The market was a suffocating mesh of bodies as Padme pryed and pressed her way through the crowd as she shopped for fruits and vegetables, something for the meal she would share with Ani. She stopped near a bollop cart, and grabbed the course round fruit. She looked at the vendor, an alien woman and smiled, signaling how much with her hand. The woman raised four fingers.

Padme dropped the fruit in her linen sack and gave the woman four credits. They smiled at each other, then Padme walked away. Their transaction drew the attention of several vendors who waved the best of their fruit at the Senator. She smiled, stopping near a vegetable cart.

The vegetable vendor, ever eager to please, shuffled through his cart for the shiniest Cotto - a long green vegetable, usually sliced and steamed before eating.

"Thank you," Padme said in a polite voice. She opened her sack again, and moved to give the hairy looking vendor six credits. But the man waved the payment away in protest.

"No, you take for free!" he said in a demanding, almost fatherly voice.

Padme smiled, "No, please... I couldn't," she replied, shaking her head.

"Nice vegetable for the Senator, no?"

The smile she gave him was amazing. "How did you know I was a senator?"

"Mica see you on Holonet, no?"

"Ah, I see. I appreciate your generosity, but I insist on paying you. Your kindess would better serve someone who needs it."

The man's head dropped as he extended a grubby paw. "Ah, maybe next time?"

Padme gave him the credits and waved goodbye. She then walked through the market, trying her best not to trip over her gown. She thought about the Queen, and whether or not she'll let her serve out her term on the senate while at the same time, hoping the price to pay wouldn't be to reveal the name of her child's father. Everyone knew about the pregnancy now. It was only a matter of time before questions were asked.

Just as Padme approached a flower cart, something for the dining room table, someone tapped her on the shoulder. She turned, stunned eyes falling to the face of her old maid, Dorme.

"My lady!" Dorme exclaimed in surprise. The two women hugged and exchanged kisses.

"Dorme, Dorme, what are you doing here on Coruscant? I thought you were on Naboo?"

Dorme held her by the hands, standing back to look at her old boss. "My father has a cart here. My...my senator, look at you. You're glowing."

"Well, more than glowing..." Padme said, peeking through her lashes at Dorme. She rubbed her belly, almost showing it off.

"Oh...my lady," Dorme exclaimed. "A baby!"

"Yes!" Padme exclaimed. "I'm so happy Dorme, happier than I've ever been."

"I'm happy for you, but sad I didn't get an invitation to the wedding." Dorme gave her a hurt look, then laughed it off.

Padme was empathetic, holding her friend's hand and walking. "Well..." she sighed. "It's complicated. The wedding was really private. Just the two of us."

"The two of you? Well... who is he?"

"I can't tell you."

"My lady, have I ever betrayed your trust? I must know!" Dorme gushed.

Padme laughed. "I can't tell you here. Come to my apartment and have dinner with us tonight."

"Really?"

"Of course. You know where I live, don't you?"

Anakin slid a glove over his mechanical arm, moaning and groaning irritably. Padme gave him a terse look, as she set the table for three.

"How do you know she won't tell anyone?"

"I trust Dorme with my life. How many times has she risk her own to save mine? She was my only friend for many many years."

Anakin circled the table and pulled Padme into his arms. "I was hoping," he whispered against her lips... "the two of us could spend some quality time."

"But Anakin, now that you're the Chancellor's aide to the Council, you'll be here every night. We're not worlds apart anymore. It shouldn't pain you to share me with Dorme for a few hours..."

"What if I don't want to?" he mumbled stubbornly.

"Then you won't get the surprise I have for you, tonight." Padme stood on her toes and kissed his lips.

"What kind of surprise?" he smiled.

Padme pulled out of his arms then looked over her shoulder as she walked toward the living room,"You'll find out later," she whispered in a seductive voice.

Anakin wanted nothing more than to rush her, sweep her off of her feet and get his "surprise" right away. The doorbell rang. Padme walked, nearly ran to answer it.

She opened the door and Dorme stood on the other side. The women hugged. "Thanks for coming Dorme," Padme gushed. She turned and made a gesture to Anakin. "You remember Anakin Skywalker don't you?"

Dorme turned, giving her a sharp look. "Your husband?" she whispered.

Anakin lumbered to the door where they stood, looking as though it pained him to even bother. "Pleasure seeing you again," he grumbled.

"Likewise," Dorme said with a courtesy. Her eyes met his.

"Well now that we have greetings out of the way, let us sit and eat," Padme said excitedly. "I made Cotto, cheese, and grass weeds in red langley sauce."

"Sound delightful," Dorme exclaimed, turning to peek at Anakin as Padme left for the kitchen.

Anakin gave Padme's former handmaiden a bored look. Dorme smiled. "So..." she started. But Padme walked in again, interrupting her friend before she could speak. Anakin's eyes remained fixed on Dorme, his hand frozen under his nose. He then turned to Padme, a confused look on his face.

"Is something wrong?" Padme asked in a pleasant voice.

"No, I was just... waiting for your delicious meal," he replied, a bit stiffly.

He stood and pulled Padme's chair then pushed her close to the table when she was seated. Ever the gentleman, he then walked around to Dorme's and pulled hers. She let her hand graze the front of his pants as she sat. Anakin jumped back and stumbled over a coffee table. Padme gave him a funny look.

"Honey, are you okay?"

Dorme looked over her shoulder and smirked.

"I'm fine," Anakin griped, somewhat embarrassed. He took the long way to his seat, avoiding any and all contact with Dorme.

Padme beamed at her friend, her eyes a blanket of stars.

"So, when did it happen? The two of you? I don't mean to be rude, Master Skywalker, but are Jedi allowed to marry?" He sensed, Dorme already knew the answer to the question, but for some reason decided to annoy him in asking.

Anakin sat his fork next to his plate and looked at Padme. It was an "I told you so look" , but she ignored him, directing her attention to Dorme.

"It's complicated," Padme said. "We love each other and we're going to have a baby. Padme reached over and held Anakin's hand. They smiled knowingly at each other then looked at Dorme again.

Dorme looked down at her plate, pushing the food around with her fork. "I'm happy for you," she said, in what sounded like a whisper. "You seem to have everything a woman could possibly want."

Again, Anakin had a bad feeling. But what was the point of telling Padme? She wouldn't believe him anyway. "Any plans to marry?" Anakin asked.

"Oh, me? Who would marry a handmaiden?"

Anakin laughed. "I know plenty who would. Are maidens not the most beautiful women on any planet?"

Padme jabbed him in the rib with an elbow.

"Uh, that is, next to my wife..."

"Someday," Dorme replied, smiling. She looked at the two of them again, then blushed. "Forgive me, I guess I'm a little shocked that the two of you are together. Him being a Jedi, your being a Senator. And don't worry my lady, I won't tell a soul."

"I didn't doubt you for a second," said Padme, consolingly. "It's just that it feels so good to talk to someone about this. To share our love openly for a change."

Anakin took her hand in his and kissed it. Padme gazed lovingly at her husband.

He stood.

"I think I'm done now, my love. If you don't mind, I going to excuse myself. I'm sure you have a lot of catching up to do."

Anakin stood and withdrew from the table. "Are you sure?" Padme asked.

"Yeah I'm feeling a little tired." Tired of looking at Dorme, he thought.

"I'll be back," Padme said, leaping out of her seat and looking over her shoulder at her friend. The gorgeous young woman nodded politely, tossing the food around on her plate again. She then waited until the loving couple was out of sight, then switched Padme's untouched drink with her own.

In the bedroom, Padme stormed by Anakin, hands on her hips. "What are you doing?" she whispered angrily.

"Getting reading for my surprise," he smiled.

Anakin pulled his pants down and tossed them across the room. Then off went the shirt. He then plopped down on top of the blanket, legs spread eagle with his hands parked beneath his head.

Padme watched, an amused look on her face.

"Don't be long my love," he whispered. Anakin closed his eyes comfortably, and dismissed her with a wave of his gloved hand. He didn't know the surprise she had in store was a locket of a mini wedding picture that she wanted him to wear around his neck.

A few minutes later, Padme walked into the dining room again. "I'm sorry, Dorme, Anakin is really tired. He's had a long day."

"No worries, my lady. It was great fun. Brief, but fun. So, tell me, are you having a boy or girl?"

"A little boy I suspect. Mother's intuition." The women giggled. Padme took a sip of her drink.

"I would be happy to have a child of my own. But, I suppose I'd need a husband first..." maybe even yours, she thought.

Padme took another sip of her drink. The women sat quietly for a second. Dorme watched, as Padme's eyelids closed and opened.

"Well..." said Padme sleepily. "What have you... what have you been up to? Are you working for your father now?"

"Yes, but he's terribly strict. I can't wait to get away. But enough about poppi. Are you planning a baby shower? Maybe I can throw one for you."

"That would be wonderful!" Padme exclaimed. But who will we invite?"

"We need only ourselves," Dorme laughed. "Though, the other girls would never forgive me if I didn't invite them."

"They can never know that Anakin is the father."

Dorme took a sip of her drink, looking over the rim at Padme. "Don't worry. I'll never tell."

Padme waved a hand, fanning herself. "I feel so warm," she said, face flustered.

"Really?" Dorme replied, mock concern in her voice. "Is there anything I can do?"

To Padme her friend had become a blur. "Yes... I'm sorry Dorme, can you please help me to the sofa... I think you should get Anakin, something's wrong. I think something is wrong with the baby," she gasped.

Dorme stood, a calculated look on her face. She watched as Padme slumped over her plate.

The Senator stretched a hand, reaching as Dorme moved toward her. "I'm coming, my lady, don't worry. I'll take care of Master Skywalker for you... I promise."

She waited until Padme was fully unconscious, then pulled her chair back and helped the pregnant woman from the seat over to the couch. Dorme laid her gently on the cushions, then propped her feet on top of a pile of pillows.

It wasn't fair. Padme Amidala had everything. And what did she have? Nothing. And now, the senator was with the man she wanted? Since the day she saw Anakin on Naboo -- back when he was just a Padawan learner coming to help his Master sort out the assassination plot against Padme - Dorme had wanted him. But he was obviously, very obviously in love with the Senator. And all she could do was watch and long for him from afar. She kept in touch over the years via Holonet News. Another outlet that caused her misery, seeing him night after night knowing she would never have the opportunity to see him again... until now.

Dorme walked through the large apartment, looking from room to room until she saw a figure down the hall in what appeared to be the master bedroom. She pushed the door aside, staring in on a naked body , visible only by the moonlight that streamed into the window.

Dorme walked in. She hoped, fingers crossed that he was asleep. She meant him no harm. She meant quite the opposite. She hoped he'd see the light. She stood a safe distance from the bed, undetected as she slipped the dress over her head.

"Padme?" Anakin called. He stirred.

Dorme slipped to the foot of the bed and let her hands slide up his legs as she crawled over him. She pressed her naked body on top of his, pushing the lower region of her body against his own. He pulled her close. A haze of sleep kept his eyes closed. Until he realized, this was not the body of his pregnant wife.

Anakin jolted upright, pushing Dorme aside as he jumped out of bed. "What do you think you're doing?" Anakin snapped.

Dorme stayed on the bed, legs curled beneath her. He could see her breasts in the darkness, the perky nipples sitting upright.

She climbed out of bed and walked toward him, but Anakin stumbled backwards, into a wall. "Please, Anakin, don't turn me away... I've wanted this for so long," Dorme pleaded. "Just this once, and I'll go away."

"I -- uh, I don't understand," Anakin whispered. The thought of being with anyone other than Padme never crossed his mind. It never crossed his mind because it was something he never wanted... until now.

Dorme grabbed his hand and pulled it to her breast. "You understand this, don't you?"

Anakin snatched his hand away.

"Where's Padme?" he asked.

"Asleep."

He looked into Dorme's eyes, and suddenly, a steel hand reached out and grabbed her throat. Dorme smiled. As long as he was touching her.

"When you came to Naboo...I wanted you so badly," she choked.

"I don't care. I'm in love with Padme. And since you've hurt her... possibly even hurting my child, you'll never want me again when I'm done with you."

Dorme tried to pry his hand away, but instead sank to the floor. Anakin stood over her nude body. He blinked.

Padme.

Anakin slid into his pants then raced to the living room, calling Threepio and D210, anyone who might help.