Author's Note: Hey everyone! I'm back from a great Thanksgiving holiday – I hope yours was fantastic as well. Padme's Sister – Hey there! Thanks for the sweet review and for the email. I'm so touched that you would take the time to do that. I will try to work some of your ideas in, if possible! Meandmysharpie – Hee!That's really what it's called, I promise! The Death Spiral – not the most romantic name ever, is it? As soon as I heard about it, I knew I had to work it into the story! Hellish Red Devil – Yeah, Anakin needs to chill, but when has he ever done what he's supposed to? Glad you like the way I end chapters – because that means you're really going to like this one! ;-) Elmthesmartypants – I'm happy you liked it! Thanks for reviewing! Hopeless4Life – You are always so encouraging – your enthusiasm is contagious! Eriks Leadinglady – Yay! Movie reviews! I was hoping to catch the new Harry Potter this weekend, but things were so crazy I never got a chance. I also want to see Walk the Line, but I will probably have to wait until it comes out on video, as busy as I've been these days! Thanks again! ALL – Believe it or not, we are moving towards 'The End.' Never fear! There are still several more chapters, but I am starting to set up for the grand finale! Hard to believe, huh? Enjoy!

Padme felt a whisper brush across her mind and she smiled as she recognized Anakin's familiar presence. Gently, she turned him away and silently admonished him for being so sneaky.

We'll talk later. Have patience, my love.

The lighthearted response she was expecting never came. In its place, she caught an icy blast of reproach before he abruptly severed their connection. Without it, she felt as if she had been set free on a surging sea, no tether in sight. She floated for a moment in that state, lost and hurt.

Her legs suddenly gave way and she sank into a chair, confusion marring her delicate features.

"What is it?" Siri asked sharply. She started towards her, worrying causing her skin to flush. "Are you feeling okay? Do you think it's the-"

"No," Padme interrupted. She looked around to make sure Obi-wan wasn't in earshot. "I'm fine." Her voice softened. "I'm sorry. Thank you for your concern. I do appreciate it."

Siri touched her shoulder gently and asked, "So, what is it then?"

Padme tugged at the hem of her tunic, worrying the soft fabric between her fingers. "It's Anakin. He's... upset with me. For the first time since Jarrick's weapon was destroyed on Plauu, I can't feel him."

Siri looked alarmed. "Do you think Jarrick has activated another weapon?"

"No," Padme assured her. She gave a rueful laugh. "No, this time, Anakin has broken our connection by choice."

"Why would he do that? He was fine when you left him before his sparring session with Obi-wan."

"I don't know," Padme confessed. Then, sudden realization hit. "Unless... Do you think he overheard us?"

Siri cringed and closed her eyes in dismay. She had to admit, it was the only thing that made sense.

Padme cursed under her breath, but then a feeling of anger began to spread through her. The adrenaline steadied her legs and she stood, prowling the elegant suite.

"Why would he doubt me?" she cried. "I've never given him cause to think I was doing anything but what was best for us."

"I know," Siri soothed. "But this is a pretty big secret, Padme. I'm sure he wasn't too thrilled that I heard it before he did."

"But that's only because you came in when the droid was giving me the results."

"Yes, but he doesn't know that," she reminded her.

Padme stomped her foot in frustration. "I just wanted the timing to be a bit better. This is something that's going to have far reaching implications. What's so wrong with me wanting to take stock of the situation first?"

"Nothing," Siri admitted. She sat back, knowing Padme wasn't hearing a word she said.

"I mean, I just don't think there's anything wrong with a woman wanting to pick the right time and place to tell her husband he's going to be a father."

The sound of shattering glass broke into Padme's rant and she looked up to see a pale Obi-wan Kenobi.

"There's going to be another Skywalker?" he choked. "Force help us all!"

FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER

Padme sipped her water, watching the color slowly return to the Jedi Master's face. Siri was sitting next to him, rubbing his back gently.

"Anakin doesn't know?" Obi-wan asked, his words strained and uneasy.

Padme shook her head and explained everything the unexplained symptoms, the medic droid's surprising diagnosis, Siri's unfortunate timing... Obi-wan listened to the entire saga, frowning when he heard of Anakin's withdrawal only moments before. That didn't sound like his former Padawan – and certainly not when it came to his beloved wife. He scrubbed a hand over his face, missing the comforting feeling of his beard under his fingertips.

"If this news reaches Jarrick..." he mused worriedly.

"The results could be disastrous," Padme finished, putting a hand protectively over her mid-section. She rocked forward, the motion causing her braid to spill over her right shoulder. "I don't know what to do. I don't want to keep this from Anakin. I don't. But our baby will not become a pawn in this twisted game of Jarrick's. I can't let that happen."

Siri shook her head and Obi-wan could feel the ire seeping out of her in waves.

"We'll do whatever you need, Padme," she promised sharply. "We will keep you and your child safe. You have our word."

Padme nodded, tears springing to her eyes. Sniffling quietly, she said, "Anakin can't know about this. Not until this ordeal is over. Please, I beg you."

"But Padme-" Obi-wan began.

"No," she interrupted. "I'd rather have him angry at me and alive, than for him to be sympathetic and dead. He has enough to deal with and I won't be responsible for adding to it. You know I'm right, Master Kenobi. This news could give Jarrick a terrible advantage over Anakin."

Obi-wan flinched as he heard his friend call him by his formal title, but nodded his understanding.

"Very well, Milady. I will abide by your wishes for the time being," he replied tightly.

MIDNIGHT - SUITE OF LIRI AND KAIDE

Padme relaxed as she heard the quiet hiss of the main door as it opened and then slid shut. She recognized Anakin's light footsteps as they padded across the plush carpeting before hesitating outside their bedroom door. She knew he was debating about whether to enter, wondering if she was furious with him.

She bit her lip, tentatively embracing their bond to gauge his reaction.

Relief flooded her heart as she felt him open up to her, letting his regret for his earlier behavior flood through their restored connection. She sat up in bed, her arms open as he rushed towards her.

"I'm so sorry," he murmured, smoothing her hair. "I don't know what came over me this evening."

"It's all right," she whispered, guilt spiraling through her heart. "You've been under a lot of pressure. I just don't want to add to it. You know that, right?"

"I know," he replied.

"Promise me you'll remember that, Ani."

Anakin pulled away and studied her eyes, which were shadowed with worry and doubt. He smiled lightly and planted a soft kiss on her nose.

"I promise."

Padme felt like she was about to burst with the desire to share her excitement over their impending parenthood. But there were too many risks. So, she swallowed the emotion and met his earnest gaze with a sincere, "I love you."

His smile fell away, but quickly righted itself as he replied, "I love you too, angel."

Exhausted from the emotional toll the day had taken on her, Padme fell asleep within minutes, her head still pillowed on his chest. She looked so small, so peaceful.

Anakin let his head thump back on the headboard, a look of uncertainty creasing his brow.

Something was going on, he could sense it even more clearly now. Padme was keeping something from him and it was obvious she didn't intend to tell him what it was anytime soon.

Earlier, that realization had hit him with such force that he had been nearly breathless from its punch. He hadn't lost control entirely, but he had come closer than he cared to admit. It was just... The anger and fear had flared up so suddenly he couldn't suppress them and the feelings had been incredibly intense. The power that had curled inside him had been unlike anything he'd ever felt before.

He sat up a bit straighter.

What if he could learn to harness such strength? No harm could come from just considering it, could it? If he could wield such power, their victory would be assured before the Dark Lord even set foot on Sogur. And at long last, they would all be safe - his Master, Siri, Padme. The entire Jedi Order… Wouldn't it be worth it? Surely, it was worth a bit of exploration. After all, it was only a little experiment... What harm could come from that?

A path to the Dark side, this line of thinking is.

He frowned as Master Yoda's teachings echoed through his head. Perhaps the elder Jedi was right. Maybe it would be best if he didn't meddle in such dangerous affairs.

No.

He couldn't allow himself to be dissuaded. The elder Jedi's views were simply archaic and outdated. He could handle this. He was the Chosen One, after all. He wouldn't be tempted. He was a child of the Light, he would always find his way back.

Wouldn't he?

Anakin shivered and pulled Padme closer, relishing her warmth.