Author's note I also write stories for Law and Order SVU.

Reminder In this AU story Vader does not have a suit.

Chapter 8

Padme was about to serve tea to 2 men who smirked at her, when she heard a voice bellow. "Perhaps I did not make myself clear." The young woman felt her hands tremble. The tray she was holding began to tumble from her hands, when suddenly it stopped. It steadied itself, she regained her footing, and returned to normal.

"You did my lord." Padme heard Ptolemy's terrified voice say. Padme had never heard fear in his voice before. She placed the tray on the table in front of her 2 current customers.

"Apparently not." The quiet angry voice answered Ptolemy.

"Yes, you were clear." Ptolemy replied,

"Bring her to me!" Vader yelled. Ptolemy ran silently over to Padme. All the color had left his face, his eyes were full of fear.

"Come with me." Ptolemy ordered in barely a whisper. He quickly led Padme to the man who called himself Darth Vader. They were standing inches away from a private room, this one was different than yesterday's. Ptolemy stepped in front of the room's door panel. He punched in a code, and the door quickly slid open.

"Leave us." Vader commanded Ptolemy. The man bowed his head , and scurried away like a small animal. Vader entered the room, and Padme slowly followed behind him, The sound of the door closing behind her made her jump a little. This room was a lot larger than yesterday's. She watched as the tall, fit man known as Vader moved to a round table in the corner of the room. The table was set for tea. He sat down. "Please, join me." Padme moved slowly. When she got to the chair across from him, she sat. and cast her eyes down.

"Are you trying to get me killed?" Padme asked, annoyance in her voice. She regretted her tone instantly.

"No." Vader answered quietly. "Why would you ask such a question?"

"I was already serving a table when you came in."

Vader put a hand up to interrupt her. "And you are afraid to anger him. What does he do if you anger him?"

"It doesn't matter." She answered quickly. She picked her head up, and watched as Vader reached over to grab the teacup in front of her. He picked up the teapot, poured the hot liquid into the cup, and within seconds it was in front of her again.. He then poured himself a cup.

"I don't drink with customers."

"You are expected to sit with them, and look beautiful." Vader replied. "Please, drink the tea." Padme paused for a moment wondering if it was safe to disobey the man across from her. She picked up the cup, put it to her lips, and drank quickly. The warm liquid felt so good going down her throat.

She couldn't remember the last time she drank anything. Moments later she placed the empty cup down on the table. "Thank-you.." She whispered, feeling fearful, and grateful at the same time. She looked down at her hands and folded them in her lap.

"When was the last time you ate?" Vader asked, sensing his question would not be answered. "Padme there is no longer a reason to fear him. Ptolemy and I came to an understanding."

"You agreed I would no longer have to serve?" Padme questioned. remembering his words from the day before.

"That is correct."

"He did not listen to you."

"My apologies Milady. I took care of it. He now understands that if he defies me again I will not be as forgiving." Vader rose from the table. "I will be back soon." Padme watched as the tall figure, dressed in black walled out of the room.

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Padme waited for 10 minutes, unsure what to do. She was just rising from her chair when the door slid open. Vader entered the room dragging Ptolemy with him. When the door slid closed Vader let go of the man. "Get up" He ordered. Ptolemy coughed loudly, and slowly made it to his feet. "You will apologize to the lady." Padme rose completely from the table. She moved slowly and within a few moments she was standing in front of Vader and her captor.

"I apologize". Ptolemy said weakly. Padme saw a bruise over his right eye that hadn't been there before.

"What?" Vader yelled.

"I apologize milady, for... for... everything I have done."

Padme turned to Vader, and locked eyes with him. She almost jumped in fear, noticing that his once blue eyes were now golden in color. "Do not hurt him anymore."

"Thank-you" Ptolemy whispered.

Vader's golden eyes focused intently on Ptolemy. "You have proven to be untrustworthy. I was going to wait a few days, but I can not leave Padme with you for another hour. You will lead me to her room, I will pack her things, and we will be leaving you." Vader sensed Padme's fear, he turned to see her body stiffen.