Author's Note: Just wanted to make sure everyone knew this is an AU. Also, in response to MistiWhitesun's suggestions, I edited chapters 1-4; hopefully I got everything fixed there. Another thing, this is obviously a short chapter.

Thanks again to everyone who has been reading and reveiwing, again, please keep up the constructive reviews! I really appreciate them.

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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Morning came upon Coruscant, the sunlight shone in the windows which went from floor to ceiling. The gray, floor length window treatments were wide open; just as Padmé had left them the night before. The moonlight coming in had been beautiful; something she had not wanted to block out.

A rustling in the hallway outside the bedroom door awakened Padmé. She had no idea where she was to start, nothing looked familiar. As sat up in bed and slid out from underneath the covers, she stood at the window. Speeders zoomed around nearby, the sight being a reminder that she was on Coruscant. The squeaky door was opened behind her as she spun around.

"You startled me," she greeted as she held her hand over her heart.

"Good morning," he replied, wearing just a pair of baggy black drawstring pants. Though short, his bed head hair made her giggle as he squinted while walking in. "Close the curtains, it's too bright in here," Darth Vader complained, embracing Padmé.

"I think it's beautiful," she defended, resting her head on his bare chest. Minutes passed as they stood in silence, just looking out the sparking windows.

"It's too bright," Vader replied stubbornly, sticking with his first reaction. "Come, let's get something to eat," he said as she followed him out into the kitchen. The same maid from the night before was setting the table as they entered. She neither smiled nor frowned, probably afraid to do much of anything around the Dark Lord of the Sith.

"Good morning. . .what is your name again?" Padmé asked, for if she was going to be with Anakin - even for a little bit - she might as well know his maid.

"Embira," she replied, though unlike every other woman at the Imperial Palace, she didn't whisper. She answer confidently; just, without looking at Padmé.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Padm--"

"Lady Vader."

"Padmé, he means," Padmé replied, eying him suspiciously. Sensing the tension, Embira sat the last few dishes down on the table and left the two of them alone. "I have a feeling you are confused about something here."

"And what might that be?"

"That I will be joining the Empire," she said while pushing her food around the plate nervously. "Which I will not."

"I didn't think you wanted to," Vader began, leaning back in his chair as he set his fork on the table. Crossing his arms, Padmé shivered, sensing something bad was about to happen - not that she was force sensitive or anything. But he is, and if I can sense something small like that. . .I can only imagine what he senses. "But, we do not always get what we want. And for that reason, you do not have a choice."

"I will not join the Empire."

"You obviously did not hear what I said, Padmé. You do not have a choice."

"What if I changed my mind? What if I told you I was lying, and I don't love you? What if I don't want to be with you?" Padmé cried, worried that it might not matter to him.

"Then you'd be living a lie," he grinned evilly, mocking her. Vader went about eating, as if nothing was going on. Looking up, he notice that she was literally shaking. "Padmé, are you okay?" he asked, sincerely concerned.

"No," she whispered, standing up and heading for the door. "No, I have to go." Getting up, he followed after her, grabbing her arms and pulling her away.

"What are you doing?"

"I have to go, this isn't right," Padmé replied softly, looking anywhere but at him. "I won't allow this."

"Are you deaf?" he yelled, shaking her. Turning away, a tear fell down her cheek. "How many times do I have to say it, Padmé? How many times? You don't have a choice!" She slid to the floor, curling up and holding her legs close to her. While she cried her eyes out, Vader looked more annoyed than sympathetic as he looked down at her. As he knelt down he touched her chin, turning her face to look right at his. Her eyes were a bloodshot red, the tears still flowing down her cheeks. "You're so pathetic," he snickered as she hung her head low. "I'm sorry," he whispered, though not sounding quite so sincere.

"No, you're not," she snapped back, not even glancing at him as she wiped her eyes.

"You're right," he mumbled, standing up straight and walking away.

I knew it was too good to be true.