidious' own line. I am Lady Amidala, vampire royalty. Do not think I am weak."

"I never thought you were," he said. "It's just . . . I just found you. Just got you back, and . . . I . . ."

"Wouldn't be able to bear it if something happened?"

He nodded his head and his arms wrapped around her waist. He pulled her into a tight hug. It spoke to his longing, his loneliness, and his relief to have her back. And also his worry.

Her hands cupped his cheeks. The fire had died in his eyes and they were returning to their normal blue color. She leaned in. She kissed him and he kissed her back. It didn't take much for them to lean heavily into each other and make out. Their lips constantly on each other. He let out a wistful moan, one that she felt echoed inside of her. She was getting turned on, but now was not the time. So she pulled away, and he sighed.

"I'm coming," she said looking at him straight in the eye. "This is something I have to do."

He sighed again and nodded his head. "Very well," he said reluctantly. "But do not leave my side."

"Never," she whispered.

They slipped out of the carriage and approached the house on foot. They held hands as they walked up the road to the house. She glanced at his sword hanging on his hip. A holy sword of a Jedi Knight that he had corrupted until it bled red. No longer was it a brilliant blue.. Finally, they came to the house. They both stopped a few steps before the door. He looked down at her, and she squeezed his hand. Yes, she still wanted to go through with this. He squeezed her hand and then withdrew it.

He pulled out a set of small metal needles. They were long and sharp and glittered from the light streaming out of the house. He handed her two. She tucked them into her dress. It was a simple dress. It hung loose in a few areas. It was something they had picked up as they had traveled to England. Anakin had apologized profusely about not having something nicer for her, and each time she insisted it was fine. It was better than the rags she had been wearing.

Anakin walked up to the door; Padmé was only a step behind him. He slowly turned the knob and found it unlocked. How arrogant to think that even if someone did break in, the residents would be able to handle it. After all, vampires lived here, and with the Jedi Order gone, what was there to fear?

They both moved on silent feet as they stepped into the entranceway and closed the door behind him. Anakin glanced around and then nodded to the left. He went first. They walked through a dining room and into the kitchen. Two servants were inside, a man and a woman. She was amazed at how quickly Anakin moved. It was silent and fast. The needles in his hands slid in and out of the two servants and into his mouth before either had a chance to make a noise.

"- Silence,- " Anakin hissed.

A chill ran up Padmé's spine. It gave her goosebumps to see him use his ability. She hadn't believed it at first when he had said he was a Sith. She had watched in awe as he had used his abilities to control the guards back in Tatooine with nothing more than his voice. While they had traveled, he had explained it to her in detail.

"I need to consume their blood," he had said. "And I need to be close. Close enough for them to hear my voice. I've been slowly mastering this ability over the years."

He was looking down at his hand. His pure black hand. Padmé was not a fan of it, but she never voiced that to him. She could tell he didn't like it. He usually wore a long black leather glove on it. There was something off about it. It was cold and felt hard like metal. He said he couldn't feel anything with it, but could sense pressure.

"At first they had to understand my command. I couldn't control someone if I couldn't speak their language. But I've been able to move beyond that. I've come to understand the body. The brain. I can give commands on a deep level. If I have a good enough connection to them, I can even give commands without even speaking. I merely think it, and they will obey."

She had shivered. "What a horrible power," she had murmured. She gasped and covered her hand. "I'm sorry, Ani. I didn't mean--"

"No," he said softly. There was a sad look in his eyes. "It is a horrible power. If it didn't exist, perhaps we would be happy together. All of us. Luke and Leia. I wonder how far Sidious' planning really went. When did he learn of my existence? Did he target you and your family with the intent that he would one day use you for me? Am I to blame for your family's deaths?"

"Oh, Anakin! Never think that! It was not your fault! That was all Sidious. He needed another pawn within the English nobility after it was revealed Dooku was a vampire. And he couldn't just let a simple underling turn me. He had to be the one to do it. His line is strong. Strong enough to be out in direct sunlight. Who would ever suspect the dear sweet Marchioness Naberrie? She was just an innocent naive girl who had an unfortunate past. This was all him."

"And he'll pay for it," he had growled. His eyes flashed yellow.

Padmé wrapped her arms around him and buried her face into his neck. She hid her growing smile. Yes, yes he would pay for it.

"-How many staff are here?-" Anakin asked the two servants. His voice brought her out of her memories.

Padmé didn't listen as she looked around the kitchen. She stepped over to the counter. She gently placed her hand on the fine china plates. Delicate flowers were painted in blue. She noted the fresh fruit sitting in a bowl. Her nails grew into long claws. She grabbed a china bowl and gripped it. Her nails dug into the surface until it cracked and broke apart.

"Padmé?" Anakin's voice was soft. She turned around. His eyes were blue; his hand outstretched to her. "Are you ok?"

"I'm fine," she lied tossing aside the broken bowl.

Anakin nodded, but she knew he didn't believe her.

"Wait here," he said. "I'm going to deal with the rest of the staff."

She nodded. The two servants led Anakin down the service stairs. Most of the servants must be in their rooms in the basement for the night. He was going to make sure they stayed quiet and didn't interfere. Padmé looked back at the destroyed bowl.

How dare he, she hissed to herself. How dare he live like this while I . . .

There was a bitterness inside of her. That old flame of rage had been rekindled. Her eyes watered and she blinked back tears. It would do no good to get emotional. Anakin would insist she return to the carriage. No. She would not.

Sidious and his minions had taken everything from her. Her family and her happy human life. She was forced to do Sidious' bidding. And when she had become numb and accepted her fate, Anakin had come in. Golden and pure. His light lifted her out of her indifference and depression. He loved her, and she loved him. They were happy. They got married. They were going to have a family.

But then Sidious came and stole all of her happiness away again. They had ripped her family apart. She had been imprisoned for four years. Away from Anakin. Away from her babies. And where was her little Leia? What horrible fate had befallen her? Was she doomed to repeat her mother's path?

No. No! Padmé would not allow it. She would break the cycle. She deserved happiness, and so did her children.

A soft hand landed on her shoulder. She jumped.

"Just me," Anakin said softly.

"Is everything . . . Everything fine?"

"Yes." There was a clear note in his words. He wanted to say more. He wanted to voice his opinion that she shouldn't be here. She should go back, but he didn't. "He's up in his bedroom. He's already retired for the night."

"Is there anyone else here?"

"No. His wife is off in Paris."

"Children?"

"Grown. Not here."

So he was alone. She nodded. He took her hand and squeezed it. He paused as if giving her one last chance to leave. She squeezed his hand back and nodded. She was ready. She was wanted to continue. He nodded again, this time slowly. Then he led the way back to the hall and up the stairs.

They quietly crept down the dark hall to the closed door. Anakin slowly turned the knob and pushed the door open. There was a slight creak. Padmé was on edge. Her heart was pounding. Her breathing was short. She was ready to attack at a moment's notice. But nothing moved. There were no sounds, except for soft snoring. They slowly entered the room and stood at the foot of the bed. A single man lay sleeping.

Anakin didn't look at her. His gold eyes were on the man. His face had turned into a scowl. His fangs were long. He moved like a feral predator, quiet and graceful. When he finally came even with the man's face, he struck. The needle dashed in and out of the man's bicep.

The man awoke with a start. He was muttering and eyes wide as he glanced around. He first saw Padmé.

"Who's there?" he asked half asleep. "Susan?"

"No, not Susan," Anakin growled.

The man gasped and his body twisted as he looked at Anakin.

"Hello Baron Ozzel," Anakin purred.

"Sky- Skywalker? Is that you? Why are you in my house?"

"You will address me as Lord Vader," Anakin snarled.

The hairs on Padmé's neck stood on end. She had seen Anakin use his powers before. He had used it plenty of times while they had traveled to secure transportation and lodgings. But never like this. Never with such venom. It excited her.

"And you think that gives you a right to barge into my house announced?" Ozzel huffed as he slid out of bed. He wore a long white nightshirt. "What business brings you here at this hour? Is this Sidious' doing?"

"No," Padmé said finally speaking up.

Ozzel's whole body whipped around. Finally, he got a good look at her.

"Ami- Ami- Amidala," he said breathlessly.

"Lady Amidala," Padmé corrected. "As Lord Vader said, we really shouldn't be forgetting our manners."

"What . . . How . . ." Ozzel stuttered. His wide eyes looked between Anakin and Padmé. "I . . ."

Anakin took a step forward and Ozzel flung his hand out. His nails were long claws. His eyes had turned yellow and his teeth were long. However, he didn't look threatening. He looked more like a small dog than a ferocious vampire.

"Stay away!" Ozzel shouted. "Don't come near me!"

"What are you so afraid of, Lord Ozzel?" Anakin said with a slight laugh. "Afraid I might get too close? Taste a bit of your blood?" Ozzel's face paled. "Too late for that."

"You impudent fool!" Ozzel shouted. "You dare-"

"-Silence!-" Anakin roared. Instantly, Ozzel's mouth shut. "You insolent worm. -On your knees.-"

Ozzel fell to his knees. His face was scrunched up as he glared at Anakin. Padmé's breath was caught in her throat. She felt torn. One part of her was horrified Anakin could have this much control over someone, but another part liked it. Finally, Ozzel was getting what he deserved. She walked forward. Both Anakin and Ozzel looked at her. She stopped directly in front of Ozzel and glared down at him.

"You locked me up," she said in a hard but soft voice. "Kept me prisoner. Helped separate me from my babies and husband."

Ozzel's mouth moved, but no sound came out. He looked like a gaping fish.

"Do you know what it's like?" she asked. She lunged forward and snatched his hand. His other hand came up to grab her.

"-Do not move,-" Anakin barked. Ozzel froze. Padmé smiled.

She gripped his hand in hers and slowly applied pressure. "Do you know what it's like to lose everything? To have everything you loved ripped away from you bit by bit?" She paused and tilted her head as if waiting for a question. "No? Well then, let me show you."

She squeezed his hand. Instantly the bones snapped, broke, and piercing through the skin. Blood dripped through her fingers. Ozzel's head jerked back. His mouth opened. There was only an odd gagging sound as he screamed in silence. His head fell forward and sagged against his chest. Only then did Padmé twist the hand and jerk it forward. With her other hand, she sliced the hand clear off. Ozzel screamed silently again.

"Padmé."

Her head snapped up and she glared at Anakin. There was a small frown on his lips. His brows were creased.

"Do not take this away from me," she hissed. "I demand my revenge."

He took a small step forward and paused. Feeling confident, he took another and another until he was right next to her.

"I won't take it away from you," he said. His voice low and soft. He slowly brought up his hand and cupped her face. "But we still need him alive."

Padmé huffed and crossed her arms across her chest. "Fine," she muttered.

Anakin gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before he turned back to Ozzel.

"Forgive my wife," he said. His tone was pleasant. "She was a bit impatient. Why don't you -have a seat on the bed?- We have a lot to talk about."

It was the moment right before dawn. The sky was still dark, but soon it would lighten. Padmé took Anakin's hand as she stepped out of the carriage. She looked up at Varykino. Her heart felt large and warm in her chest. She was home.

"I dreamed of coming back here so often," she whispered as her eyes scanned every wall, every window, every plant.

"And now you are," Anakin said. "Come."

The house was dark and quiet. The staff were all asleep. Well most of them. Steps were heard and a maid walked in.

"Welcome home, Lord-" she stopped as she gasped. "My lady!"

"Versé," Padmé said with a warm smile and a bob of her head.

Versé rushed forward with her arms wide. Padmé stepped forward and hugged her.

"I'm so glad to see you safe and well," Versé muttered into Padmé's hair.

"I am too," Padmé whispered. The two women pulled apart. "I see Anakin has been taking good care of you."

"Yes, he's a good lord," Verse said. "I shall wake the others. They will be so happy-"

"No," Anakin said. His voice was strong and harsh. Both women looked at him. Versé shied back. "Let them sleep," he said. His voice had softened. "Lady Skywalker and I are tired from traveling."

"Of course, my lord," Versé said with a small curtsy. "Do you require anything?"

"No," Anakin said.

"Please let us know if you need anything," she said as Anakin took Padmé's arm and led her down the hall and up the stairs.

"Must you ruin her fun?" Padmé teased.

"She would have the whole house up," Anakin said.

"I see nothing wrong with that," Padmé sighed. She longed to see her maids. They had become like a second family to her.

"Ah, you forget my love."

"Forget? Forget what?"

He smiled. His eyes were blue and sparkling. He looked so much like the dashing Jedi knight she had fallen in love with. He said nothing, only pulled her down a hall to a door. He slowly pushed it open and walked in. She took two steps in and then froze as she realized where she was.

She was completely focused on the small bed with a small figure in it. Blond hair puffed out from under a blanket. She looked at Anakin; her eyes were watering. He smiled and nodded. She slowly walked to the bed. Her legs were unable to support her due to how much she was trembling, so she slowly lowered herself to the ground. She leaned against the bed and just stared at her son.

Her precious little boy.

He was no longer a baby, but in some ways still was. He was small, but also so big! He had round little cheeks. His hair was light and fluffy. He looked so much like his father. She rested her cheek against the side of the bed and just watched Luke sleep. She wasn't sure how long she was like that before Anakin gently pulled her up and out of the room.

"Let him sleep," he said as he closed the door. "There is nothing like a cranky four year old to ruin a day."

So that was why he didn't want Versé waking everyone else up. The noise would have woken up Luke. Anakin led them only a short way down the hall to their room.

"Welcome home," he said as he wrapped his arms around her and brought them close.

"Yes," she said smiling. "Yes, I am."

Warm light was filtering through the curtains when Vader awoke. Something was sharply pushing into him and shaking him.

"Papa! Papa!"

He looked down to see Luke kneeling on the bed beside him. His hands firmly placed on Vader's stomach.

"You're home!" Luke shouted. He flung himself down at his father, who grunted. "I missed you!"

"I missed you, young one," Vader said.

Luke crawled up and wrapped his arms around Vader's neck. The little boy hugged his father and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Papa," Luke whispered.

"Yes?"

"There's a lady in your bed."

Vader looked over. Padmé was awake. Her eyes were wide and there was a large smile on her face.

"Yes, there is a lady in my bed," he said. Luke buried his face into his father's neck. "Are we being shy?" Vader whispered. "You don't want to say hello?"

Luke looked back up at his father. "Papa," he whispered.

"Yes?"

"The lady is naked."

Instantly, Vader's cheeks burned red. He glanced back over at his wife, who sure enough was naked. Her smile hadn't dropped, but her cheeks were red as she slowly started to cover herself with the blankets.

"Papa!" Luke said. He sat up and looked down at his father. "You're naked, too!"

"Ah. Yes. Hmmm. I am," Vader stuttered as he carefully sat up.

"Can I be naked?" Luke asked.

"No!" Vader said quickly. "No. Why don't you go downstairs and see what we will have for breakfast."

Luke looked at his father and then at Padmé. It was clear the little boy was skeptical about what was going on. His curiosity was getting the better of him and he didn't want to leave. This looked much more interesting than breakfast.

"I heard a rumor about maybe there would be sweet rolls," Vader said.

Luke's face lit up. At once he jumped out of bed and was running down the hall. Anakin fell back onto the bed. He rolled his head over to look at his wife.

"That was not how I wanted the two of you to meet," he said. She only laughed.

The two got dressed and headed downstairs. The rest of the staff, those who had worked under Padmé, were ecstatic to see her. Padmé hugged each of her old maids.

Moteé ran into the room out of breath. "Lord Skywalker!" she said as she ran over to him. "Please come help me with Master Luke."

"What's wrong?" Vader asked.

"He's running around the garden without any clothes on saying if Papa and the lady can be naked, he can too."

The room had gone quiet. Everyone was looking at him. His cheeks were burning red again. Padmé's cheeks matched his.

"Yes, ahem," Vader coughed. "I will go collect him and put him in some proper clothes."