A/N: Since I was away for a while, I decided to give you guys a treat and a quick update from the last. Though I think that either people lost interest in the story due to my absence or you thought the last chapter was another authors note since I replaced the AN I posted with the last chapter. Well if you haven't read the last chapter then by my count, you have about 36 pages to read, lucky you!
However, this story is getting to the point where I will up the rating for the next chapter so be prepared for an intense chapter.
Vader ate his morning meal in the confines of his office while tried to detail out his plan to make his wife fall for him. It a challenge that he knew was impossible and impossible challenges were the most interesting and entertaining. There were no reason for him to succumb himself, there was no danger. But there was no danger in her being in love with him. The beauty in love with the monster, it sounded like a fairy tale that Sonya had gotten to read to Anya years ago. Something for which Vader was planning would only happen in fairy tales, but Vader was determined to make it a reality. Even if it was one-sided. A little voice wondered how Padmé would feel if her love was never returned. But Vader promptly ignored it.
As Vader finished his meal and jotted down his instructions and his game plan, he was interrupted when Captain Dracorn entered the room.
"I suppose you're now avoiding her. But you could have stayed away to do that," Captain Dracorn started. "You know the staff is in a tizzy over your little spat. When a normal husband finds out his wife is pregnant he is ecstatic, but you have a hissy fit and shout accusations!" he paused to take a breath before speaking again. "The good lady is very well beloved, she has a kind heart, and for some reason she puts up with you, she even likes you and and loves your daughter enough to marry you! Starts knows she may well be the best thing to happen to you in years! You should be grovelling to her! You should bend over backwards just to make her happy!"
Vader was only partially listening to Dracorn's rant as he thought of a strategy for his plan. "What is it, do you suppose, that makes women the most happy? What is it that they take pleasure in?" he asked thoughtfully, interrupting the captain's rant.
Dracorn masked a blank look at the odd question. "If you want her to be happy, then perhaps you should treat her with the courtesy she deserves as your wife," the captain told him, keeping to his rant instead of getting distracted.
Vader sat back in his seat and passed a palm sized globe from one hand to the other. "A wife. How does one treat one, really then?" he asked.
"Well, My Lord, many husbands treat their wives with love and respect, they show that they care with words and actions," Dracorn told him, not entirely sure where this was going.
"And the wives, they are easily swayed?" Vader asked.
"More often than not," Dracorn told him.
"Then tell me, what kind of words or actions do husbands use to sway their wives?" Vader asked.
"Well," Dracorn began. "The words are used to express that they care, something that I know you are not capable of just now, if you are asking for yourself, Sir," he started.
"Then actions?" Vader asked.
"Make her something to eat or drink, take the time to learn just how she enjoys it and what she enjoys," Dracorn told him and watched as his boss jotted it down. He was certainly bemused by this but knew better to say so or show so. "Pay attention to her and make it known that you pay attention to her, give her something special and to a woman like My Lady, what doesn't cost money is special," he advised. He then made a bow and turned to leave, shaking his head as he left the room. Vader barely took notice.
*~*~*
Sometime in mid-morning, Vader was told that his wife wanted to speak to him and so, taking this as an opportunity to start phase one of his plan, he dropped what he was doing, which wasn't much, and arrived at her room. As he entered without knocking, he paused in the doorway to take in the sight. She wore a white silk organza gown that was embroidered and buttoned down the front with silk buttons one inch in size. The sleeves were loose-fitting and buttoned together along the arms at the elbows. She sat on a chaise lounge chair at a slight angle as she read. she had one knee bent up, and looked very relaxed, her white silk slipper exposed against the sage cushion. Her dark chocolate curls flowed down in a free river, contrasting against the cream of her skin and the white off her light from the window flowed around her making her truly look as if she were an angel.
Then she closed her book down and looked at him. "I wanted to thank you for breakfast," she told him.
"I have recently been told that it would please you to have breakfast made for you," Vader told her. "If there is anything that you particularly favor I could have it brought here," he added.
"I'm content with what is here," Padmé told him.
"It would be no problem if you really did want something."
Padmé gave him a calculating look. "Don't go out of your way on my account," she told him as she set the book in her hands aside.
"What is it that you are reading?" Vader asked curiously.
"Oh, just some old-fashioned romance fiction," Padmé told him dismissively.
"Do you enjoy it?" Vader asked, speaking of the book.
"It isn't the type of thing that I normally read, but it keeps my mind busy," Padmé told him.
Vader looked at her blankly. "It isn't your book?" he asked, surprised.
"It came from the library in the house. I was surprised to find a whole wall filled with them," Padmé told him honestly.
"I don't read for pleasure, the library came with the house, the previous owner took most of his books with him when he left," Vader told her honestly.
Padmé raised an eyebrow. "The library is bursting with books, where did they come from if you don't like to read?"
"Perhaps the servants..." Vader started, not liking where this was going.
Padmé picked the book back up. "This and many other have never been read before, there was dust collecting in them," she pointed out.
"Appearances, a stocked library give the image of a home..."
"Anakin..."
"Has the doctor given you any nutritional requirements?" Vader asked, changing the subject.
"I have a list of instructions, Mrs. Wearthers has a copy as well," Padmé told him.
"What..."
Padmé stopped him. "Is there a point to you're questions?" she asked.
Vader didn't respond right away, taking his time to formulate a response. "I want to make sure that you have everything you need, that you are comfortable," he said finally.
"By bombarding me with incessant questions?" Padmé asked.
"I've been informed that it would please you," Vader told her.
"So you assume that it would please me if you nagged me with pointless questions?" Padmé asked, pointedly, her eyes narrowing, a clear sign of agitation.
"No, I..." Vader started, sensing her agitation, somehow he had gotten it all wrong.
"How would you feel if I nagged you with questions all the time?" Padmé asked, standing. "How about I ask you about all the little things that you want to keep neatly tucked inside yourself?" she needled. "How about I ask you why you felt the need to have a retreat that your master knows nothing about?"
"I was merely trying to see to your needs but if you choose to fault me for it..." Vader told her. "If you require anything else..."
"I find your sincerity lacking. You go on and on about how you were informed of this or that but you don't say that you thought of it yourself. As though you were pushed into this. I refuse to accept false sincerity!" Padmé told him.
"I am new at this sort of thing," Vader told her, trying to keep his calm. "I thought it best to seek the advice of others."
"So you have others tell you how to run your life?" she asked pointedly.
"I thought that you women considered the thought better than the results?" Vader retorted.
"Not all women are the same. It would behoove you not to treat us like an experiment." Padmé told him.
"I am not treating you like an experiment!" Vader snapped. "If I were then I'd tie you down in the mines of Kessel and replace your bloodstream with chemically altered plant poisons to turn you into a super war soldier," he told her darkly.
"I know about Anya!" Padmé blurted out.
Vader's eyes narrowed. "Where did you hear that name?" he asked flatly.
"Does it matter?" Padmé asked, subdued a little. She walked over to the bed and sat down.
"That name is forbidden," Vader told her.
Padmé took a deep breadth. "You know, I just wish that you would open up to me," she said.
Vader looked at her for a long moment before he turned towards the window, strode over to it and stared out of it broodingly. Was that it then? Is that what it took to make her happy? But of course, Sonya had been the same way.
"You hold yourself apart from the galaxy, I can see that, it must be so lonely," Padmé said, looking at him.
"I have learned the consequences of getting too close to another," Vader told her in that all-too-familiar emotionless voice.
"You must have loved her to still be in pain over her death," Padmé said empathetic.
"I didn't," Vader told her honestly, knowing for whom she was speaking.
Padmé looked at him at that. "But you refuse to speak of her," she pointed out.
"Sonya was my friend, I confided everything to her, she died for it," Vader told her and turned to her at last. "It was foolish and selfish to involve her. But she refused to go away, no matter how much I told her to forget me. She wanted me to know what it was to be loved, she tried to teach me but she was wrong to," he said, speaking the words for the first time.
"You had a child with her, there had to be some feelings," Padmé pointed out.
"What do you know of it?" he demanded, harsher than what was truly meant.
"Just that the Emperor killed them," Padmé answered.
"He has spies everywhere," Vader told her. "Spies within my own," he finished.
Padmé stood and walked over to him and placed a hand on his arm. "You know now what to expect, let me in, Ani," she softly pleaded.
It was dangerous and he didn't want to involve her, but at the same time he felt a stirring that told him to do so. "You will die as she did," he pointed out.
"I am already in that danger. I cannot be anymore involved than I already am," she pointed out.
"And if he capture you, and has you held in place, forcing you to watch as he torture your child to death?" Vader asked harshly.
"I will show him that I am not a helpless victim and that I give as good as I get," Padmé told him fiercely.
Vader turned away from her again, putting distance between them. "You say that now," he pointed out darkly. "You do not know what it does to you," he told her coldly. "I made a decision then. When I was forced to watch and left with the body of a dead child, I never wanted to be a father again," he told her harshly. "I didn't want Aidia, when Ingrid showed her to me, I refused her. What makes you think I won't do it again?" he demanded pointedly.
"Because I know that you love Aidia and that you loved Anya and you will love this baby as well," Padmé told him stubbornly.
"You have too much faith."
"I have just enough," Padmé challenged.
Not liking where this conversation was going and knowing that it would be destructive to the plan, he turned to leave. "I will be gone again for two weeks," he informed her, knowing that it would appease her to be informed beforehand and then he left her alone.
*~*~*
Padmé sat up in bed while Dormé concentrated on some stitching for Aidia, Padmé concentrated on some stitching herself, but not for herself or for Aidia. She had begun to start stitching together some things for her baby. She didn't know yet if her baby was going to be a boy or a girl, she hoped for a boy but somehow felt that there would be another girl Vader certainly had a track record for girls. She dearly hoped for a boy. But to be safe, she started to make things for both a boy and a girl.
The two women worked in companionable silence before it was broken by Dormé who could keep her silence no longer. "You haven't said anything about Lord Vader in a week," she pointed out.
"I haven't had anything to say, I've just been going over everything I have learned in my head," Padmé told her.
"About Anya?" Dormé asked.
Padmé nodded. "Anakin lost a child, Dormé, she was murdered in front of him, tortured. I can't help but to think of how much he suffered. It explains so much. His reluctance to open himself up, his attitude and how he reacted when he found out about the baby," she finished her sentence by placing a hand on her stomach.
"So you have decided to forgive him?" Dormé asked.
"I think that I should," Padmé told her. "It wouldn't be good for the baby if I didn't, and besides, I don't want to fight anymore. I want Aidia and this baby to see a good relationship between myself and their father. I have to make an effort for them, and I have to reach out to Anakin for his sake as well," she finished.
Dormé set down her stitching and looked at her. "I can't hold so much against him, Milady, knowing what I know. But if he ever hurts you, he'll have me to deal with," she told her.
Padmé took her hand and smiled. "It feels so good to have you as a friend, Dormé," she said warmly.
At that moment a knock was heard on the door. Dormé opened up the door to see Aidia holding a very large bouquet of exotic flowers. Laughing, she assisted the child inside. "Aidia has brought you something, Milady," she said.
"Oh, Aidia, they are beautiful," Padmé said taking the bouquet and seeing a card stuck inside them.
"They're from Daddy," Aidia said as she climbed up to sit next to Padmé, curling into her side.
Padmé took the car as Dormé set the flowers down on a table in the room. She read the card and shook her head and set it aside. She then smiled at Aidia. "Are you hungry?" she asked.
Aidia bobbed her head up and down, her blond curls bouncing about her head. "Ah huh," she said.
"Then why don't you have Mrs. Wearthers put something together," Padmé suggested.
"Okay, Mommy!" Aidia said scampering to do so.
Dormé picked up the card and clicked her tongue. "Conniving," she said. "Using a child in such a manner."
"No one ever said he wasn't," Padmé told her.
*~*~*
Mrs. Wearthers and Mrs. Ainbelli sat planning the meals together in the wake of their employer's departure when Captain Dracorn entered. "Well, Ladies, it may be official, our lord and boss seems to be besotted," he said as he joined them.
Mrs. Ainbelli looked at him. "What makes you say that?" she asked.
Captain Dracorn looked at both women. "He was asking me what would make the lady happy. He is quite intent on pleasing her. It is my official statement that he truly cares for her," he told them.
Mrs. Wearthers gained a glint in her eye. "Well this is a development. Perhaps we should help him along," she said.
"Delana, you are such a shameless matchmaker," Mrs Ainbelli tisked.
"Do you want in on it or not?" Mrs. Wearthers asked.
"Those two do seem like they need some help," Mrs. Ainbelli agreed. "Garth? are you in?" she asked, looking at Captain Dracorn.
"Ladies, are you asking me to participate in a conspiracy against Lord Vader?" Dracorn asked, aghast, a hand over his heart.
"For his own good, yes," both women answered.
"He'll kill us all," Dracron declared.
"He'll thank us," Mrs. Wearthers said.
"And he'll know happiness," Mrs. Ainbelli said. "I honestly never thought I'd see him this close to happiness again. Why he seemed like a differrent person than he has been these past four years. Both Miss Aidia and the lady bring something wonderful out of him," she said.
"I concur," Dracron said. "They are the best thing to happen to him," he said before the three of them began to plan out their matchmaking scheme.
*~*~*
Two weeks later
When Vader returned to Gallinore, he was met with a warmer welcome than the time before. He had returned with a purpose. He was determined to follow through with his plan to make Padmé Amidala love him even if it killed him. He had spent the past two weeks with his spies; The Emperor still did not know where Padmé was or anything else about what was going on. It was a fact that Vader knew to be the truth when the Emperor demanded to speak to him and became angered by Vader's seeming failure. But Vader had been able to convince him of his movements and strategy for weeding out the traitorous senator, none of it conventional. But Vader had assured his master that it would be effective and that it was best that the systems be taken by surprise or that it might take covert operations to weed her out of her hiding place. The Emperor agreed after mulling it over. In the meantime, Vader had charged his best agent with fabricating evidence to frame another for the Emperor's death in secret.
Now as he entered the house, he was treated with the same amount of respect as he normally would, unlike the looks of contempt from his staff that had been the norm since Aidia and Padmé had taken up residence. He had spend some time reading up on how to romance a woman and had issued an order to have a bouquet of flowers sent to his wife, indicating that he had returned. He even had a card with the words: 'Forgive me' with them. He hoped that it would prompt her to forgive him for his angry words, that it would placate her. He hoped to have her in love with him by the time the Emperor died.
In the meantime, he decided to first pay a visit to his wife to let her know that he had returned. And as luck would have it, he spotted the handmaiden outside by the pool keeping Aidia busy though a second story window as he made his way to his wife's room. He paused in thought for a moment, wondering if she would appreciate it if he knocked. Unable to come to a decision on the matter, he reasoned it was best to ask and instead walked into the room without an announcement and paused as soon as he entered taking in the sight before him.
Not expecting a visitor, Padmé was just getting out of the shower, a towel wrapped around her. She looked at Vader startled first before she composed herself. "You're back early," she noted.
"I thought you were on bed-rest," Vader asked.
"I just took a bath, I am allowed to bathe," Padmé told him.
"Unassisted?"
Padmé's eyes narrowed. "I am pregnant, not an invalid," she told him testily.
"Isn't bed rest strictly for bed?" Vader asked.
"It is unhealthy to stay in bed twenty-four hours a day. Movement is required for the body's blood-circulatory system," Padmé told him.
"I didn't know that," Vader admitted. He watched her as she moved towards the bed and dropped the towel from her body before reaching for the bed-gown on the bed. The sight of his wife's naked body sent a jolt of lust through his body despite the changes in her body that were fairly noticeable due to the pregnancy. He noticed that start of a swell to her abdomen among other things. He should leave well enough alone, but the knowledge that she legally belonged to him and was bearing his child only fueled his desire for her. "Did you get the flowers?" he asked, trying to keep his mind off of what he wanted to do to her.
Padmé slipped on the bed-gown and sat down on the bed, sliding to a position where she was sitting against the head-bored before reaching for the covers. "Yes I did," she told him.
Vader moved to assist her. "Well?" he asked.
"They were beautiful, and the note was a nice touch," Padmé told him. "But I suppose that you are fishing for forgiveness, which you have. Though sending Aidia in here to bring them to me was very sneaky and underhanded," she put in.
Feeling smug, Vader shrugged and said, "Well it worked didn't it?"
Padmé narrowed her eyes at him. "You did exhaust your efforts, you know. I had already decided to forgive you because fighting with you is pointless and going to cause harm to the baby, so I forgave you, not for anything that you deserved, but because it was better for myself and the baby," she told him. "Though if you are intent on being forgiven and being on my good-side, then perhaps you shouldn't do anything to upset me," she pointed out.
Vader frowned. When he was about to make a retort, he bit his tongue instead. He had a goal and he usually never did anything to compromise his goals. If he wanted her to love him then fighting with her was out of the question. It would upset her and she might loose the baby and then she would not forgive him. So he chose his words carefully. "And what is it that would please you?" he asked.
Padmé looked at him. He was trying, she could see that, and she could also see that she should take advantage of this side of him. "We'll discuss that after you return with something eat, we're very hungry," she told him with a smile as she rubbed her middle.
"You want me to get you something to eat?" Vader asked.
"I want you to eat with me as well," Padmé told him.
"Very well," Vader said before taking his leave.
Vader was bristling when he entered the kitchen to grab some food. The cook, Mrs. Wearthers and the housekeeper, Mrs. Ainbelli were there sitting at the island counter, both stopped their conversation as he entered. Vader barely paid attention to them as he grumbled to himself while he grabbed a couple Geldan sun-apples, Pallies, some Dorian passion fruit, a couple shuura fruit, and put them on a tray with a knife and fork. He then set about pouring the glasses of Tangerette juice. At the same time he muttered the word: "Women," in an aggravated tone.
Mrs. Ainbelli smiled for a moment at Mrs. Wearthers knowingly. "Is something the matter, Lord Vader?" she asked.
"No," Vader answered testily.
"I haven't seen you this unsettled before, Lord Vader," Mrs. Wearthers noted.
It struck Vader that his staff might know more than they let on and he turned to them. Two women. Two women who could tell him what another might like. Still he said nothing.
"Is that for the lady?" Mrs. Wearthers continued.
"Yes," Vader answered rather shortly.
Mrs. Wearthers instantly brightened as she went over to the conservator. "I have been meaning to try these out on the lady, Captain Haniel sent us brushsles of these from that moon on Endor, he suggested dipping these berries in chocolate, he was unsure of what they were called, the natives seems to speak some ancient dielect from his report. If they meet with hers and your approval, Captain Haniel was hoping to set up a vineyard full of these berries and others he had found there and distribute them all over the galaxy," she waved a hand. "He is calling it his retirement plan," she said as though she considered the idea to be frivolous.
She talked in such a quick and breezy manner that had Vader suspicious and as he inspected the chocolate dipped berries she had set down on the platter. He could not detect anything suspicious about the berries themselves, which meant that it was only the cook's motives that were suspicious. Deciding to let this play out and catch her in her own web later on, he kept his suspicions to himself. Instead he left the kitchen with the food without saying a word.
*~*~*
Jix didn't come to being the top spy and henchman for Darth Vader easily. Granted it was a chance encounter that gave Jix the opportunity he had. Saving Vader's life and offering up his services in exchange that Vader left Aridus and the local Chubbits alone due to the great respect he had for their shelter after his escape from Kessel. Since that fateful bargain, he had gone out of his way to prove his worth. He had earned his place in the line of spies and henchmen. His duties were to be the first to know a breech in security against the Emperor's spies and to act accordingly. It was for this reason that Jix had the moisture farm owned by the Lars family firmly staked out and a team positioned. Word was reaching the Emperor that Shmi Skywalker very well may be alive and they had to act quickly to get her to safety. And as soon as the figure of Shmi Skywalker emerged from the house. He motioned for his men to move. Soon enough he had the woman swarmed and security forces were going inside, bringing out the other occupants. Two men and another woman.
"What is the meaning of this!" Cliegg Lars demanded.
"We are under orders from Lord Vader to bring Shmi Skywalker into custody," Jix informed them.
The older woman seemed to pale. "I haven't done anything!" she protested fearfully.
"Ma'am, you are not under arrest, you are being moved to a safer location. News is traveling to the Emperor as we speak that you are alive when he had given orders for your execution some time ago. If you are not moved quickly you and the rest of your family will die," Jix told her.
"And what about my family?" Shmi asked.
"They will not be harmed as long as they convince the emperor that you are lost, Five of Lord Vader's men will be left in place to act as farm hands to offer protection, but if this plan is to work, you will have to come with us," Jix told her. Seeing her reluctance, he knew what card he had to deal. Reaching into his pocket, he retrieved a small carved piece of wood. He walked over to her and handed it to her. "You can trust us," he assured her.
Shmi looked down at the carving and recognized the craftsmanship, as well as the carvings and she knew. "I will come with you," she told him.
"Shmi..." Cliegg said worriedly.
Shmi walked over to him and placed a hand over his heard, feeling his arms around her. "I'll be safe, Clieeg. Ani will make sure of it," she told him quietly and closed her eyes as he kissed her forehead.
"Return to me when this is over," he told her softly before releasing her.
Shmi turned to Jix. "I'm ready," she told him.
*~*~*
Obi-Wan had decided to sneak his way to Naboo. Being the supposed homeworld of the Emperor, Naboo was just as heavily guarded and just as dangerous as Coruscant had become. It a deep contrast to the way it had once been. Thirteen years prior Queen Amidala had fearlessly defeated a enemy occupation of her planet, freeing and uniting the people and coinciding cultures of her home. Now everything that she had spent eight years building had been completely stripped away. Naboo no longer had her freedom and was an occupation the the Empire and as tradition-less as Tatooine. On the very throne that Amidala had reigned now sat an imperial puppet. Obi-Wan wondered how his long time friend dealt with the loss.
Carefully, in the disguise of night, he made his way to the Naberrie home. If he knew Padmé at all, he knew that her family would have some sort of clue. Once he had arrived at the home in question, he was quickly and quietly ushered in by Ruwee Naberrie.
"Master Kenobi, I'm not all that surprised to see you," Ruwee said as Jobal had the blinds drawn on all the windows in the house.
"You're not?" Obi-Wan asked surprised.
"No, when Padmé contacted us on a secure line she explained some things, namely that her life was once again put in danger and that a mutual friend came to her aid to take her to safety," Ruwee informed him.
"Does this friend have a name?" Obi-Wan asked.
"It's Anakin. Our daughter was right all these years when she said that he was alive. But she refused to tell us much else, just that we would understand when she could," Jobal told him.
"How often has she made contact?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Just once. She told us that we are safer not knowing anything more," Jobal answered.
"Do you still have the signal?" Obi-Wan asked.
"The feed hasn't deleted yet," Ruwee told him.
"Perhaps I can put a trace on it. It is important that I find them," Obi-Wan suggested.
"I would feel better if you could," Jobal told him, unable to keep the worry from her voice.
"I'll show you where it is," Ruwee said, motioning for Obi-Wan to follow him.
When Vader returned to Padmé's room, he found her sitting waiting for him in the same position that he left her in. She smiled warmly at him and patted the spot beside her. "Sit with me," she requested.
Feeling smug that his plan was working so far, Vader complied, taking the indicating spot, setting the tray between them. "Does this please you that much?" he asked.
"I'm entitled a moment to enjoy your company, am I not? Beside I want to talk," Padmé told him as she took a piece of fruit and bit into it. "Shuura is my favorite," she informed him.
"I wasn't aware," Vader admitted as he grabbed a pallie and began to peal the rind from it with the knife before eating it. "Eating in bed isn't something I particularly enjoy," he told her.
"Well, we'll just have to change that," Padmé told him decisively. "My sister and I used to picnic in bed on stormy days when we were children. We would prepare some food and drinks. Pulled our beds together, and turn them into a fortress where we would then have our meal and play games," she told him.
"You enjoyed that?" Vader asked, not seeing the enjoyment of make believe.
"Oh we loved it," Padmé laughed. "Sometimes we would hit each other with our pillows," she told him.
"That doesn't sound enjoyable," Vader told her.
Padmé looked at him, her expression unreadable. "Perhaps I should re-educate you on the matter," she suggested.
"I don't think that you can sway me otherwise," Vader told her.
"Oh really?" she asked, raising an eyebrow challenging. "Would you like to wager on it?" she asked.
Vader rose an eyebrow. "Do I look like a betting man?" he asked.
Padmé chuckled. "Yes," she told him and leaned closer. "Tonight, lets make a fortress out of this bed and have dinner here, along with Aidia, and see how enjoyable it is. If you still don't enjoy yourself, then you get to say I told you so. If I win the wager and you do enjoy yourself, , then you have to wait on me for a week, and that means doing everything I ask," she bargained.
"I win, and I get more than to say I told you so," Vader countered.
"You can pick your prize then," Padmé agreed. "Do we have a wager?" she asked.
"I'll win," Vader told her. "I always do."
Padmé merely smiled. "We'll see," she said confidently.
Vader, Padme and Aidia eat dinner as a family. After Aidia falls asleep, both Vader and Padme talk about stuff -bloody_ 3/25/10 1:57 PM
The first to make their enjoyment known at the dinner plans was Aidia who just beamed with delight at the transformation that Padmé's bed had gone under. Around the bed, a tent had been set up, made up completely of colorful bedding and well-placed cousinsa tray full of finger food was placed in the middle of the bed, the fire from the fireplace the only light in the room. Aidia practically squealed with delight at the idea of eating in bed before being reminded that it wasn't, it was a fortress.
Vader listened and watched the interaction between his wife and his daughter, assaulted by the pure affection that they had for one another. he believed that Aidia had gotten over her mother's loss amiably, with Padmé's help, no doubt. Making Padmé a permanent figure if Aidia's life had to have been the one good thing he could do for his daughter. Aidia was an exceptional child, that much was clear. She was already highly in-tune with the force, bright, and accepting of the circumstances around her and she was only three. No doubt Padmé already realized this. A dark thought came to him then. Aidia possessed great potential, more so than what Anya possessed. Palpatine would surly exploit his daughter in any way he could. Vader would kill him first. He would not let Palpatine touch his child-children now. For this reason alone, Palpatine must die soon.
Suddenly a pillow was thrown at him, hitting him in the shoulder. He looked over to see Aidia giggling and Padmé smiling. The way that Aidia was giggling with her fists at her mouth to suppress her giggling.
"Are you going to just stand there or are you going to join us?" Padmé.
Vader picked the pillow up off the floor and set it down at a corner of the bed just as she saw Aidia take another pillow and smack Padmé with it in the stomach. He grew concerned over the baby much to his chagrin but Padmé only laughed.
She reached for his hand. We have a wager, Anakin, you can't win if you chicken out," she teased.
"Are you implying that I'm afraid?" her asked mildly.
"Come on Daddy! Mommy says we can't eat without you," Aidia told him.
Vader thought about it for a moment, knowing that the baby needed nourishment and if his wife was intent on waiting for him, then he shouldn't keep them waiting. So he sat down on the bed, Aidia between him and Padmé.
Aidia offered him a big smile before becoming the first to pluck something from the tray and start to eat. Vader found himself enjoying himself with this childish activity they were playing much to his surprise, getting sucked into the little family scene. It was something he had never had before and it intrigued him, more than that, it kept him interested. For a moment he could feel what a normal life could have been like as they ate their meal. No matter how he had gotten involved, he remained an observer, watching both his daughter and his wife, sometimes unable to feel as though this was all real. As Aidia fell in a fit of giggles when Padmé tickled her, his wife looked over at him and smiled. Her smiles were genuine and illuminated her entire face, making her look even more beautiful.
It was quite some time before Aidia was sprawled out in the middle of the bed, fast asleep. Vader moved to pick her up so he could put her to bed when Padmé put a hand over his arm to stop him.
"She can stay," she said quietly. Vader nodded as he watched her lay down. "She misses you when you're not here," she said.
"That can't be helped," Vader told her.
"She mentioned a grandmother who she misses a week ago," Padmé told him.
"I wasn't aware that Ingrid had any living relatives," Vader said indifferently.
Padmé looked at him then. "What if she comes looking for Aidia?" she asked worriedly.
"I'll take care of it," Vader told her.
Padmé wasn't reassured by his words, they could mean anything. But she didn't say anything to them. "When you're not here, where is it that you go? I know that the Emperor has you looking for me," she asked.
"I spend time on the Exactor or I take a ship and just fly through space," Vader answered honestly.
Padmé smiled. "You still like to fly," she noted pleased. "Have you seen every star like you once told you wanted to?" she asked.
"Not yet," Vader answered candidly.
Padmé sat up. "But you will," she said knowingly.
"I will," Vader agreed, suppressing a yawn.
Padmé took his hand and laid back down. "Stay here tonight," she requested.
Vader merely nodded as he laid down next to her, Aidia placed in the middle. Anyone who could see them now would see them as a happy family, but Vader knew it was far from the truth. But somewhere deep inside, he wished it could be the truth. With that internal admission, he fell asleep there.
*~*~*
One Week Later
Shmi had no idea where she was being taken until she felt the ship's engines start rumbling beneath her and felt the landing. The man, whom she learned was Jix showed her out of the ship and into a circle of thick tropical foliage. Jix lead her towards a pathway in the dense rain-forest that seemed to twine this way and that, seeming to be like a maze to anyone who hadn't walked it before. Every now and then black armored guards bearing a red 'V' on their chest stood in formation, giving a forbidding feeling to any newcomer. Finally the path opened up to reveal a large four story white sandstone villa dotted with ornate and colorful tile work. the courtyard was all tile, large white slabs mixed in with hand cut and pieced together smaller tiles to create designs in large areas, making intricate floral patterns within large bricks. The courtyard was surrounded by three walls of the villa, reaching two stories tall of open space, the ceiling made out of hand carved wood. There was a cascading fountain that lead into a sunken part of the courtyard with benches built into steps on one side and a flower bed on the other. The fountain stretched from a circular pond with a raised dais for trickling water and then flowed in a six foot long trench that cascaded down into a small waterfall and into a another pool in the sunken part of the courtyard. There were four steps up to the highest part of the courtyard that led into the front doors of the villa. Potted plants dotted around the courtyard and an ornate brass chandelier hung over the fountain. Surrounding the fountain was four stone pillars with arches between each one to support the third floor of the villa above. It was a breathtaking secret palace.
Shmi followed Jix inside the villa with an interior as equally breathtaking as the exterior. Shmi was lead to a common room before she was to to wait before she was left alone. If she were to be a prisoner, then there could be worse prisons. She had heard of them. Deciding to wait patiently, she took a seat , picking at her rough earthen clothes. She wished for a better wardrobe to fit in here. She hated the thought of being presented like this in such luxury. Feeling self conscious, she kept trying to smooth out the fabric of her dress, to smooth down her hair before she heard the sound of returning footsteps. Standing, she clasped her hands before her before she was greeted by the sight of her son. He was dressed in a thin black tunic, black trousers and black tall boots, looking every bit the part of being inside such luxury.
"Anakin!" she cried happily rushing over to her son and pulling him into her arms. "I have been so worried," she breathed, reaching up to cup his face, turning it at different angles to make sure that there had been no harm. She then smoothed down some of his hair. "Anakin, what is going on, I want the truth, now," she demanded.
"The truth is rather complected. It is safer if you didn't know everything. The Emperor is too careful and too paranoid for his own good. I have learned to plan according to his every move and the every move of his spies. I will explain everything once it is safer to do so. For now, this is the only place where you can be safe. I have a room being set up for you as we speak as well as a change of clothes ordered," Vader told her.
"Can you tell me at least some of it?" Shmi asked. "Like where I am?"
"This is my home, Though I am gone every two weeks. But you have company to stay with," Vader assured her.
"Who else is here?" Shmi asked.
Vader looked at her then. "I have a wife and daughter hiding here," he told her truthfully. "Padmé and I have an appointment to attend to in a minute, but Aidia has been waiting to meet you," he told her.
"Aidia? How old is she?" Shmi asked, taken back by the news that she was a grandmother.
"She's three," Vader told her. "Would you like to see her?" he asked.
"Very much so," Shmi told him, holding her emotions in check. and followed Vader through the house and to a child's bedroom wwhere a little girl sat playing with her toys. She looked up upon her father's entrance, her expression radiant. Shmi was struck by how much she looked like her son and she instantly walked over to her, kneeling down next to the child, taking the initiative. "Do you know who I am?" she asked.
Aidia glanced at her father before looking back to Shmi and smiled, nodding her head, becoming almost shy.
Shmi, used to by now with how Skywalker children just knew things, smiled and pulled Aidia into her arms. "You are such a beautiful little girl and I love you," she told her, so happy to have her.
*~*~*
Doctor Kraft returned to the villa for a check up appointment with Padmé and was unnerved to find Vader standing inside the room when he arrived to the bedroom of the lady of the house. With his nerves on end, he bowed to Padmé who sat waiting for him. "Milady, Lord Vader," he greeted. unnerved by Vader's hard stare. He had brought the proper equipment with him to monitor the health of the baby as well as the mother. "With your permission I would like to check on your health and that of your baby," he said, his eyes traveling to Vader.
"We are eager for you to begin, Doctor," Padmé told him.
Doctor Kraft looked at Vader for his authorization. "My Lord?" he asked.
"You can do whatever my wife permits you to do," Vader told him.
A little peeved because the doctor needed to gain Vader's permission before treating her, Padmé narrowed her eyes towards her husband who looked everywhere but at her. She would not say anything to him in front of the doctor but she would be making it clear that she would not tolerate instances such as this.
"Milady, I would like to monitor your vitals and that of your baby's," Doctor Kraft said.
"Then by all means," Padmé said and did her best to not look at her husband while he kept his place beside her. Instead she watched as the doctor measured her vitals.
"Your stress levels are normal, which is good considering my last visit. You have been following my recommendations?" Doctor Kraft asked.
"To the letter," Padmé. "What of the baby?" she asked.
"I will be checking the baby's vitals. I brought equipment with me that will enable you to hear your baby's heartbeat if you so choose," Doctor Kraft informed them.
"That would be wonderful, by all means," Padmé told him.
The doctor nodded and proceeded in getting the scanner ready that would enable them to hear the heartbeat. It was a hand held device in the shape of a wand with a square shaped laser at the end and a round speaker at the other end. The doctor slowly held it over the swell of her midsection. The scanner let out a small beeping noise as it located the baby's heartbeat before the sound of a steady heartbeat started to come out of the speaker, though to both Padmé's and Vader's ears, it sounded like there was an echo.
Doctor Kraft looked at both parents. "I'm detecting two heartbeats," he told them.
"Two?" Vader questioned, the thought bringing about even more complications.
"Are you sure?" Padmé asked, surprised.
"Positive, there is two heartbeats," Doctor Kraft affirmed. "And from the sounds of them, two very strong heartbeats," he said with a friendly smile. He glanced at both parents, noting how the lady took Vader's hand who looked at her with what could be described as a stunned look. He liked to think of himself as an excellent judge in character and despite the reputation that Vader had, there seemed to be genuine affection between him and his wife. It was an unexpected character trait but one that eased the doctor's mind. "I can find no reason here to say that either baby is at risk, Milady, You don't seem to need to be on strict bed rest anymore, however I suggest that you don't overdo it until you are well in your second trimester," he diagnosed. "If you would like I could give you the sexes of your babies," he offered. "It is too early for the gender to be visible but with amniocentesis, which is a procedure where a needle is stuck into the amniotic sac and draw a small sample of fluid to test for genetic defects or for some cases, in royal dynasties where an heir of a certain gender is required, this procedure is done for the procreation of an heir," he explained.
"Is it risky?" Padmé asked.
"It can be in some cases, but I see no reason why it should be in yours," Doctor Kraft answered. "If you would rather wait later on to know, it is your decision," he finished.
Padmé looked at Vader. "Would you rather know now or later, Ani?" she asked.
Vader had to keep himself from frowning at the use of that name in front of the doctor. "It is your decision," he told her.
"I think I would rather wait," Padmé told the doctor.
Doctor Kraft nodded. "I would recommended light activity for now, Milady," he said and considered his options before continuing in front of Vader, weighing whether he would be killed or not for saying it. "However if you would like to continue marital relations, I would recommended that you stop should you feel uncomfortable at all," he finished.
Vader had made sure to keep the door to his office closed before he raised Jix on his line. He was eager for the update on the whereabouts of Palpatine's little messenger. He didn't have to wait long for Jix to answer, his right hand was always prompt. "Well?" he demanded.
"We have managed to locate the spy that the emperor had sent to Tatooine. His name is Xev Vaux, he is Falleen," Jix informed him.
"Has he admitted how much he has discovered?" Vader asked.
"The mind probe has just finished working. Though his mind is now half gone," Jix said the last part with regret. "But we were able to determine how much the Emperor knows. Apparently he knows that Shmi Skywalker is alive and has known for months. He has been watching the Lars farm for a while waiting for us to make our move. Vaux had my ship tracked, but luckily we caught him before he could process the coordinates. All data he had discovered is destroyed. We were about to have him disappear in an explosion until you hailed," he reported.
Vader sat back in his seat and drummed his fingers against the cool wood of the desk. "Don't use an explosion. I want him skinned alive, have the flesh sent to the Emperor as a gift," he ordered.
Jix seemed to be disturbed by this particular form of execution but knew better than to say anything about it. "I will relay your orders," he said.
"The time is approaching. Soon the Emperor will learn just what he had created," Vader said before closing the transmission.
*~*~*
It was evening as the sun was starting to set, the sunset on Gallinore was a sight to behold. It was a simple pleasure that Vader was only now starting to appreciate. It wasn't something that he normally saw so it was a sort of novelty. Having just put Aidia to bed and making sure that she slept soundly, he ventured out for some fresh air. It was where he caught the sight of the sun setting over the tress of the lush rain forest, the sky taking on a colorful, tropical hue. Leaning against the Dioar-wooden door frame, he took in the sight before him. With the sky giving off a golden orange glow, the colors seemed to reflect off into the water of the pool which in turn reflected off of the walls of the villa and the tiles of the patio. The glow from the setting sun seemed to turn the whole patio and pool area as well as the villa into something altogether different, illuminating the space into more than just paradise. It was the perfect get away, the perfect safe haven. A world far away from the galaxy. So far removed that it seemed, in this moment to be the only place of existence. Four years ago it was this very sight that sold him on this hideaway. And for the first time since then, he truly felt what he had then, now again. He was happy and there was no denying it. He was happy in this space alone.
It was a picturesque sight. But Vader's attention wasn't on the sunset, his eyes were trained solely on the figure wadding in the pool water. Padmé had yet to notice him as she relaxed in the water, an expression of pure bliss. If Vader learned one thing about his wife, it was that she loved the water. Swimming for her was like flying for him. It was the thing she loved most, what made feel the most at peace. Her aura just oozed serenity and it was like a balm onto his troubled soul. He watched her for a few moments before pushing away from the door frame and stepped out onto the patio. He was barefoot, so he made no sound. Not that he ever made sound when he walked. In fact that was something he was most skilled at and it seemed to unnerve every imperial officer he'd come across. That he could effortlessly sneak up on someone without their notice. And just as quietly he took a seat the white cushioned bench right at the pool's edge and simply watched her.
The glow of the setting sun poured down around her like a halo, casting a golden sheen on her milky skin and chocolate hair, making her look ethereal as if she had been divinely sent to him. He recalled the moment he first set eyes on her. He had never seen anyone so beautiful before, her was certain that she was one of the Diathim or angels from the moons of Iego. Ironically, it was a Diathim some time ago that he just couldn't bring himself to kill. Though Padmé was far from being a diathim, she was just as pure in her own way. Her purity made him question what she was doing with someone like him. He told himself that her only reasons for staying was to preserve her own life, that she only married him for Aidia's sake. She should be repulsed by him, but for some reason, she wasn't, it was evident by the smile that reached her eyes just for him or by the way she said his given name, refusing the one that Palpatine gave him. But he asked himself who it was that she saw. Him or that little boy? And he found himself wishing for her to see him, not the image projected to the public, not the little boy lost in time, but him. And suddenly it was even more important that she love him.
It was then that Padmé opened her eyes to notice him. If she was startled by his sudden appearance, she didn't show it. She just smiled a radiant smile. "I didn't hear you come out," she said, swimming over to him, her movements as graceful as any creature he had seen. "How long have you been sitting there?" she asked.
Vader's eyes took in each droplet of water that dotted along her skin. "Long enough to wither into stone waiting for you to notice me," he told her.
Padmé was too surprised to hear him utter a joke that she couldn't suppress the small giggle. "That has to be the worst line I have ever heard," she told him.
Vader just shrugged. "I tried," he said.
"Are you interested in joining me?" she asked.
"I don't swim," Vader told her.
"Ever?" Padmé asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Not once," he told her.
"Can you swim?" she asked, recalling his desert origins.
"Of course I can, I just choose not to," Vader told her somewhat defensively.
Padmé tilted her head somewhat in thought. "Well if you are sure," she said.
"I am," Vader assured her.
"Well, I don't feel all comfortable at this disadvantage of being in the water while you look down at me from up there," Padmé told him and reached up a hand, "Here, help me, I'm getting out," she asked.
It went against his judgement, but in an attempt to appear a gentleman, he reached out to do as he was asked. And as her legs braced on the side of the pool, she gave a mighty tug, catching him off guard enough to pull him into the water. As he surfaced, his hair plastered to his forehead, he sputtered some in a moments disbelief. "I knew it, all politicians are full of trickery!" he sputtered.
Padmé laughed, "Oh quit being a baby," she teased.
"Now I know that trick, it won't work again," Vader told her moving to get out.
Giggling, Padmé moved quickly to wrap her lithe body around him. "I'm sorry, I'll behave from now on," she told him teasingly.
It had been so long since he was last teased that he couldn't even remember it. Most people would not dream of teasing him just for fear of being on the receiving end of his anger. But here she was fearlessly teasing him. It shoulder anger him, instead it was alluring, especially the feel of her arms and legs wrapped around his torso, her face alight with humor. She was every bit intoxicating and he was helpless to her allure.
"You, behave?" he raised an eyebrow. "That has yet to be seen," he told her.
"I'll only behave if you want me to," Padmé told him, her face merely inches from his.
Suddenly he didn't want her to behave and soon enough he felt the water surrounding them to heat up. He wanted her. He wanted her more than he had ever wanted anyone. "are you sure you have it in you to be bad?" he challenged.
A wicked smile played on her lips. "There's a side of me that you haven't seen. There are things that I'm capable of that you can't even imagine," she told him.
His interest spiked, he foolishly asked. "Like?"
Leaning in, Padmé braced her hands on his shoulders, her mouth a hairsbreadth away from his. "Like this!" she told him before effectively dunking him under the water. When he surfaced again, an incredulous look on his face, he lunged for her. Shrieking in mirth, she swam away only to be caught around her middle and pulled hard back into place.
"I should punish you for such insubordination," he growled.
Padmé raised a coy eyebrow. "And how will you punish me?" she challenged.
No one has ever looked more alluring while boldly challenging him. It was irresistible. It was unprecedented. "I'm going to have to think real hard on that," he told her.
"Well, don't keep me waiting in suspense, a girl could..." she didn't finish her sentence on the count of the assault her mouth was under by his. Feeling every bit of passion in that one kiss, Padmé twined her arms around his neck, her legs around his waist, and leaned in as close as she could to his body, felling as though she wasn't quite close enough.
By now the sun had completely set and the stars above were starting to dot the sky. Reaching out with his senses, Vader couldn't detect anyone within viewing range that could see them. The staff were all either winding down for the night or laying everything out for him to set up for the dinner he had planned in just a few short hours. They were completely and utterly alone. As he deepened the kiss, exploring every nook and cranny her delicious mouth had to offer as with one hand he worked at removing the top of her swimsuit and maneuvering them towards the edge of the pool.
Somehow sensing his intention, Padmé pulled back. "Not here, someone could see," she told him.
"No one is around to see," Vader told her. "I would know if they were," he insisted, claiming her mouth again, firmly planting her between himself and the edge of the pool, successfully managing to pull the top of her swimsuit off of her. He broke the kiss only once, to strip himself of his now drenched clothing, using the Force to lay them hanging over the back of an iron bench before me made work at the rest of her swimsuit. Soon enough they were both devoid of any clothing. And for a moment, he took the time to appreciate her beauty. With only the cast of the moon and the stars as light, she took on the form of a celestial goddess. And she was his for the taking. Without further ado, he moved in to claim her.
*~*~*
Shmi had spent some time looking out the window to her room. She still didn't know much about what was really going on, but being with her son was a real treat. Even if there was a mystery surrounding him, he was her son and she would stand by him, love him, no matter what. The fact that she was a grandmother was as much of a shocker as anything but Aidia was such an extraordinary child, much like her father and she was so lovable. She loved her already.
And as she gazed out the window, she watched as her daughter-in-law pull her son into the water. She smiled at the outraged body language her son and the playful manner of her daughter-in-law., Shmi had no doubt that Padmé drew something out of her son that no one, not even she, could. There was something her son that was different than the boy she had known. She had seen it when he was on Tatooine last, like he was there to do something that he couldn't, that he didn't want to. Owen had commented that something wasn't quite right with her son and she had to agree. Whatever was wrong, he was unwilling to devaulge. He was distant at best and Shmi couldn't pinpoint why, but being around her son gave her the same feeling she had had when she was around the cronies of Gardulla. While she knew her woouldn't harm her, she couldn't but feel like he was too dangerous to be around. There was something, and she didn't know what or why, that scared her some.
Turning away from the window, Shmi made an effort to banish those thoughts. Anakin was her son and she refused to doubt him. She refused to love him any less or to leave him.
*~*~*
Once spent, Vader and Padmé paused to take a few breaths, still entwined together as they floated in the water. Vader looked at her, seeing the blissful expression on her face and she rested her head against his shoulder, eyes closed as she breathed in deeply. Was she close to loving him? He dared not ask, lest give away his plan. It may prove to be destructive to his plan to begin with. Or it could give her an opening to ask him the same thing and he would be unable to answer in the right way. Loving her in return was impossible. He was unable to. But if he was honest with himself, he was feeling something. He just couldn't love her. Could he?
"I don't want this to end," Padmé murmured as she lifted her head to look at him.
"Who said that it does?" Vader asked before he even realized it.
Padmé looked at him for a moment, unable to decide upon a response before setting for one. "Perhaps," she said. "But we can't live in this bubble forever while the galaxy moves on around us," she pointed out.
Not really liking the topic that they were heading to Vader detangled himself and swam towards the edge of the pool, lifting himself out.
Padmé watched him, noting how the water made his skin glisten. If she had to pick out any perks to this marriage, it had to be the fact that Vader was a very good looking man and shaped very well. She swam towards the edge as she watched him find a towel to dry himself off. She didn't say anything as she watched him. Finally she broke the silence. "You know I'm right," she told him.
"I'm taking care of it," Vader told her, redressing in his now dry clothes. "This isn't a topic that I wish to discuss right now," he pointed out.
"Fine, we won't," she agreed before pushing away from the edge and swimming over to the steps and stepping out of the pool, picking up her robe and wrapping it around herself and before gathering the pieces of her swim suit.
Vader pulled her flush against him, kissing her nice and slowly before releasing her. "You should get dressed, I'll let you know when dinner is ready," he told her.
Padmé smiled, "I can't wait," she told him, breaking free and entering the house.
*~*~*
After setting everything up on the patio, Vader stood back and admired the transition. Placed around the table were six wish globes, each emitting soft ever changing colorful glows. The table was set with two plates full of cut fruits, breads, vegetables, and meats, two skewers and two pots with melted cheese and chocolate. Two glasses sat beside a pitcher of bribb juice. He had sent a message to Padmé for her to meet him out here not too long before.
Vader turned when he sensed her step out onto the patio. She was wearing a flowing cream gown with an empire waist, a crisscrossing V-neck, sleeveless and fell to her calves. The waistline of the dress was embroidered with diffrent sparkling gems. The dress seemed to hug along the top of her slowly swelling belly and seemed to fall from it like a water fall, enhancing her beauty. Her chocolate curls were halfway piled atop of her head and fasioned in place by a matching jewled headband. She looked breathtaking.
"What is this?" she asked.
"It's a dish called Fondu, I was served it on Denon while I visted with one of the Moffs," Vader informed her.
"what is in it?" she asked as he helped her into her seat.
"They are mostly melted cheeses or chocolates made into sauces. You dip coordinating foods into them," he told her, taking a seat accross from her as he picked up one of the skewers and stuck a piece of meat onto it and dipped it into the cheese sause, offering it up for Padmé who took the hint, opened her mouth to bite it off of the skewer.
"Very good," she said as she picked up the other skewer and placed a vegetable on it, dipped it into the cheese and procceeded to feed it to him as he had to her. They took turns feeding each other before she spoke up, a hand on her belly. "I think we should make a few desicions," she told him.
"On?" Vader asked, feeding her a chocolate-dipped berry.
"We haven't talked about what will happen once the babies are born. We haven't even told Aidia that she will have two new siblings," she pointed out.
It was a subject that he didn't like to think about, not while Palpatine was still alive. "You want to talk about this now?" he asked, his eyes flicking down towards her swollan belly.
Padmé smiled. "Well, I would like to discuss baby names," she told him.
"I haven't given much thought about it," he admitted.
"We should at least pick two for each gender since we don't know if we're having boys or girls or both, yet," she told him, her hand slowly caressing her belly tenderly.
If there was one thing her noticed more, it was that while sitting down as she was now, he noticed more that she was pregnant rather than while she stood. And if he noticed, then so did everyone here. Keeping the fact that she was carrying his children was going to be harder to keep secret than ever. "I'm sure that whatever you decided will fit them nicely," he told her as he fed her another chocolate dipped berry.
"But I want you to decide with me," she told him insistently.
He eyed her. Under the glow of the wish globes, she looked even more dazzling than earlier in the pool. It was then that he noticed the drop of chocolate at the corner of her mouth. On impulse, he leaned in and kissed her, licking that drop of chocolate away, feeling her response. Breaking away, they gazed in each other's eyes. He searched her but there was only one conclusion that he could find. "You are so beautiful," he told her without thinking.
Padmé looked at him curiously for a moment. He had never commented on her beauty before that it took her a moment to wonder if she had heard right but by the look on his face, she knew that she had and it warmed her inside though she didn't know how she was feeling about it. She smiled instead, deciding it to be the best course of action. "Will you sleep beside me tonight?" she asked, desiring the feel of his body against hers as she slept.
Vader merely nodded before they continued their meal.
*~*~*
Late that night, Vader found himself unable to sleep. His mind would not settle down. His body was intensely aware of the body curled up against him. It was a sensation that he was quite unfamiliar with. He had never been as aware of a woman before and now here he was, his attention always focussed on one to distraction. He set out to make her fall in love with him for the love of the Force! He had never done that before. It wasn't a game of seduction. That he could do. That he had done. But this went far beyond the state of seduction. This had brought in emotions. And as he tried to center hers around his, he found that the opposite had happened.
Turning on his side, he studied the woman beside him. He noticed the fall of her curls behind her as she turned to face him in her sleep. The moonlight fell just so, as though even the planet wanted to highlight the small swell of her stomach, and he reached out, gently trailing his fingers over the place where his children now resided. He sensed her in the Force, smelled her scent, the feel of her against his skin shot shock waves through his body, he had become addicted. But there was more to it. The very idea of her dying, of losing her from his life, made things very bleak for him and he found that to be most unwelcoming.
Padmé snuggled closer to him, and he was surprised that lust wasn't the primary emotion he felt in that moment, and he moved his hand down her back, drawing her in closer, burying his face in her hair, and the rightness of the feeling was finally helping his mind to unwind. It was as though he breathed her in for sustenance. And he vowed to preserve her, to keep her with him because he could not live without her. Not now that he's had her. Because he... loved her.
And that was what had shocked him the most. He had decided some time ago that he would never love anyone and now he had gone back on it. But now thaat he did, he would do anything to keep her. He knew that he would be killing the emperor very soon.