The Sith & His Angel

saltyjedi12

Summary: Padmé Naberrie is a girl trapped in an arranged marriage forced by her parents. But her life quickly changes when a terrifying yet charming Sith lord sweeps her into a lavish world filled with secrets, passion and power.

Time: AU

Rating: M for Mature (violence, detailed sexual themes, strong language, mentions of child abuse/slavery)

Warning: I am Italian, not English, so ignore spelling/grammar errors.

Disclaimer: I do not own these characters, only the plot. This is a work of fanfiction and has no ties to the canon Star Wars universe.

Author's Note: In this story, Anakin is twenty-three and Padmé is nineteen. I changed their ages to better fit the plot. This is not my first Star Wars fanfiction, I have written a couple that I have either abandoned/deleted, so this is my first priority. This is not a redemption story, Anakin is evil. Also, I publish as often as possible, so please be patient for more chapters. Constructive criticism is welcome. Message me with any questions/concerns.

Important Story Details: The Republic existed thirty years prior to the timeline in this story. The Empire is all the main characters know.

Chap.1-Padmé Naberrie

My mother was sewing the hem on the bottom of my wedding dress, her face creased into a frown as she worked. She was starting to age, look more worn, almost faded. A part of it saddened me, for she wasn't too old, only in her early fifties. I, however, am only nineteen. Normally, one would be excited to be at such an eventful age, but not me. It didn't matter how old I was, each year of my life starting in five days would be planned out until I died. Not something to look forward to.

"Stay still, Padmé," My mother, Jobal, instructed from the floor. "I don't want to poke you with the needle."

"Sorry." I replied dully, and straightened my posture. I noticed a quick roll of her eyes, but ignored it. Everything I did somehow managed to displease her, even though I tried to follow her orders as best as possible my entire life. I cooked, cleaned, and tried to look presentable but all of my attempts to make her happy went down the drain with a head shake of disapproval.

With a clear of her throat, Mother stands up and studies the dress, with a small nod to herself. "That'll do it. It's beautiful, isn't it?" I muster a smile. "Palo will love it."

At the mention of my fiancé, I cringe. Palo. Ugh. The dullest man on the planet is my soon-to-be husband. Such a suitor my parents picked for me. Not that they were interested in the man their child would spend the rest of her life with, but more the money they would get for her. I sigh at my future fate. In exactly five days, I would become Padmé Jemabie, and would spend the rest of my days doing household duties, giving him children, and being his good little wife.

"Don't start, Padmé," Mother warns. "Especially when your father comes home. He doesn't need to hear how ungrateful you've become." Turning on her heel, she walks towards the door in a huff. "Change so you don't ruin the dress and then come help me prepare dinner. Palo will be arriving soon."

Once the door is safely shut, I slip out of the wedding gown and hang it back up in the closet. As much as I hate to admit it, Mother did an excellent job crafting it. She's always had a hand for sewing where as I can barely hold a needle. Putting on a plain, flowing blue gown I make my why to the kitchen, where the evening sunlight shines across Mother's face. "Is there anything I can help you with?" I ask calmly, but she sighs and shakes her head.

"No. Forget it." She places the cutting knife down that she was using and rubs her forehead. "This wedding...it has me so stressed."

Yeah, you and me both, I think bitterly, but muster a soft smile. I touch her hand with my own. "I'm sure we can go over the details once Palo arrives, mother." I clear my voice. "We have five days."

"Still not enough time."

I want to try and convince her to push it forward, give me a few more days of freedom. Or, whatever I have now. I'm not sure obeying my parents' every order, not being able to leave the house, and doing nothing but chores classifies as 'freedom', but I'll take what I can get my hands on. Mother's eyebrow snaps up and she must realize what I'm thinking. "Wipe that disgusting smirk from your face and get that idea out of your head." She scoffs. "Even at nineteen, your behavior never fails to disappoint me."

Her criticism stings, but I'm used to it. Ever since my older sister, Sola, died five years ago, my mother has turned into a verbally abusive madwoman, unleashing all of her anger out on me in sharp and cruel words. I try not to protest, despite how much it hurts. "I apologize."

She looks over me with furious brown eyes. "Go wash up for dinner. Your father and fiancé don't want to look upon such a mess."

Feeling defeated, I nod and walk up the stairs to the bathroom, where I take a quick shower and then change into a flowing golden dress. I let my curls fall down my back, not bothering to put them into a tight hairstyle that makes me headache.

When I hear the downstairs door open, signaling either my father and Palo's arrival, I take a deep breath and walk back down the stairs. I throw on a fake smile when I see my fiancé. His brown hair is perfectly gelled and his hazel eyes are flat. As harsh as it is for me to say, he looks about as boring as he is. I know it's cruel to think such a thing, but Palo just isn't the one for me, despite what my parents say. I know that the only reason I'm being forced to marry him is because of his wealth and not my happiness, a fact which manages to twist and stab my heart whenever I think of it.

"Padmé, you look presentable." Palo says, and presses a kiss against my head. I fight back a disgusted look because I know my parents are watching his affection and my reaction.

Still, I smile. I've grown pretty good at faking it. "It's lovely to see you," I lie. Turning to my father who's sitting at the table, I wave. "Hello, father. How was work?"

My father, Ruwee, works at the University in Theed well Palo works in the Imperial Senate. He smiles at me, his blue eyes twinkling ever so slightly. They rarely do that after Sola died. "Oh, the usual. Nothing special." I nod as Palo pulls out my chair for me and then scoots me back in.

Mother clears her throat, and pats Palo's hand lightly. "I was just telling Padmé how stressed I am for the wedding. I have so much left to do…"

Well everyone drones on and on about details and plans, I stare at the engagement ring that's on my finger. Despite my feelings towards the marriage, the ring is pretty. It's a plain gold band with a small diamond in the middle, and I like the way it feels when I run my finger over it.

"Padmé, are you listening?" My mother's sharp tone interrupts my idiotic daydream, and my head snaps up, and I feel my cheeks heat in embarrassment. She looks angry, once again. I feel stupid for being caught looking so unamused.

"Yes," I lie plainly, then shoot an apologetic glance towards Palo. "I was just looking at the ring. It's very nice. Thank you." I see my father nod approvingly in the corner of my eye, clearly proud of my fib.

Palo's fingers dance across and hand and I unintentionally squirm at his touch. "It's beautiful, isn't it? Expensive, too," He says and my parents laugh in usion. This time, I do cringe, but nobody notices. Palo has a habit of throwing around his wealth, but my parents are too excited by it that they don't notice how tacky it comes across as on his part.

Everyone engages in playful small talk until a grim look washes upon my father's face. "Imperials are all over the city. Did you notice them today, Palo?" He asks. My father isn't a fan of the Empire at all, neither is my mother. Palo doesn't seem to mind their evil tactics whatsoever. As long as he has a paycheck, he's happy. But the Empire scares him, he just won't admit it, which is why he does the Emperor's bidding without a second thought.

"I did. Wonder how long they're here for."

"It has something to do with the queen," Mother says disdainfully. "Palpatine isn't pleased with how she runs things, apparently."

Father shrugs. "I think she does alright for someone so young."

Palo scoffs, placing his fork down. "She's corrupt. I heard Palpatine would be sending Lord Vader himself here and his armies to take care of the Queen." He bites his lip. "I think she wants to put the city in lockdown tonight."

Soon their topic switches from politics back to the wedding, and I find the sudden urge to drown myself if I hear one more detail about flowers. "I tried asking Padmé for her opinion, but she never responded," Mother says, disappointment clear in her tone. "Lost in that runaway mind of hers."

Palo frowns on me disapprovingly. "Padmé, this is our wedding. You should listen to Jobal."

The sentence, his voice, instantly annoys me. My head snaps up, and I already know my eyes are blazing. The pressure of the past hour finally hits me. "And you should mind your own business." The second the words leave my mouth, an eerie, ghost-like silence fills the room. Palo's expression drops and I refuse to look at my parents. Biting my lip fiercely, I stand to my feet and go out the backdoor to the porch.

The evening air is cold against my face as I silently curse myself. How could I be so stupid, so beyond rude? In front of my parents, of all people. Guilt eats at my insides. I was cruel for no reason. I embarrassed my parents and I hurt Palo. Annoying or not, I was still in the wrong. I sigh, my head resting in my hands. I need to learn how to better control my annoyance.

I hear the door behind me open, and I turn to see my fiancé, walking towards me. I breathe out. "Palo, I'm so sorry for what I said. I was rude and I understand if-"

A harsh slap echoes across my cheek.

My hand flies to my face, and I already know there must be a horrified expression on my lips. Palo's hazel eyes are furious, bright slits. I take a shaking step back, but his hand grabs my left wrist, nails digging into my flesh. My eyes widen in pain. "Palo, you're h-hurting me…" I stutter, and feel blood leave the wounds that are forming. The right side of my face is numb from his brutal slap. Palo hit me? How could Palo hit me?

"Palo! Let go!" I rasp, my voice louder this time. He drops my hand, but grabs my shoulders, forcing me to look at him. The expression he's giving me is scary but I don't say anything. Fear has glued my mouth shut.

"Don't ever," His voice is a dangerous, terrifying hiss. "Don't ever, disrespect me in such a way, do you understand what I am telling you?" I manage to nod, feeling my eyes fill with tears from the violent manner he is grabbing me in. "You are about to be my wife, and I refuse to allow this type of behavior from you."

I nod again.

He lets me go.

"Good." He says, and reaches out to gently touch my cheek. I freeze again. "Now go inside and keep your mouth shut."

Palo turns and begins to walk to the door, and the second his back is to me, I bolt, running through the wet grass in my flats as fast as possible. I hear a gutted, furious scream from behind me, but I don't look back in fear of seeing my fiancé chasing me.

By the time I reach the familiar, well-lit streets of Theed, I'm cold and shivering. My feet are like ice, being encased in only my small flats. My tight dress provides little to no warmth, and I find myself wondering about the time. My eyes strike to the grand clock in the town square. It's a little past nine. I've been gone for almost two hours.

I continue my walk until I reach the palace hallway, which is the only area of the royal hall that is actually open to the public. Art fills the walls along with large, rectangle-shaped mirrors. I catch a glimpse of myself. A bruise has formed on my cheek and my eyes look tired and red, from crying. My left wrist is bleeding from Palo's sharp nails. I overall look like a horrible mess.

Is this what my life will turn into? Me dealing with Palo's abuse and running away? It never struck me that he would ever hurt me. He's always seemed stuck-up and slightly rude, yes, but abusive? No. But I can't really be surprised. I never had enough time to get to know him before my parents announced that we would wed. I never even asked why Palo wanted to marry me in the first place.

Carefully, I walk the long hallway of the palace entry, absorbing the gold walls and beautiful art. Memories of my father taking me here when I was a young child fill my mind and I smile softly to myself. He used to pick me up on his shoulders so I could get a better view of the painting I wanted to look at. I wonder what he thinks of me now, after I humiliated him.

My head juts up when I hear multiple footsteps coming towards me.

Cautiously, I throw my head towards the doorway, and my heart drops to my stomach when I see Stormtroopers, their white armor looking especially horrifying against the night sky. My legs are tired and I barely have energy to run, but an extra boost of fear-based adrenaline gives me enough strength to dive behind the golden wall right as blaster shots start echoing through the hallway.

A pain unlike nothing I have experienced inflames my leg as I hit the ground.

I got hit.

A cry escapes my lips as the burn settles against my skin. The Stormtroopers run past me and up the staircase to the Queen's throne. Palpatine would be sending an army to take care of her, Palo's words from tonight crash into my ears as I sit on the ground, blood soaking through my dress and onto the floor. Tears of pain sting my eyes. I got shot.

The fierce sting of the blaster burn blinds me as I slide into the wall, thousands of things running through my mind. I got shot in just the leg...I won't die. I won't. I find myself instantly wishing I never left my home, and that I just went inside with Palo. I feel tears slide down my cheeks, electrifying the bruise on my face.

Shots continue upstairs and I hear royal guards and the sound of the Queen's handmaidens screaming.

Why didn't I just stay home?

As I sit against the wall, bleeding freely, my body frozen in an uncomfortable position, I hear footsteps walk towards me. These are different-heavy, determined. For a minute I think its Palo or my father, but they would never walk into such a dangerous position, even if it was to save my life. A strange, almost dark presence seems to fill the room and I'm confused at the random silence that falls around me. My eyes are closed, hoping that whatever it is, it doesn't find me.

But the footsteps stop.

After a moment or so, my eyes tremble open, only to see a tall, hooded figure standing a few inches from me, its face covered and concealed. My breath catches in my throat at the unwelcome arrival of the being, and I scoot further into the wall. I can't breathe. A whimper of pain escapes my lips at my sudden movement. Quietly, the being bends down, silently studying me.

I heard Palpatine would be sending Lord Vader himself here and his armies to take care of the Queen.

No. It can't be.

Darth Vader is here, kneeling in front of me, watching me. How did I not recognize him earlier? When on the holonet he's usually standing emotionless, standing behind Palpatine, the very sight of him terrifying to anyone who sees it. He's a war lord, the very form of evil itself, with his blazing red saber that cuts down anyone who encounters it, with those infamous yellow eyes that only few have seen.

And he's kneeling right in front of me.

I snap back into reality, no words being formed, only a terrified whine leaving my lips as I back away further. I need to get away, to run, but I'm injured. I can barely move and I'm face-to-face with death itself. My heart is skipping in terror and I'm so scared I almost forget about the pain in my leg.

The Sith lord before me cocks his head slightly. "Are you lost?" He asks, and I practically shake when I hear his voice. It's cold, firm, and possibly the deepest sound I've heard. His head snaps behind him and then back to me. "It isn't safe here, milady. You shouldn't be here." I can't speak. I can feel his eyes glancing at my wound, and he lets out what sounds like a frustrated sigh, and then presses a button on his comm link. "Medical attention will be here soon."

I must look like an idiot. Like an animal in headlights. "You'll be okay. There is someone coming to get you." He mutters, and it occurs to me that Darth Vader is helping me.

His hand reaches for my leg, and instantly I pull away further. "Don't h-hurt me!" I sputter, and he snaps his hand back. More footsteps echo down the hallway and soon two more Stormtroopers carrying a medical cot are standing before us. "Took you long enough." The dark lord growls, and before I realize what's happening, he lifts me into his arms effortlessly and places me on the cot. "Take her to a hospital. She's bleeding out." Then, I hear his heavy footsteps walking away, and my eyes slowly close against my will.

End of Chap.1

Author's Note: Thank you for reading. The next chapter will be out as soon as possible. Keep in mind I'm a full-time student and I have a job, but I devout almost all my free time to writing, so you won't have to wait too long. Review if you want. Message me with any questions!