Author's Note: Just wanted to make sure everyone knew this is an AU.

Thanks to everyone for reveiwing, please keep up the constructive reviews!

Short chapter here, but I wanted to update. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: The Star Wars Universe was created and is owned by George Lucas, this is just my imagination at work, based on the universe he has created. If this story is similar to another, it's pure coincidence.

Note: Thoughts are in italics.

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"Miss..."

Padmé was awakened by a soft voice; that which belonged to a familar Zabrak female. As she opened her eyes, she could see bits and pieces of the woman standing before her through the curly tresses which fell in her face. "Lord Vader wishes to see you," the timid voice told her, helping her to her feet.

"Thank you," Padmé whispered, examining the bruise on her arm. She was determined to appear as strong as possible despite how weak she actually felt. Five stormtroopers met the two women a few meters down the hallway. The Senator followed them as she was instructed. All the time I've wanted to see him. All this time! And now, I can actually see him. Yet, I am utterly terrified. Disgusted with herself, she held her head high as they entered the elevator.

I am not going to give in to this.

Three levels and a few steps later, the one stormtrooper stopped at the door before them, turning to Padmé and holding his hand up. "Wait here," he directed sternly before entering the room. She waited a few minutes until he came back and waved her on into the room. Curious of what - who - she would find inside, Padmé walked in slowly. The door slid shut behind her. Lord Vader came around the corner, and she froze at the sight of him.

"Hello Padmé," he greeted her, crossing his arms against his chest. If she could have seen his face, Padmé knew it would not be pleasant. He spoke with an obvious disgust, though distorted by the helmet.

It suddenly hit her, as if she had not fully comprehened it before. There was no turning back now. She had to face him.

"Why did you bring me here?"

The bravery in her voice surprised her; she felt anything but confident. At the moment, Padmé didn't care if he killed her. With the pain she felt in her heart, it felt as if he already had.

"Have a seat," he ordered her, grabbing her arm and pulling the young woman over to the brown leather couch. "Stay there." Darth Vader walked into the other room, returning just a few moments later - helmetless.

He knows my weakness.

He looked exactly the same, his dirty blonde hair cut very short - without the Padawan braid. Padmé noticed that the Tatooine tan had faded slightly, but not enough to really be that noticable. The killer was tall and muscular - just like Anakin - yet she knew an entirely different person stood before her.

Vader took a seat across from her, looking straight into her eyes. The crystal, icy blue shade killed her further with every passing second.

Don't look at me like that.

"You're nervous," he told her, glaring at her and sensing her feelings. "And uncomfortable." Padmé struggled to avoid eye contact. He pulled her in like nothing she had ever experienced before. She'd thought he'd taken away her breath before, but that was nothing compared to him, now.

"You're right," she whispered, wishing she'd held her tongue the moment it slipped her lips.

"I know."

One thing had not changed, though. He was still the arrogant man he was before, and now unbelievably powerful. Padmé knew with that combination anything was possible. As he had told her.