A/n- Well here is the next installment into their story. Thank you for all the reviews. Please r&R.
Chapter 24
Location: 500 Republica , Imperial Center
Month 6 Day 15 Year 28 BBY
Padme' blinks back the blaring sunlight in her room. Her arm covers her eyes in protection from the light. She turns over and stares at the ceiling above her. Her body doesn't want to move from her bed. Her curls fly around her and she knows by the light it's mid afternoon. This is her new normal- sleeping until midday and having nightmares by night. Her body turns to the empty space on the other side of the bed. Rush had his own room since she had been having nightmares. He had been supportive at first- at first he had understood her grief and pain of losing her daughter. He had stayed with her those first few days after Anakin had to return back to duty. He had taken those first two days in the infirmary to be with her through hell. He had only returned to duty after his commanding officer had ordered him too. He called every few days to check in or come in to dine in with her and Sabe' for lunch. Even Obi-wan joined them once a week to see Sabe' too.
The three of them have been supportive through the last few months of her grief. Rush had been understanding as her body healed. He didn't want to rush things back to being sexual between the two of them either. He had been understanding and then not. He began staying in the guest room after four weeks of her nightmares. He told her it kept him up at night and that she needed to take a pill to help her sleep. What he didn't know was she had been taking narcotics to sleep, and those hadn't helped at all. She still wakes screaming at the same time each night and each night she cried herself back to sleep.
Today she has to attend a large gathering with her husband publicly. She has stayed out of the limelight during her grieving and healing period, but today was another day. Today it seems no different than the day before.
She sits up, her stomach rumbles wanting something to eat. She doesn't eat much anymore either. Each time her friends see her, she tries to eat some of her small meals. She attempts to smile and make jokes and laugh. She tries to shine and she cannot truly be herself. A part of her died that day with her daughter. A part of her never wants to return to this world and sometimes Sabe' even comments about her ghostlike habits.
She sighs and stands up. She wraps the white robe around herself. The silk feels smooth against her cool skin. Coruscant's summer weather isn't much different than its spring or fall weather. The weather stays between 75 and 85 degrees each day- no hotter. Unlike Naboo where temperatures are not controlled on the planet, but then again Naboo is not one large city with little plant life.
Padme' scuffles to her closet and begins searching for a dress for the gala tonight. Her every day attire usually consists of a basic tunic and tan or black pants. She needs her outfits to be simple as she neither cares how she dresses anymore, nor cares what others think of her appearance.
Her eyes glance without enthusiasm at the elegant gowns and attire in her large closet. Her eyes land on a black dress. The dress is slim in nature and elegant. Her hands touch the fabric and it feels silky in her hands. The dress has a heart shaped top which is backless. It is the color she likes. The color of mourning. She cares not for looking bright and elegant in the eyes of her peers and other socialites. She just has to appear the part and play the part of a dutiful wife. That is all Rush asks of her to do. Be present and if she has to fake her laughter, her happiness then so be it.
She pulls the gown off the rack and places it on her bed. She eyes the chrono beside her bed that reads the time. 1530. She has a few hours to prepare for the Gala. Rush would not be home for at least three hours. She has time to gather herself and her courage to face other people for the day.
She throws on a pair of black pants and a white tunic shirt over her head. She presses the panel to the main part of the penthouse. Her eyes land on Sabe' and Ben playing a game of pazaak on a small coffee table near the couch. Padme attempts a smile watching the two of them.
They sit across from each other, staring intently at their cards. Sabe's focus is on her cards, but Ben- Ben's eyes glance up out of the corner of his eye each time he waits for her move. Both have serious expressions on their faces as if they are playing for a large pot of money. Padme actually smiles when she watches their knees brush under the clear table. Sabe's face blushes at the sudden touch and contact with her opponent. Ben tries to keep the smiling from curling on his lips, but it does anyway.
Padme' truly doesn't want to interrupt their adorable exchange. They are a pair. Since Anakin had come back into her life these past few months, Ben has followed and kept contact with both young ladies. He even took them out on occasion for dinner or lunch without them paying for it. He had just graduated from the Naval Academy and had taken up his training as a teacher at the Academy.
As if Ben senses her presence he turns to the younger sister and greets her fondly, " It is good to see you up and about."
Padme' smiles at him and asks, " Who is winning this little tournament?"
His eyes glance at Sabe's caramel gaze. He shrugs and muses, " I was for awhile until she won the last two rounds."
Corde enters the living area and smiles seeing her charge awake on her own and smiling for once. She bows to Padme' and suggests, " Would you like anything to eat?"
Padme shakes her head and suggests, " I have a gala to attend tonight so I will eat plenty of food there." It isn't a lie, the food is delicious at the galas thrown by the social elite. Katrina would have a wonderful time at these galas as they are much larger than the balls and parties she throws at their home on Naboo.
Sabe smiles up at her sister's public attendance. She asks, " Will you be staying overnight?"
Padme' nods. Most of these galas are held in a large hotel about an hour ship ride away from the main parts of Imperial Center. They had many rooms so that the guests could stay overnight and not go home drunk. She's pretty sure Rush will be drinking tonight. She might as well too.
She is sure if Rush is drunk enough he'll want to take her to bed- which she isn't ready for. She isn't ready to have to take him to bed- not yet. Her body has healed and it doesn't appear to have ever carried a child. Her stomach had flattened with the little she ate each day. Her wide hips are all that remained from her pregnancy.
Corde' smiles at her lady and asks, " Have you picked out a gown for the gala? I would be happy to help you."
Padme' plasters the smile back on her face and dismisses, " It's all right Corde', I have already chosen a dress for the event."
Sabe' eyes her sister knowing she hadn't been in a cheery mood and knowing she probably chose some dull dark color. She eyes her cards and doesn't say anything to her sister.
Padme' eyes her sister and asks, " Yes Sabe' it's black."
Corde' sighs and mutters, " Milady, perhaps that green emerald gown you bought on your honeymoon would be a better fit for a summer gala? Black is more for winter or fall."
Padme' nods and admits, " If that is what you think is best, then leave it out. Sabe' would you mind doing my hair in about an hour or so?"
Sabe' smiles big and says, " Of course, let me beat Commander Kenobi's ass at this game and I'll be ready to help."
Ben eyes his partner and mutters, " Perhaps I will beat you milady."
Padme' laughs and watches their exchanges through a few rounds of pazzark. Her mind needs to be less on the night's events and enjoy the company of her friends and family.
Location: Hotel Dion, Coruscant
Padme' clinks glasses with the wife of Senator Calrissian from Cloud City. The dark skinned woman laughs at one of the other's jokes. Mrs. Calrissian is eight years Padme's senior, in fact the only woman in the room around Padme's age is her own cousin Dorme'. Padme eyes her sweet and dearest friend in the world. Her dear cousin's cheeks are puffier than before and her hair is tied back in a regular manner. Her flowing crimson dress covered her growing abdomen. She's due any time now.
Padme' cannot help but feel the jealousy rise in her belly. Her cousin will have a beautiful baby boy to hold in a matter of days. Her own daughter would have been born already- if she had survived she'd be three months old.
Padme' plasters a smile on her face as their eyes meet. It is a small comfort and ache at the same time-to see her cousin so bright and happy and full of love. Bail touches his wife's back and kisses her cheek. Another small ache rages in her body. Sola, and Dorme' both have adoring husbands that will give anything and everything for them. They are in love and Padme is not in love with the man she married. He is a man of ambition and with only self interest at his core. Padme' had figured that out after the way he reacted to her nightmares. He cared about his well being.
" Padme', what do you think of the new type of sleeves on the gowns designed by our very own Sasha Baner?" Mrs. Calrissian's voice echoes in her ears.
Padme' eyes flicker back on her welcoming face. She fakes a smile and suggests, " I haven't had the time to look into her designs. What do you think of them?"
Mrs. Calrission's voice raises an octave with her laughter. " Oh dear, you must get out more, they are simply to die for."
Padme' smiles and states, " I have been away for too long. Though I have been watching the reports of the Rebellion's latest attacks on several small colonies."
She sighs out of boredom and replies, " Yes they are all over the news right now. I wish they would just stop this nonsense. Our emperor is in good health and many years to procure an heir."
Padme' smiles and responds, " Perhaps, I wish the Emperor is in good health for many years to come."
Mrs. Calrissian lifts her glass to the toast as well. " Yes, and I am glad to see you back in public life as well. I"m sure you and your husband will in the next year or two produce an heir of your own. I was very sorry to hear of your loss."
Padme' nods and tries to change the subject. But the belligerent woman continues, " Though you should get started as soon as possible. It is what will help fill the hole in your heart."
Padme' frowns at the woman's inquiry into her privacy. She fakes a smile and mutters, " My husband's and my sexual activities are none of your business."
The older woman rolls her eyes and leans forward and whispers, " Dear, you have to produce another heir or your husband's eyes will continue to wander as they are now."
Padme' narrows her eyes and watches as her companion nods her head in the direction behind Padme'. Padme' turns around and her eyes land onto her husband. They haven't been together since their wedding and there he is leaning over some red headed woman, flirting. Padme's hands clenched into fists. It is humiliating for her to watch. She knew her husband is a flirt, but to do so in front of all of the social elite is disgusting, especially since they are supposed to be grieving the loss of their child.
She mutters an, " excuse me" to her partner of the evening and stomps off to where her husband stands. Her fists remain clenched at her side as she steps in front of her husband whose eyes shine with merriment at the giggling redhead. The giggling redhead halts her laughter as she notices the livid brunette standing in front of them.
Padme grits her teeth, seething out, " My dear husband, what are you doing? Many of your friends are here and would live to converse with you."
Rush fakes a smile at his wife and turns back to the woman at his side. He says, " Claire, this is my lovely wife, Padme'."
" Padme' dear can I speak to you upstairs in private?" His tone is one of warning.
She curtsies to the young lady beside her husband and they excuse themselves up towards their chambers for the night.
They say nothing as they climb the steps and as the doors to their private chambers close, Rush stands before her, his eyes sharp as steel. His fists are clenched as she spits out, " How dare you attempt to embarrass me in front of a dear friend!"
Padme's eyes widen at his accusations. She steps in front of him, not worried about the consequences shouting, " How dare I embarrass you? You were publicly flirting with that woman!
Rush's eyes are livid hues of green fire. He snaps back, " Clarie is not a whore. She is a dear friend of mine and you will show respect for me and her!"
Padme' glares right back and retorts, " I will not show respect to a husband who decides to cheat on me publicly! I will not allow my reputation to be compromised for your sexual activities."
Rush sees red and accuses, " I wouldn't be looking elsewhere if you would allow me to come to your bed instead of crying over a child you've lost!"
She places her hands on her hips. How is this her fault? If his body couldn't control his sexual appetites then that is his own fault. She claims, " I've been healing and you are the one who has decided to sleep in the guest bedroom!"
His fist clenches and he snaps, " Your incessant crying and whimpering keeps me up at night. You should be stronger than this. You've had time to grieve! I need a dutiful wife who follows my commands and does as I please."
Her jaw is set in anger. She knows to a point he's right. She used to be stronger than this. She used to have a fighting will and since that awful event she hadn't been her old self. But who could be after losing their first child? Who can stand up and move on with their life so easily?
She snaps, " I am not a possession of anyone or anything. I am a dutiful wife in reminding you of the vows you took when we married!"
He grits his teeth and retorts, " You are mine! If I have to show you what obeying me means, then so be it!"
Rush's anger gets the better of him as his fist meets his wife's face. Padme' is taken aback by the pain shooting through her lips. She wipes the blood from her mouth and shouts, " Now you're an abuser? Really Rush?"
Rush shouts in anger and rage and hits her again. This time hitting her in the stomach. Padme' falls to her knees out of breath. Her breathing is ragged as she feels another punch to her face. This time the sounds of her nose cracking echo in the room. Blood drips onto her green satin dress. She gasps for air as her husband drags her by her hair towards their bed. He shouts at her, " I will teach you what it means to obey me! You will come to my bed willingly and give me what I want!"
Padme' yelps at the pain shooting from her head. Rush throws her onto their bed and begins to tear at her dress. Her eyes widen in shock as she realizes what he is about to do.
She begins to shout for help, but then her mouth is covered by Rush's hand as he kneels before the bed and begins to loosen his belt. She scratches for anything to stop him. He pulls her up by her hair and rips the back of her dress open. He takes his belt and whips it across her bare skin. She cries out in pain as welts appear on her skin.
Some time later, her breathless husband fixes his pants belt and eyes his half naked wife lying still. She has her eyes fixated on the gray headboard and doesn't say a word to him. She is too angry at what he has just done to her. Her body is ready to break or to kill him, which she doesn't want to do at the moment, so she just lies still.
Rush's breathing is heavy as he suggests, " I shall tell everyone that you were too tired to stay up. Compose yourself, would you?"
Without saying another word, he exits the room and goes off party to the party below. Padme's hands are trembling. She curls herself into a ball and throws the light blanket around her. She shudders and tries to not think of what her husband has just done to her. She aches between her legs as she hasn't used those muscles in many months.
Had he been right? Had she deserved this kind of treatment? She knows she's been moody and melancholy for sometime but perhaps she deserved this. Perhaps this is her punishment for grieving and allowing the world to pass by. Perhaps this is her punishment for disobeying her father and having a fling before marrying. Perhaps losing her child had been a punishment by the Maker for her disobedience.
You are weak and a pathetic creature. Her mind whispers to her. She had been strong until her whole world crashed down on her. She knows she desires to never go through with this again. She's already made up her mind to stop taking her booster shots each year.
She blinks back the tears as she will not be weak any longer. She will be stronger and fight back. He nor, any man will lay hands on her in this manner again.
To Be Continued.