Author's Note: Just wanted to make sure everyone knew this is an AU. Also, Chapter Seven has been updated reflecting MistiWhitesun's suggestions.

Thanks again to everyone who has been reading and reviewing! MistiWhitesun specifically wants to thank LVB for the support.

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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This is his job. He can't just quit.

Padmé tried to reason in her mind that being married to a Sith Lord was okay. That it was no big deal.

He has a duty. He has to fulfill that duty.

. . .A duty to kill.

She did not agree with the Empire by any means. The last thing she wanted to do was be apart of it. And now she was Lady Vader; the wife of the second highest man in command.

"True love is rare; you cannot just let it slip by."

Deep down inside, she knew Sola was right. True love is rare. You absolutely cannot let it slip.

But what if your true love came in the form of a monster? A killing machine? A man who was by day evil and by night your husband?

Whoever - whatever - he was, Padmé still loved him. She could not deny that. She could not lose what was left of Anakin again. She felt it was now her duty to bring him back. Bring her husband back.

My husband.

Anakin, or Darth Vader, had left for the day. He had work to do; but, of course, he did not reveal any more than that. Padmé was left alone in what was now "their" home all day long.

Maybe I'll call Sola. If she will speak to me.

- - - -

They were finally home. Finally where they should be; in their safe haven of love and warmth. Sirté and Jarred were asleep in their separate cribs as their parents watched over them.

Sola placed her hand on top of Darred's, smiling at her husband. "They look so peaceful."

"Wouldn't you be at peace if your day mainly consisted of sleeping?" he joked, kissing his wife on the cheek. "I knew they would be okay."

Hand in hand, they walked out of the room and into the kitchen. Darred took a seat at the table while Sola poured herself a glass of water.

"I'm worried about Padmé."

"We all are, honey."

"She would never run off like this and get married. I think I know my own sister," Sola continued, taking a seat on her husbands lap. "She really loves Anakin though."

"Vader," Darred corrected her.

"Vader, whatever. She still loves him; he is still my brother-in-law now."

"He is still a Sith."

Sola shrugged, standing up. In the distance, the beeping of a comlink began. Running into the bedroom, she picked hers up from the bedside table. "Hello?" she answered, catching her breath. She could hear someone on the other end, though they had not yet said a word.

"Sola?" the soft voice on the other end replied.

"Padmé?"

"Yes, it's me." Padmé waited for a moment before saying anything more. She was afraid Sola would hang up on her. "I didn't want to." She finally blurted out.

"I knew you wouldn't do something like this." Sola walked back into the kitchen, letting Darred know who it was.

"He forced me, Sola," she continued. "I didn't have a choice."

"I understand, don't worry. I'm not mad at you."

"You're not?" Padmé replied, surprised. "I don't think anyone else will speak to me."

"I'm not anyone else, Pad. You can tell me what happened, if you want to," Sola took a seat at the table, waiting to hear the truth.

"He pretended. He lied to me. Then, last night, he forced me to marry him. I love him so much, and yet. . .I hate him."

"Has he hurt you at all?"

"No."

"The babies are crying; I have to go. Is there any messages you want me to relay?" Sola stood up, following the little cries.

"Tell everyone I love them, and that I'm safe. And I'm sorry."

- - - -

Padmé ended the call with tears in her eyes; those tears now adorning her cheeks. She sat the comlink down on the table, collapsing in the chair. Her head in her hands, she burst into tears. She was happy that her sister was not mad at her. Sola knew that her little sister would never run off, never. Padmé took comfort in that; knowing there was at least one person in the universe who somewhat understood her.

The front door slid open, Darth Vader entering the room. Standing up quickly, Padmé wiped the tears from her eyes. Hopefully he would not notice that she had been crying.

"I thought you were gone for the day," she greeted him, smoothing out her emerald dress. Faking a smile, she looked straight at him. That awful mask.

"I came to see how you were doing," he replied coldly. "You seem to be fine."

"I am very well, thank you. I can't believe you even thought about me."

"You are my wife," Vader reminded her, not that she really needed the reminder. He slipped his arms around her waist, the cool feel of his armor causing her to shiver.

"Please, don't touch me," she pleaded, pushing him away.

"Why not?"

"Your mask. I don't like it; it scares me." Padmé answered, surprised he actually listened to her instead of ignoring her. Maybe I underestimate him.

"I'll take it off then."

"No! Please, just leave me alone," she insisted, turning around and pretending to be busy in the kitchen.

Taking the helmet off, Vader sat it on one of the cream colored chairs. He ran his fingers through his short hair and walked closer to her. Approaching Padmé from behind, he wrapped his arms around her and began to kiss her neck softly.

"Please, Anakin, stop!"

He pulled away as she spun around and looked at him in the eyes. She had not realized he took the mask off until that very moment. "What is wrong with you, Padmé?"

All she wanted was to cry and have Anakin hold her and comfort her. She wanted to tell him what was wrong; let him know what was troubling her. But she knew that would never happen.

"We do not always get what we want. . ."

It was time to be strong and stand firm. Not a time to drown in sorrow.

I will not give in to this.

"I just want to be left alone." Nice one, very tough.

"Fine. I'll see you tonight." Picking up the helmet from off of the chair, he put it back on and stormed out.

Padmé sighed and slid to the floor. She was all alone, and could finally cry her eyes out.