Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.
AN: Here's chapter 18! Enjoy and let me know what you think!
Forever Destined
Chapter 18: The Proposal
After they arrived back at the palace, Padme went to her room to change into something nicer for dinner. Hanging on the handle of the chest of drawers, was a beautiful shimmer silk gown in a creamy light blue color. It was gorgeous and she imagined that Anakin's grandmother had picked it out for her. She undressed and slipped it on. It fit her figure beautifully, as it hugged her curves in all the right places. It was sleeveless and the collar dipped low in a v. It rounded over her breasts, barely concealing them and leaving much of her creamy skin visible. The rest of the dress was just about as revealing. The skirt was long, but there was a slit up each side that didn't stop until her mid thigh. The dress was borderline scandalous, but she knew it would drive Anakin wild. She smiled and straightened her japor snippet necklace, as someone knocked on the door.
"Come in!" she called.
"Milady, Anakin has asked me to tell you to meet him in the gardens," Lara said, as she stepped in.
"Before dinner?" Padme asked.
"Yes milady," Lara replied. Padme smiled, wondering what her Jedi hero was up to.
"Thank you Lara. And please call me Padme," she replied. The young girl smiled and nodded. Padme smiled back, before leaving her room and heading for the gardens.
Padme walked into the garden and gasped at the sight. By the magnificent, lit fountain, underneath the silver glow of the moonlight, sat a small candle lit table decorated with rose petals. Anakin stood there, dressed in his nicer civilian clothes. He smiled at her and poured two glasses of red wine.
"Wow...you look amazing," he told her.
"Thank you. I think your grandmother picked out the dress. Did you do all this Ani?" she asked, impressed by the romantic setting.
"Well, it was my idea, but mom and grandma helped with it. They also did the cooking, so you don't have to worry," he replied, with a coy smile. She clinked her glass together with his and they sipped slowly at the fragrant wine. Anakin pulled her chair out and she sat down. He pushed her in and then sat down himself. One of the handmaidens served their meal and they ate, while conversing idly. Soft music wafted around them, as they stared adoringly into each other's eyes. After they finished eating, Anakin stood up and extended his hand to her.
"May I have this dance, milady?" he asked. Padme smiled and placed her hand in his own. He pulled her into his arms, as they began swaying to the music. Padme laid her head against his chest and sighed contentedly. Anakin kissed her hair, as he held her tightly. He pulled back to gaze into her beautiful brown eyes and knew that it was time. The silver moonlight cast a glow on them and she truly looked like an angel, more than ever. He took her hands in his own and then knelt down on one knee. Padme gasped, as she looked down into his sapphire eyes that were filled with love.
"Padme, from the moment I laid eyes on you, I've been in love with you. You changed my life in an instant that night, because I haven't been the same since. You claimed my heart as your own and as each day passes, I fall deeper and deeper in love with you. I want to spend the rest of my life by your side, for I know that I could never live without you," Anakin paused to pull out a small case and opened it slowly. Padme gasped at the sight of the beautiful ring.
"Padme, my beautiful angel, will you marry me?" he asked, his eyes shining with love. A few tears splashed down her cheeks.
"You're everything to me Ani and nothing would make me happier than marrying you," Padme said, as she brushed her tears away. Anakin stood up and slowly took her hand, before guiding the ring onto her ring finger.
"I take it that's a yes," he said.
"Yes...definitely yes," she replied, as she gazed at the beautiful ring on her finger.
"Oh Ani, it's gorgeous. I've never seen anything like it," she said in awe.
"It's a very rare, Syrian blue diamond. This particular cut is called an angel's teardrop, so I knew it was meant for you," he replied., as he brushed one of her tears away with his thumb.
"It's wonderful. I love it and I love you," she replied, as she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.
"And I love you," he said, as he spun her around in his arms. He set her down on her feet and leaned in for a passionate kiss. After the long, loving kiss broke, Anakin smiled.
"You can come out now," he called. From around the bend, Elana and Shmi rushed out and hugged Padme tightly and then Anakin. Qui-Gon, Dooku, and Obi-Wan stood off to the side, smiling. Anakin walked over to them and they gave him congratulatory pats on the back. Padme received hugs from the men as well. Anakin pulled Padme into another passionate kiss and smiled down at her.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" he asked.
"Go call your sister," he urged her. He expected a smile, but he got a frown.
"What is it?" he asked.
"I called this morning to talk to her while you were meditating. Darred wouldn't let me talk to her," she said sadly. Anakin pulled her into a hug.
"I'm sorry angel," he told her.
"Well, all the more reason for you to go to Naboo and tell her in person," Dooku said.
"Grandfather is right, angel. You and I can go see her in person. Once they see we're actually planning to wed, maybe they'll accept it," Anakin said.
"Don't bet on it. But I would really like to see Sola and my nieces. And the Senate is in recess for a few days now," Padme said.
"Then it's settled. You and Anakin will go to Naboo for a few days and then join us at home later," Dooku said.
"We better go pack," Anakin said, as he and Padme headed for their quarters.
Garret Wells sat defiantly in the interrogation room, as the Jedi entered. He glared at him and the other two that had entered with him.
"If you're expecting me to talk, Jedi, I'm afraid you'll be quite disappointed," Garret said.
"Oh, we don't need any information from you. It seems your scientist friend aboard your ship is quite the coward. In exchange for his cooperation, we promised him a lesser sentence in a minimum security prison on Bandomeer. He divulged all that he knows and unlocked all the encrypted files on the database of your ship. Our archive workers have the unlocked the files left behind at your night club on Coruscant as well. We know everything about you and your operation, Mr. Wells," Dooku stated.
"You're bluffing," Garret insisted.
"I assure you that he is not," Qui-Gon stated.
"The Jedi now know every planet you operate on. Your vast operation is being dismantled as we speak and all accomplices will be arrested. And a large part of this is thanks to my grandson," Dooku said. Garret seethed with anger at the thought of being bested by a kid.
"Tomorrow, you'll be transferred to the maximum security prison on Coruscant and await trial. You're going away for a very long time, Mr. Wells," Dooku said, as two of the prison guards came in and escorted Garret back to his cell.
Padme rested her head atop his chest, as they bathed in the afterglow. They had decided at the last minute that they would leave Serenno for Naboo that evening. After a quick goodbye to their family, they boarded one of Anakin's grandfather's cruisers. Naboo was about an eight hour journey and they were about twelve hours ahead of Serenno time wise. She idly traced the lines on his chest, as he held her close to him. He shivered, as her hand traveled all over his torso. He looked at her and she smiled seductively at him. She'd been dropping him hints that she wanted him since they boarded the ship. The dress she was wearing had destroyed any concentration he had. Her seductive glances and soft caresses conveyed her need for him. She'd been insatiable and bold, as she sat across his lap, while he sat in the pilot's chair. He'd found that it was impossible to pilot a ship when there was a beautiful woman draped across your lap, kissing your neck and whispering all the naughty things she wanted you to do to her in your ear. Luckily, Artoo had taken over flying, while he tried to concentrate long enough to plot their course. This was not at all easy with his very naughty star nymph seductively rubbing and grinding against him. Artoo jumped them to hyperspace and once it was safe to move about, Anakin had lifted her into his arms and she wrapped her legs around his waist, as their lips met hungrily. They had found their way to the back of the ship and to the bed chambers. Clothes had been literally torn off then, as they found their way to the bed, where they had continued to fulfill their most carnal desires. He smiled at the memories fresh in his mind, before he turned his attention back to the present. She wore a blissful smile and giggled.
"What?" he asked.
"I was just thinking that if we keep this up, a honeymoon will be pointless," she joked.
"Oh, I'm sure we find plenty of things to do on our honeymoon, including lots of what we just did," Anakin replied, as he kissed her.
"Mmmm...I think you're right," she replied, as their lips met again. She snuggled sleepily against him and they drifted off to sleep, knowing that they soon would be arriving on Naboo...
By the time Anakin and Padme woke up and cleaned up, Artoo was ready to bring them out of hyperspace. They landed in Theed and set out through the city. They rented a speeder and then stopped at a quiet café for dinner, as it was nearing early evening. They decided it would be better to arrive after dinner, as the last family dinner they had together ended in disaster. Anakin noticed, as they ate that Padme was very aloof.
"Angel?" he asked.
"Huh?" she asked, snapping out of her daze.
"You're worried about something, I can tell. Is it about how your parents will react?" he asked.
"A little, but I've prepared myself for the worst on that. No, it's Sola that I've really been worrying about," Padme said.
"Why's that?" he asked. Padme looked up from her plate.
"Darred treats her the same way Palo used to treat me. Last time he wouldn't let me talk to her, it was because he'd given her a black eye in one of his drunken stupors," Padme replied.
"He hits her?" Anakin asked in disbelief. Padme nodded.
"I've been trying for years to convince her to take the girls and leave him. I've told her that they can come live with me on Coruscant, but she's always been too scared to leave. She doesn't know any other kind of life...and I think she's afraid he'll come after her," Padme said. Anakin took her hand from across the table.
"Well, she wouldn't have to worry about him if she's living with us. I wouldn't let him near any of you," Anakin said. Padme smiled. They paid the check and then headed for Padme's village.
They arrived at Padme's village and parked the speeder outside the square. As they walked through the small village to the hill where her parents house sat, they received many looks and stares.
"Such a welcoming village," Anakin whispered to her sarcastically.
"Yeah. This probably wasn't the best idea. I'm not really welcome," Padme replied.
"We're just here to see your sister and announce our intentions to marry. If your parents still don't accept our union, then we'll never bother them again," he replied.
"They don't deserve another chance to accept it since they've been rejecting me my whole life," Padme replied.
"But that's what makes you different from them. You're a wonderful, compassionate person and you've given them more chances than they deserve," Anakin told her. She smiled at him, as they turned onto the hill where a large country house sat above them. As they approached, they noticed her family sitting on the porch, while Ryoo and Pooja played in the yard. She noticed that Darred wasn't there, which wasn't unusual. He usually went out drinking and she knew for a fact that Darred often cheated on Sola, even though her older sister didn't like to admit it. And unfortunately, Palo was there also and Padme was not looking forward to this.
"Aunt Padme! Aunt Padme!" Ryoo and Pooja called, as they ran to them. Padme knelt down and scooped them up, hugging them tightly.
"Oh, I've missed you two. You're getting so big," Padme said.
"Who are you?" Pooja asked.
"My name is Anakin," he replied, with a smile.
"Your aunt Padme's boyfriend! Mommy told us about you," Ryoo said.
"Mommy's right. You are cute," Pooja giggled and blushed. Anakin chuckled.
"Padme!" Sola said, as she hugged her sister tightly.
"It's good to see you Sola," Padme said.
"What brings you both here?" Sola asked. Padme noticed the bruise on her face and touched it.
"It's nothing," Sola insisted.
"I called yesterday to talk to you and Darred wouldn't let me speak with you. I guess I know why now," Padme replied.
"I'm fine. Now, what's the other reason you came all the way here?" she asked, smiling at them.
"Well..." Padme began, as she held her hand out for Sola to see. Sola gasped, as she spotted the ring on her finger.
"Oh my goodness! You're getting married?!" Sola exclaimed. Padme nodded and laughed, as her sister practically knocked her over, as she threw her arms around her and hugged her tightly. She hugged Anakin next, before pulling back.
"I'm so happy for you both," Sola said.
"Thanks Sola," Padme said, wishing that her sister could find the same kind of happiness with a man that truly loved her. Padme's frown deepened, as her mother, father, and Palo approached.
"Mom, dad," Padme acknowledged, ignoring Palo.
"We didn't expect to see you, darling," Jobal said pleasantly.
"Anakin and I came to see Sola and the girls. And we also came to inform you that we're getting married," Padme announced.
"Oh...that's wonderful dear," Jobal said hesitantly. Her father's face bore a cold stare.
"You've defied me for the last time. You will either obey my wishes and marry the man I've selected for you, or you are no longer part of this family," Ruwee said. Padme returned his cold gaze.
"I love Anakin and he loves me. I am happier with him than I ever thought possible. And if you can't accept that, then we don't belong in this family. All I ask is that you allow Sola and the girls attend our wedding," Padme said.
"No," Ruwee replied.
"Daddy!" Sola cried.
"Darred and I do not like the influence Padme has on you and the children," Ruwee said.
"Oh, and what influence is that? Having a mind of your own? Speaking for yourself?" Anakin asked.
"Stay out of this. It's none of your business, Jedi," Ruwee snapped.
"Padme is my business," Anakin retorted.
"You can't keep Sola from seeing me," Padme said.
"Oh yes, we can," Ruwee insisted.
"Daddy!" Sola protested.
"Take the girls and go inside...NOW!" Ruwee roared. Sola began crying, as she reluctantly obeyed.
"You are dead to us," Ruwee said harshly. Jobal was crying, but she said nothing.
"And you to me. Anakin's father has been more of a father to me than you ever were. I'm just sorry that you are punishing Sola and the children, because you cannot accept me for who I am," Padme replied.
"Congratulations Padme. You've succeeded in destroying our family," Palo sneered.
"No, you can thank Padme's father for that. Come on, angel," Anakin said, as he led her away without another word. Once they were back at the speeder, Anakin turned them around and headed back toward Theed. They had decided they would stay there in Padme's quarters and leave for Coruscant in the morning. Anakin parked the speeder once they arrived at the palace and looked over at her. He took her hand in his own and squeezed it affectionately.
"I'm sorry angel. I guess this wasn't a very good idea," Anakin said. She gave him a half smile.
"It's not your fault Ani. This was just waiting to happen. I just wish Sola wouldn't let them run her life like that. My mother is the same way. It's almost like they're slaves to the men; it's always been that way," Padme said, dejectedly.
"Your sister knows that you're here for her when or if she ever leaves. I hate that they make you feel like you're not a good person, because you are Padme. You're beautiful, kind, and compassionate. They many not cherish you the way they should, but always know that I do and that I love you more than my own life," Anakin said passionately. Her eyes sparkled with love.
"I love you too Ani, so very much. You always know what to say to make me feel better," Padme replied. Anakin leaned in and kissed her passionately for a long moment. Anakin smiled, as he broke the kiss and hopped out of the speeder, before helping her out.
"Come on angel, we still have to tell the queen. I'm sure she'll take the news much better," Anakin said. Padme smiled.
"Jamilla and I have been friends since I was princess of Theed. She'll be thrilled for us," Padme replied, as they ascended the palace steps together...