...am I alive? I think I am... I had this chapter piece done for a really really long time, but I finally uploaded it after receiving some requests. I am going to try to finish it, promise! Let me know if any readers still exist out there after my ridiculously long hiatus.

Chapter 2

Padmé didn't know what she was thinking, and this was cause for her to believe that she wasn't. In fact, she was only here on the wishes of Master Yoda; Leia needed to train, Vader needed to be turned, and Padmé was the only one who could do it.

When Vader walked in, Padmé knew he was angry. He stared at her, eyes in narrow slits, brow furrowed – his classic You-Will-Face-My-Wrath look.

Still, she managed to smile, and said, "Hello, Vader."

His fury seemed to dissipate somewhat for his face relaxed, but he remained stiff. "Padmé." An awkward silence. "You came back."

Padmé nodded curtly. "Leia is safe. That's all that matters to me."

Vader looked away. He knew Leia was with Yoda and knew she was being trained, but this did not bother him. "Yes. She will become a great Jedi."

Hiding her shock at his knowledge, Padmé continued, "I only hope that one day she will not have to face her brother."

"There is a balance, Padmé. The Force will settle all things by its rules."

Padmé found it ironic that Vader did not even know the true meaning behind his own words. "I suppose you're right."

Staring at her, Vader wondered what game she was playing. She was being far too cordial and congenial. Either she was up to something or really only cared about Leia's safety. Either way, Vader was not about to trust her. Their relationship was still the same: prisoner and keeper. But maybe, he didn't want that. Maybe he wanted that to change.

"Padmé, I know my actions are unforgivable, and they will probably continue to be so, but I don't want you to feel like a prisoner."

"Then don't make me a prisoner."

"How? You will never stand by me."

"No, you're right. I will never stand by you, Vader." Padmé rose from her seat and walked over to him. With confidence even surprising herself, Padmé lifted her hand and gently stroked his cheek. "But I used to stand by my husband, Anakin. And for that, I will stay."

Eying her carefully, Vader didn't know what to think. A part of him wanted to believe her – and he did – but he could not stand down; he could not lower his weapons.

"How many times do I have to tell you that my name is not Anakin anymore? I am not that person, Padmé, and I never will be again. If you cannot stand by Vader, then you are my prisoner."

Although Padmé had heard it all before and knew it well, too well, it still pained her to hear it said so caustically. Her eyes lowered and she turned away from him. Her thoughts scrambled for a moment, trying to think of something to say to convince him. For too long had she fought against him, and no longer was it possible to act so differently so soon.

She slowly turned back around to face him. Her throat was tight and her eyes stung, but she did not waver when she said, "I am not a prisoner. I am here of my own free will as your coconspirator, your empress, your wife. And don't you forget that."

With a stern look, Padmé stormed from the compartment and never looked back.

0o0o0o00o0o00o0o0o

Vader was surprised, yet disappointed. He knew he shouldn't be the latter, but he couldn't lie: he liked arguing with Padmé. It made him feel more powerful, crushing her every time with his ultimate power. But now, what was he to do? She was standing by him, agreeing with him, and he didn't know how to treat her.

Sure, he knew that it was probably a lie, but that still did not stop these thoughts. No matter what he told himself, he still wanted Padmé to be by his side, no matter in what form. If he could still love, he knew that it would be for Padmé and no one else. And it was because of this that he allowed her on the bridge of his ship – standing freely – and in his occasional meetings with other planets. It was as though she was a part of him again, and secretly, he liked it.

She would make him meals, watch after Luke, and they even had the occasional, make that the very rare, rump in the sheets. Vader was a happy man – if happiness was a trait associated with evil men.

One year passed in this fashion. Slowly, the planets were easing into the new Empire and Vader's rule. Things settled down and fell into an orderly manner. Luke was now two years old and speaking a few words. Within a few years, he would begin his training as an Apprentice, and Padmé knew that she would probably have very little time to spend with her son.

Even now, Vader was teaching a few things to Luke, just to make sure he was attuned to the Force at a very young age – it was a sign of more promise to come. He could only anxiously await the time when he would rule side by side with son, and perhaps, just perhaps, have a wife to stand by them.

Review or Vader will find you...

Much evil love,