Chapter 3
The Coruscant sun was shining bright when she next awake, alone in her bed. She scanned the room quickly as she pushed herself up, the only sign he had been there was his black robe in the chair from the night before. She still didn't know what to make of him, his moods shifting from anger to concern within seconds. Was she brought back here because he loved her or because he sees her as his property? Time would tell and honestly, she was still to drained from the last few weeks events to put to much thought into it.
"Good morning Lady Vader." A sweetly soft voice spoke as a young woman Padme was unfamiliar with entered with a tray of various breakfast foods.
"Please…. Call me Padme." Her stomach churned at the mention of that name, but she was afraid if she corrected her their would be consequences. For all she knew this girl was someone her husband has sent to watch her and report back. She refused to give any reason for him to distrust her further. "I'm sorry but you are? Where is Dorme?"
"Forgive me Mistress. I am Belme. I'm actually one of Dorme's cousins, I was brought on to assist since Sabe was no longer on world."
Padme let out a sigh of relief as she did remember that she had approved the addition to her team a few days before the chancellor had been taken by Grievous. With Sabe continuing the work of freeing slaves on Tatooine as she had wished Dorme had been overwhelmed and needed the extra assistance.
"I'm sorry of course, Dorme has told me much about you, welcome."
"Thank you, milady." Belme gave a small nod before setting the tray on Padme's lap. "Lord Vader has instructed me to have you ready to report to the Senate by 9. I don't mean to try and rush you but… I don't wish to make him angry." She blushed slightly turning to the closet to pick out a dress that would be fitting for a Senate session but also be easy to get Padme into.
Although Belme had never met Padme personally her earliest memories were of Queen Amidala and all the amazing work she did for the planet of Naboo. Then in the senate it was thanks to the committee headed by Padme that the gender reassignment process was legalized in the Mid and outer rims, which led to her being able to live her most authentic life. Dorme also shared many amazing stories of Padme and the good fight she always put on for the good of the people. This was why she was so confused that someone as good as the senator would ever Marry let alone love a man like Vader. In the few weeks she has known him she has learned to fear him.
"I understand, you don't have to apologize." Padme took a bite of her Shuura fruit before moving the tray aside and climbing out of bed. "I'm going to shower quickly before dressing."
Belme nodded and laid the dress she had picked out on the bed and turned her attention to the nightstand sorting through different hair pieces and Jewels trying to decide on a look suitable for her day. After a few moments a light knock came to the bedroom door causing her to jump slightly.
"Morning Ms. Belme didn't mean to scare you. Is the Senator ready? Lord Vader asked me to escort her to the senate."
"Good morning Commander. She just got in the shower but I will have her ready within the hour, promise." Belme gave a shy smile to Bly, her cheeks turning a bright shade of pink.
"Very good ma'am, I'll be at the ship." Bly stood and stared a few moments awkwardly before nodding a goodbye and heading out.
"Here only a couple weeks and already found yourself an admirer?" Padme teased and she walked over and sat in her vanity seat. "The commander seems very smitten."
"Oh no….. I'm sure he was just being polite." She blushed brighter, beginning to brush Padme's hair and tying it into an elaborate braid with a few pink bejeweled ribbons.
"Don't sell yourself short. Bly is a man and you are a very beautiful young woman, the way he looks at you is how Ana… I … It reminds me of someone…."
"A lost love?" Belme asked looking at Padme through the reflection in the mirror. "Or is that how someone like Lord Vader managed to win your heart? No disrespect mistress but he….. isn't who I would think someone like you would be with."
"He … Wasn't always like that. He used to be the kindest soul I ever met in this galaxy."
"Lord Vader?! I'm sorry mistress I find that so hard to believe. I have only known him for a few short weeks but some of the things…" Belme cut herself off seeing the sadness in Padme's eyes. "I'm so sorry Senator, I… I overstepped and I talk to much. Forgive me?"
"There is nothing to forgive, I appreciate the council and will always value your honest thoughts. Just trust me when I say there is more to him then meets the eye and if you knew the man I did you would understand." Padme smiled a genuine smile placing her hand on Belme. "Would you like to accompany me to Senate, I'm sure Commander Bly would enjoy the company when I'm in session." Padme winked at Belme, letting out a giggle with Belme's blushing.
"I would be honored to be with you Senator."
As promised Padme was dressed to perfection and heading to Bly's awaiting cruiser. Bly gave Padme a respectful nod as she approached.
"Good morning Senator."
"Good morning Commander. My handmaiden will be accompanying me today, I trust I can count on you to extend your protection services to her when I am in session."
"It would be my honor Senator." Bly responded giving a half smile to Belme as she walked past.
"Commander has…. My husband informed you of why I am needed so early? Sessions don't usually begin for hours."
"Yes ma'am, I'm to deliver you to the Emperors private office where Lord Vader will be waiting."
Padme's stomach churned at the thought of being in the same room as that monster. She already knew that this was going to be some manipulation to either make her look bad to Anakin or trap her in something he could us against her in order to keep him in line and keeping control. She knew that Anakin's loyalty was split between them and there would be a power struggle that she wasn't sure she would be able to win, but she was going to fight for her ani. She was going to bring the good she still knew was deep inside him bac into the light.
She had been to Palpatine's office many times throughout her years as Senator, but it felt so different now. Like the darkness he had been shielding is now on full display and the air is thick with death and misery. It took all she had in her to rise from her seat and proceed to make her way down the ramp to where she could Vader waiting with some of his personal troops.
"Are you sure you don't want me to go with you mistress?"
"I'll be fine." She smiled weakly at Belme before turning to Bly. "Keep her safe for me. "
"Ill protect her with my life Senator. We will be in your office when your meeting is over. Lord Vader said he would have you escorted there. We will be waiting."
Padme nodded in acknowledgement, grateful that if she was going to be babysat by one of the empires soldiers it was at least a decent man. Although she knew he would always follow whatever order given to him from Palpatine, which meant she would always have to keep a guard up when it came to trusting him. She wished Captain Typho were allowed to remain in charge of her private security but knew that wouldn't be allowed. As she approached her husband she couldn't help but shiver at the site of the mask he used to hid himself from the rest of the galaxy. He was terrifying, then again I guess that should be expected from a sith.
"I trust you slept well." He fell inline beside her as the both continued forward into the building,
"Why am I here? What does he want from me?"
"He wishes to give his condolences for our child, as well as speak to you about your known affiliation with several traitors to the Empire. I trust I do not have to tell you I expect you to obey everything he asks of you. Speak only when instructed to."
"I never thought I would see the day Anakin. Where you would agree to be a slave again… and make one of me."
Vader took hold of her arm and pulled her into a empty meeting room slamming the door shut behind him.
"You will watch your mouth Senator. You will fall in line. This is not a game you are at risk of charges of treason. You could be put to death Padme. The only reason you are being given this chance is as a favor to me, do not make this harder then it already is."
She looked up at him defiantly but said nothing. She knew if she stood her ground she would most certainly be locked away and executed within the week. There was nothing to gain for dying a martyr. She could do more could free and alive.
"I will do as you say but I have to ask… Is this how you always wanted me? An obedient lap dog who is seen and not heard. Who surrenders everything she ever believed in because a man orders her to? Did you always hate me?"
Vader let out a aggravated groan and spewed forth an impressive collection of the most offensive curses in the Huttese that probably could make the whole Hutt clan blush.
"Let me make myself clear, you are no lap dog. You are meant to be my Empress and you will be. Until then I need you to… Practice restraint and patience….. For once just do as your told. If you are killed, then everything was for nothing … Just do yourself a favor and do as I say."
Vader pushed passed her back into the crowded hallway and waited for her. She took a few moments to compose herself, pushing the anger and heartbreak down deep and rejoined her husband.
"I will follow your lead Milord, but I don't like it."
"I am aware….. Angel I can't lose you."
She looked up at him and just nodded in understanding and they walked to rest of the way in silence. When they got to the entrance to the Emperor's office, she turned her game face on, it was what Anakin always called her Senatorial face and he hated it. He said it made her seem cold and uncaring but that was what was needed now. Palpatine was sitting at his desk with his chair turned facing out into the coruscant traffic.
"Come in my friend…. Welcome Back Senator Amidala or would you like me to have your name officially changed to Vader? I'm sure you would want to honor your husband as all Nubian women do."
"I would love to take my husband name Milord but I think Skywalker would raise many questions, I wouldn't want a scandal."
The words escaped her before she could think and she felt Vader's grip tighten on her arm in response.
"Silence Senator, I have told you that name means nothing. Anakin Skywalker is dead and the sooner you accept this the better." Vader boomed, the sound of his voice through the masked made it seem even more foreboding and she would give anything to hear her Ani.
Palpatine just let out an entertained laugh as he turned to face them.
"I'm sure she will come around my friend. I'm glad to see the tragedy of losing your child hasn't killed your spirit. Most women would be an emotional mess, but Naboo's Ice Queen never has been one for displays of emotion." Palpatine smiled a crooked smile at her before continuing. "I trust that you will be wanting to remove your name from the list of traitors who call them selves the delegation. I assume the only reason it hasn't already been done is because of your recent medical stay."
Palpatine slid a retraction form in front of her and watch intently. Vader's grip was beginning to become painful and being this close to this evil was making her sick. She looked up at Vader one last time before signing the paper and pushing it back.
"I trust I can get back to my duties. I'm sure I have missed much in my absence."
"Oh, has Lord Vader not told you? As the wife of my right hand I feel it a conflict of interest to allow you to serve any longer. You will transfer everything to Senator Binks immediately and clear our of your office. I will allow you to keep your residence as Vader must remain close by and of course my young apprentice will want to be able to satisfy is cravings for you more conveniently."
Padme looked to Vader and back to Palpatine.
"The Queen will not…"
"The Queen no longer has a say Lady Vader. Now I ask you to take your leave, The Empire calls. I leave you with these words of advice. Your actions are a reflection on Lord Vader, make sure you do not do anything that may cause him shame. I can't have an apprentice who allows himself to be shamed by a woman."
