Chapter 2: Unexpected Expectations
Gauntleted hands gripped Padmé's arms dragging her harshly across a metal floor. She was thrashing like an ensnared animal trying to break free from her capture's grasp. Her arms yanked at the two sets of hands pulling her along through the darkness. She had no idea where she was or where she was going. The last thing her mind remembered after being tackled to the floor was the color of her carpeting back at her apartment before a porous black bag was masked over her head. Thoughts were racing through the young woman's mind, if they'd wanted to kill her they wouldn't have taken the precaution of using something to obstruct her vision. However, it was stormtroopers that took her meaning her life was now in the hands of the Palpatine indefinitely.
She built fortified mental barriers around the information regarding the Rebellion and any other sensitive information. Her heart was pounding in trepidation, they were going to torture, disfigure, mutilate her until she gave up what she knew. Even though she'd been careful, beyond careful with her dealings regarding the Rebellion she knew Palpatine and his apprentice's powers… they were able to see and feel things others could not through the power of the Force.
Recalling all the times she'd visited the Jedi temple, all the times she'd even assisted the legendary Jedi knights, she knew of the powers that the Force could allow and the Sith used it for malevolent purposes. Padmé thrashed again against the unbreakable grip on her frail arms, she could feel the gauntlets bruising the soft flesh. What can I possibly do? She screamed internally as her teeth dug into her lip, focusing all her physical strength against the troopers. After all this time, why would a squadron of stormtroopers breakdown her door? What the hell took Palpatine so long? She was so sure she'd been discrete, secretive, and cunning. She'd attend galas, make sure to play the sweet face of the Senate for Palpatine and yet without any warning this happens. Snapping her out of thought, she felt the soldiers stop, before harshly pressing down on her shoulders forcing her to her knees.
"No need to be so severe," she heard a familiar serpents voice snicker and a deep fear brewed once again in the pit of her stomach. As the words left the Emperor's lips, the black hood obstructing her vision was yanked off her head. Padmé winced feeling the rough fabric rip against her cheeks. The tears which had adhered to her eyelashes were sharply jerked away with the fabric. Blinking, trying to get her eyes to adjust, she stared around the dark room. There were no windows, no distinguishing features of where she was. Finally, her eyes landed on the figure whose voice haunted her ears, Palpatine. She held her breath noticing the shadow creature standing beside him, he is going to kill me, she thought bleakly glancing at the familiar specter of The Empire. She continued to hold her breath as the Emperor slowly rose from his throne, slithering towards her slowly. "Senator Amidala, It is wonderful to have you here," The Emperor grinned his yellow teeth inches from her face while his sharp nails held up her chin.
Instinctively, she inched away repulsed, "To what do I owe the pleasure of being brought to your almighty presence, your grace?" Her words sounded kind however Palpatine knew better and he just chuckled allowing her chin to slip from his grasp.
"I need something of you my dear," Palpatine announced with a vast whimsical darkness laced in his words. She stared at him hesitantly, watching his putrid sulfur eyes flicker with malice in the darkness. "I need something to keep the media busy for a few months."
She almost cowered watching Darth Vader adjust his shoulders in the darkness before folding his arms across his chest, killing me is going to keep the media busy? Her mind thought as she remained in a heap on the floor, the suspense was excruciating, "If you're going to kill me just please get on with it," she muttered her eyes never leaving the Emperor's. It was only a matter of time till Palpatine killed all the senators who spoke out against him, even if it was behind closed doors. Although, making an example of the beloved Senator from his home planet of Naboo was nonsensical.
"Why would I do that Senator?" Palpatine questioned with a false sincerity, folding his arms into his sleeves before sitting back down in his throne. "Well?" the old man snickered to his apprentice, her presence recoiled feeling both of their eyes resting upon her frame. Padmé's lowered eyes peered up at the robed Sith standing beside the Emperor, he hadn't said a word. She tried to see beneath the hood of his cloak however nothing was shown, there was always a residual darkness around him, shadowing his skin. Suddenly, the Emperor clapped once, breaking her from her thoughts. "Brilliant," he sadistically smiled resting back on his throne.
Padmé sat in confusion, wondering what on earth had transpired in the past several minutes. Her hands became clammy as they ran across her thighs, pushing down the silk fabric of her thin nightgown. She shuttered glancing down at herself, nothing was left to the imagination with what she was wearing. She forced the embarrassing thought aside contemplating the real matter at hand. Maybe the Emperor would be true to his word that he wasn't going to have her killed. Thinking of that made her even more nervous, if he's not going to kill me then what… what is this? She questioned staring over Darth Vader's frame. Why would Palpatine need his input on a decision, that's not in line with the Sith ways?
"Finally," Palpatine sighed resting his hand against his forehead, "You almost went through all the women I had in mind," he chuckled darkly and in response Vader's arms dropped to his sides.
"I am obviously the only one unaware of what you both are discussing, care to enlighten me?" Padmé asked with a false elegance.
"She will be a challenge my young apprentice, I wish you luck," Palpatine chuckled, ignoring her question. But his words almost answered her question, her glossy chocolate eyes widened with shivers crawling down her spine. She hesitated into thinking about the meaning of his snarky comment. Padmé's eyes lingered on the young lord for a moment. It had been the first time she'd seen his intimidating frame so close in person. He would lurk around the Senate building, but his presence was usually like a shadow- almost not wanting to be seen. The word brushed through her mind again, young? She thought to herself.
"Excuse me?" Padmé breathed her voice sounding weaker than she would have hoped. Instead of replying, Palpatine's hand waved signaling his apprentice to do something. She didn't know what until he trekked towards her, his black cape fluttering with his hastened movements.
"Rise," a deep voice demanded from above her, she glanced up into the void of the Sith's hood before staring down at his gloved hands resting by his side. Padmé hesitated and as if feeling her reluctance, he swiftly reached down and gently wrapped his hands on her hipbones- all but lugging her from the ground.
"The ceremony will be in a three months' time, hopefully that will give you two sometime to get to know each other," Palpatine grinned, his words sank into Padmé's mind as Darth Vader began leading her from the room.
Padmé ripped from the specter's grasp turning towards the Emperor, "You can't just marry me off like property!" She sneered.
"Would you prefer Lord Vader to pay your parents a visit instead?" He questioned brightly, his tone not matching the severity of his words. Padmé froze, her thoughts and disobedience shattering before dissipating swiftly. "Thought as much, now leave me."
Her eyes remained hollow as she felt Vader grab her arm, roughly tugging her along through the massive doors enclosing the Emperor in the room. The heavy feeling of Vader's leather-clad hands across her hips had sent flutters across the skin underneath the layers of fabric. She paid no mind to the sensation, her brain was too preoccupied trying to wrap itself around the idea of what Palpatine meant. The marriage of the Emperor's heir would call for substantial news coverage, her mind whispered as her bare feet brushed across the floor.
"You will return to your establishments, my men will pack your things, I will be there this afternoon to retrieve you," Vader informed her suddenly, before turning on his heel almost floating away, leaving her alone in the hall. She felt a chill sweep across her skin as a squadron of onyx armored stormtroopers rounded the corner obviously sent to gather her. Padmé's eyes lingered on where Vader's frame had disappeared around the corner, he obviously was treating this like a mission more so than a life altering decision. Would they live together for a year making the press happy, then make her disappear? Palpatine would kill two birds with one stone she supposed.
"We will escort you milady," one of the troopers spoke stepping forwards and bowing his head slightly.
"Thank you," she whispered crossing her arms over her chest in the attempt to cover the lacy fabric over her breasts. Again she cursed herself for wearing such a garment to bed.
"Here you are miss, Lord Vader requested us to give this to you," the trooper breathed shifting uncomfortably before turning and retrieving a piece of fabric from the soldier behind him. Padmé stared at the fabric for a moment analyzing it intently. The white cloak shimmered in the dim lighting until the trooper stepped behind her placing the plush thin fabric over her shoulders making sure the hood sheltered her head. Her eyebrows pinched together running the fabric of the hood between her thumb and index finger, even though it was thin, silky, and lightweight, the warmth that it was able to capture was unreal for its visual characteristics. Her body snuggled into the fabric as the four stormtroopers lead her through the dimly lit base.
As they continued walking, Padmé felt almost out of place. She stood out like a sore thumb against the overall darkness of the base. Why white? She muttered internally staring over the fabric of the cloak once again. Her eyes widened as the door opened and they stepped into the underground hanger. If they were on Coruscant, where could this place be? Why such an overwhelming number of undeployed military ships? She wondered as they ushered her up the ramp and into a onyx shuttle. She knew they must be underground, that much was evident as she stared at the rock formations.
"I'm sorry milady but you will have to wear this," the officer behind the controls uttered handing her a thick matt black piece of fabric just wide enough to cover her eyes. She nodded slightly before grabbing the item from him. She gently brushed down the hood of her cloak before tying the blindfold to cover her eyes.
She shut her eyes behind the fabric, feeling them levitate off the ground. There was something that puzzled her, she knew of the military presence within Imperial City or at least she knew what the Senate knew. Obviously after what she'd seen, what they'd been told was not accurate. There was a massive military presence within that hanger one that she hadn't seen the vastness of since the Clone Wars. It only meant one thing, the Rebellion was making progress. Intimidating progress even to the Emperor.
A deep sigh left her lips as she rested her cheek against her palm, Obi-Wan, she thought to herself thinking about the Jedi Knight. She'd heard through Bail Organa that indeed Yoda and Obi-Wan had escaped Order-66 all those years ago. And now she'd heard that Obi-Wan was on the frontlines, helping the Rebellion. She no doubt knew that the Jedi's presence and affiliation with the Rebellion enraged the Emperor and those supporting him. The Jedi are the people's last hope in the galaxy.
What would Bail think of the marriage? But maybe I could use this to my advantage, she thought to herself beginning to make plots of her own. Her mind hesitated, Lord Vader had seemed okay today however she'd heard the rumors he was like flipping a switch- calm one moment and a complete monster the next. The woman also began to wonder what Palpatine meant when he guffawed, 'You almost went through all the women I had in mind,' Padmé's eyes widened, were they bringing women in as some form of sick audition? Holding onto the door handle tightly, the Naboo Senator shuttered at the idea.
"Marry you will Lord Vader."
The words rang through Vader's ears over and over, making the young Sith loath his Master even more. His hand tightened into a curled fist and relaxed, the feeling of the Senator's flesh beneath his hand was still tingling his fingertips. Even through the flimsy fabric of her nightgown and his leather glove, the undeniable connection stammered deeply through him.
Sucking air between his teeth, he cursed himself for feeling such a way. He hadn't imagined the influx of energy from the Force when he'd touched her. He was so unprepared that his Master had probably sensed the disturbance. He had been watching her for some time… coming up on four years now, he reminded himself. It had been a few months since the Dark Lord had visited the Senate, until the day before. However he always kept track of her- call it a dirty little secret that he kept to himself. Whenever he was at the Senate, he would consistently work on her mental barriers, slightly influencing them each day. The changes were not enough for his Master or the Senator herself to notice but he knew her reservations about him had subconsciously changed due to his own influence. When the troopers presented her to them he could feel the heat rise under his skin. He was surprised she was dressed in so little, the Sith licked his lips at the thought of her body. Vader had seen her in the elegant gowns when she'd attend the Senate but seeing her in such risqué attire was satisfying. Her hair was a mess, her small limbs crumbled on the floor, she was so defenseless and yet the fire and rebelliousness behind her eyes was mouthwatering.
A small smirk tugged at Vader's lips as he recalled her thrashing about in the troopers grip, putting up quite the fight for someone so small even when struggling was futile. None of the other women that his Master had brought dared to do such a thing, they were only terrified, their fate being sealed by their own actions and minds. Vader knew she was different than anyone he'd ever encountered before, there was something unexplainable between them.
The Senator's mental barriers were strong, for a politician and clandestine rebel supporter he supposed it was only natural. Even with the protective barriers, he could read the thoughts in the forefront of her mind as clear as day. Earlier, he could sense her confusion the most as his eyes lingered down over her small frame. He deeply inhaled longing for the sensation of her skin-no. He could not desire such things so close to his Master. The old man was sure to pick up on his excitement. He had waited patiently for years for this very moment- an excuse to have her. However, the way his Master went about explaining the plan to him left Vader on edge; he hadn't yet discovered what Sidious himself was scheming.
Storming down the hall, the Sith Lord entered the control room immediately the eyes of each technician stared at him in fear before continuing their work with a laughable amount of rigidity. Even after only being located in Imperial City for a week, Vader had grown tired of his Master's presence. Even though Sidious' reach remained dim when he was at his own establishments, he was sure his attention would be more anchored on him when the Senator moved in. Aboard the Executor would allow them some privacy.
"Ready the Executor for an 0700 departure tomorrow," Vader demanded and immediately all the eyes in the room snapped towards him as they simultaneously replied 'yes sir.'
Sharply, he turned from the room before trekking towards the hanger. His teeth gritted together, the overwhelming sensation to leave this place was growing. He wanted to take the Senator with him to anywhere else until their ceremony, bottom-line was his blood was beginning to boil from his Master's presence. The physical proximity was more than bothersome. Hiding his thoughts from the wrinkled old man was simple light years away, but being so close it was almost vexing. Although, it gave Vader pleasure knowing Sidious was using the same amount of energy keeping his thoughts protected as well.
Vader internally relished at the thought, he could feel himself growing stronger than his Master and soon- very soon, Darth Vader would finally rid himself of his Master's aggravating and revolting presence. That's when the young Sith stopped dead in his tracks, spooking some of the bystanders in the hall.
His true purpose for this marriage still eludes me, the young Sith thought to himself. He understood why Sidious wanted to keep the media busy, in order to move Imperial forces deeper into the mid-rim territories. However, there was something more to his plans and that thought made Vader uneasy.
Springing back into action, he made his way towards the hanger bay he halted momentarily watching his Senator be escorted into one of his personal shuttles. He watched her for a moment, lingering over the glistening white cloak that shielded her frame. He was content to see that her frame was covered, his possessive nature wanted to keep her body away from prying eyes. He heard the thoughts of the trooper's that collected her, they were vulgar, perverted, Vader didn't need the visions of other men on top of her in his mind.
The Senator's chestnut curls poured from the hood as she stepped up the ramp barefoot, his eyes closed for a moment reaching into her mind through the Force. Vader's eyebrows knotted together slightly, of course the woman was noticing the number of ships in the hanger. He cursed himself knowing he should have kept her blindfolded for the entire journey out of the Emperor's meditation room. He'd given her a bit of freedom, freedom that he knew to never give her again. She was too smart, maybe even too smart for her own good.
Vader stepped back from the hanger bay as the onyx shuttle took off and out into the labyrinth of tunnels under Imperial Center. He watched the massive gate close tightly and his eyes shut when he felt the Emperor's presence behind him.
"I heard you are departing with the Executor tomorrow morning, Lord Vader," Palpatine stated, his words void of any emotion.
"Yes, we will return for the ceremony-"
"I am requiring you both to stay on Imperial Center until the wedding," Palpatine demanded his tone dripping with a silent fury.
"As you wish, my Master," Vader acknowledged, acquiescing before turning and kneeling in obedience.
"Rise my young apprentice," Sidious said lowly, "I expect you and your fiancée to attend a gala in three weeks' time, it's a masquerade ball so do be sure the Senator wears something appropriate."
"I understand Master, we shall be there," Vader acquiesced with a bow of his head.
With that, the Emperor turned away his velvet robes trailing behind his frame. Vader's shoulders fell as a scowl crossed his face. One thing he loathed almost as much as the Emperor was his pointless gatherings. The amount of filth and grime that could congregate in one place was tedious. Vader turned back to the hanger, he would have to be on his best behavior and as difficult as the task seemed at least his mind could remain on the Senator.
Padmé's hands brushed across the fabric of the glistening white cloak before folding it and setting it on the small couch by the window. After returning back to her apartment she had changed into a low cut silky dress that stretched past her knees. It had been like a whirl wind for the past hour, she had Imperial men packing up her valuables across her apartment while her and Dormé continued to pack clothing. She set the last bag on the stripped bed before taking a seat down onto the bare cushion of the mattress.
Both of the woman's heads turned towards the door, hearing the packing in the other room stop suddenly as a set of heavy footsteps trekked towards her bedroom. Padmé fingers curled tightly against the mattress as Darth Vader's frame rounded the corner before standing frozen in the doorway. Padmé's shoulders straightened as Dormé stood and curtsied.
"I need a word with Senator Amidala alone for a moment," the Dark Lord demanded slowly, his voice frigid. And immediately, Dormé's face paled.
"O-of course milord," She stuttered as Vader stepped into the room allowing the young woman to dart out into the hall.
Padmé remained quiet, sitting with perfect posture at the foot of the bed. Even though she looked composed her mind was racing, trying to figure out what he could possibly need to say. With a slight movement of his hand, he used the Force to side the doors shut. When he closed in on her position, she could feel the protective shell over her body language breaking.
"In three weeks' time we are expected to attend a gala together," the Sith said lowly, reaching his hand up under his hood.
"Is that all?" She whispered after a few moments placing her hands gently onto her lap. Padmé's eyes followed his movements as he wondered further into the room.
"No," he replied quietly, his gloved hand brushing against the white cloak draped along her couch. Padmé watched him silently, trying to understand what he was doing? What he was thinking? -Anything about the mysterious man.
"I am thinking about the material of this cloak," Vader declared and her thoughts froze in place.
Her eyes narrowed, "You read minds?"
"Don't worry Senator, I can't tell where your little rebel friends are hiding without breaking a few mental barriers. And you'd know if I did that," Vader answered darkly his fingers slipping from the white fabric.
She suppressed her knowledge of the Rebellion deeper before asking a more lighthearted question, "Well enlighten me, what is that cloak made of? I've never seen or felt anything like it," she inquired honestly, keeping her place on the bed.
"It's made of the silk from a knobby white spider," he replied lowly, "I had it woven some time ago."
"Well it's beautiful," she breathed weakly. She could recall the spiders in which he spoke of, they were extremely rare and terribly hard to find as well as deadly. They lived on the remote and practically forgotten planet of Dagobah. Her mind threatened to wonder what he could have possibly been doing that far out on the frontier however she suppressed it.
Padmé watched the Dark Lord's hand gradually retract to his side before his intimidating stature glided slowly towards her position on the bed. The Senator's muscles tightened as his leather-clad fingertips brushed leisurely down her bare arm. When her skin registered his touch, the overwhelming sensation she had felt earlier came flooding back into her body, a rush of energy between them. Even if her mind didn't want her body to relax, it did anyway. She remained motionless as his fingers made a trail back up her arm, across her collarbone until they reached the sensitive skin under her chin. Even though his touch was soft, there was a possessive nature about the act.
"Beautiful…" She swore he'd whispered as his hand continued to trace along her skin. "I wanted to clarify a few aspects our marriage," Vader announced coldly, his index and middle fingers moving to pull her chin up to face the void of his hood.
"Alright," she replied with a hint of sharpness fighting the urge to shove his hand away. The action was demeaning, as if he were speaking to a disobedient child.
"First, I understand you're quite spirited, however when I demand something of you, you will do it," he affirmed brushing his thumb against her jawline. "I assure you that what I require of you will not harm or damage your dignity. This is just for your safety as well as mine… Secondly, I do not mind your outspoken views against the Empire in private however if I discover you are conspiring with the Rebellion that indiscretion will cost you," he continued his hand cupping her jaw tightly. She gulped deeply, keeping her mind silent on the topic. "Finally, if you have any demands of your own speak freely now."
Padmé stared up at him with confusion, "You're giving me choice?"
"Don't test my generosity Senator," The Sith Lord bit back dropping his hand from her face.
Getting straight to the point, Padmé didn't hesitate with her demands. "I want to bring my handmaiden, Dormé, to where ever you're taking me," she said quickly folding her leg over the other.
"Done."
"Also, I would like my own room," she demanded with her chin held high.
"I already figured as much," he replied automatically waving his hand dismissively, "Anything else?"
"I would like to know what you look like… eventually," Padmé requested hesitantly.
"Fine," he growled, the harshness of his tone forcing the Senator to flinch. "Is that all?" he demanded through his teeth.
"One last thing," she stated trying not to pay attention to his tone, "When we are together in public and in private I don't want you killing or injuring people," she stuttered almost inaudibly.
"My intentions are to keep that world and our marriage separate Senator," his voice informed her chillingly. "That request under most circumstances should not be an issue."
Padmé nodded slowly before raking a hand through her hair, placing her curls in front of her shoulder. She racked her mind trying to think of anything else and for some reason she couldn't think of a single request. The woman bit her bottom lip gently trying to muster through the tension filled silence.
"My men have almost finished packing your belongings," The Sith Lord announced his hand reached out towards the couch using the Force to retrieve the white cloak. She stared at the small action for a moment, she hadn't seen someone use the Force in years. Again her mind threatened to think of the Jedi Masters who had once protected her, but she snuffed the thoughts as soon as they attempted to stir. Vader extended his hand towards her with the cloak limp in his hand. Gracefully, Padmé slipped the fabric from his gently grasp before placing it on her lap. With that, she watched Vader wave open the door, trekking out of her room.
A few moments after the Sith left, Dormé hastily jogged in planting herself on the bed beside the Senator, "Are you okay?" she breathed brushing her hands down Padmé's arms.
"I'm fine Dormé, we are leaving soon," Padmé assured her friend as she stood. With grace, Padmé draped the cloak over her shoulders before three men walked in grabbing the various packed bags across the room. Within a few short minutes all the bags were gone and the room was practically empty. The only items remaining were the stripped bed, couch, and nightstands. The Senator's eyes lingered on the empty space as a frown pulled at her lips. She was going to miss the last little bit of freedom she had. Stepping over to the window, she glanced over the city.
"Milady?" Dormé whispered from behind her, "You're comms indicate Senator Organa is requesting to speak with you."
Padmé's grip against the window sill tightened, "I cannot speak with him right now, please tell him I'll contact him as soon as I am able."
"Of course, Milady," she replied before Padmé heard her scurry out of the room.
She stared out the window, watching the sunlight reflect off the windows of the neighboring skyscrapers. A deep sorrow seeped into her chest as her eyes lingered over the former Jedi Temple. She'd been eighteen when the Republic fell, she felt so much older than she had been. Even if she had to grow up fast back then, there was nothing like the constant stress of living under a dictatorship to make you age. The past four years had felt like a decade. Sleep always seemingly eluding her, the constant questioning of relationships, and the desolating feeling of the inability to trust anyone. It was overwhelmingly isolating and the Emperor wouldn't even allow her the freedom to see her family back on Naboo.
Her eyes shut for a moment, thinking about the lake country. It was so beautiful there, the warm weather, the breeze, the quiet. She longed to go home.
"We can go there if you'd like," a deep voice offered from behind her.
The woman's eyes snapped open as she turned on her heel to see Vader leaning against the doorframe. "How long have you been standing there?" Her voice breathed, alarmed.
"Your thoughts were loud, I came to check on you," he shrugged casually straightening his posture off the doorframe.
Padmé hesitated with replying, this was still the first day she'd met this individual and yet he was acting as if he'd known her for an extended period of time. She only knew the rumors about him and none of them were reassuring. He was an emotionless war machine, acting on every request the Emperor demands. Internally she frowned, maybe she was being too easy to read, the Sith Lord was picking her brain apart effortlessly.
"Well thank you for your concern," the Senator retorted as her professionalism broke, the words came out almost vindictive, accusatory. Suddenly, she felt the ghostly sensation of hands grip her body, the Sith yanking her towards him using the Force. She had moved so fast that her scream became trapped in her throat.
His left arm wrapped around her waist as his cold right hand cupped her chin roughly, "I would remain conscious of your tone around me Senator, as your thoughts have revealed you do not know me… yet," The Sith growled in her ear, his warm breath brushing across her skin. She froze in fear feeling his teeth graze the flesh of her earlobe. She wanted to push him away, however her hands remained still as they gripped his black tunic. The feeling of his closeness sent shivers of shameful delight across her skin. The unusual overwhelming horrifying sensation of allowing him to do what he pleased brushed across her mind. Vader let out a twisted chuckle against her neck, sending even more shivers down her spine, "Your body betrays your mind Senator."
"Let me go," she whispered feebly, internally she cursed herself for sounding so weak. She had never allowed anyone to touch her in such a way, it was truly frightening. It had her questioning almost every aspect of herself. She felt the man's hair brush against her ear as he pulled away. She avoided his gaze, turning her head away from the abyss of his hood. His grip around her waist only pulled her closer to his body, she could feel the heat radiating off him. She watched as his head dipped down to the center of her chest where the low neck of her dress ended.
Instinctually, her body leaned back in his arm, remaining hopelessly complacent. Her mind was screaming, it felt as though she had no control over how her body was reacting. Padme's lips quivered when he took a deep inhale against her skin, tears started prickling her eyes. The woman swore she heard a soft moan leave his lips as he let out a shaky exhale. Horrified, she found the determination to struggle against his grip, however again his only grew tighter. "Please," she breathed, "I am asking you to let me go."
She felt his teeth again graze her skin, as if not hearing what she'd just said. Her grip tightened against his robes as she felt his nose brush along the skin of her chest. A yelp left her lips as his hand brushed down her curves roughly grabbing her rear. She shut her eyes tightly feeling the silk of her dress push up her thighs.
"Lord Vader," A man spoke from behind them, a gasp left the Senator's mouth as Vader's movements halted.
"What?" The Sith growled his lips still against her skin.
"E-Everything has been packed Sir," the officer stuttered probably disturbed and afraid of what he was witnessing. Padmé internally thanked the man for unknowingly coming to her rescue as Vader hesitantly released her body. Once free, she fixed her dress before wrapping the white cloak tightly around her frame.
"Very well," Vader seethed storming past the officer and heading down the hall.
The puzzled man stood there awkwardly for a few moments until the Dark Lord's steps vanished, "Are you alright milady?" He asked in a whisper his eyes glancing down the hall with apprehension.
"I'm alright, thank you truly," she breathed stepping outside her bedroom giving the man a slight bow before continuing down the hall. Padmé could tell the officer had turned to follow her out and when she made her way down the stairs she was shocked. Besides the furniture the entire place was empty, she hadn't seen it that way in over four years. Her eyes glanced to the veranda, Vader was speaking with the men who'd been packing her belongings. Her mind was stuck until she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Milady?" Dormé whispered from beside her. "You look pale, are you okay?" She questioned hushed with concern in her eyes.
"I'm alright," Padmé smiled weakly combing a hand through her hair. She felt like a wreck; her home was gone, she was moving in with someone she didn't know, besides, he was one of the most dangerous men in the galaxy. It felt like a spiral was swirling in her mind, everything was happening too fast and Padmé didn't like it. She was already struggling enough to accept her fate at the Senate and now she was marrying a man who stood for the complete opposite in what she believed in. He was the enforcer. He was responsible for most -if not all- of the pain throughout the galaxy. How many articles had she read depicting the 'valiant' measures he had taken to protect the Empire. Killing innocent men, women, and children alike was hardly valiant.
Padmé shuttered at the thought when thinking about his age, how old was he? Was he old enough to be her father? Young to Palpatine hardly meant anything- the old snake was pressing deep into his seventies. All she knew was that this Sith Lord was a tall, with a deep ominous voice, a darkness sweltered human who had hair. That was it. That was all she knew. The Senator almost felt her own face turn green thinking about a lecherous old man doing what he did to her back in the bedroom. However, her body couldn't deny the spark that she felt as well- it was unreasonable, unexplainable, and utterly inconvenient.
Her mind was still all over the place as Darth Vader strolled to her side. She could feel the irritation seeping from his body, good I hope he did hear me, she muttered internally with a small glare covering her facial expression. You'll never touch me like that again, I hope you know that, she snapped knowing he could hear as she strolled passed him towards the shuttle.
'Don't make a promise if you know you can't keep it,' she heard a sly deep voice in her mind. She stopped dead in her tracks before turning towards the blacked-out creature on her veranda. Her jaw locked before she took a deep breath noticing the twelve military personnel on the boarder of the platform.
You're honestly not worth my time, she breathed in her mind carelessly before strolling towards the larger shuttle. If she must go to this creature's dark and dismal cave then she'd rather take the ride there with Dormé. She was almost to the ramp when a hand caught her wrist twirling her around to face the Dark Lord. Pain tore through her bone at his grip, but she never lost the fire in her eyes. "What? Can't take rejection?" She snapped not caring about making a scene in front of his men. He inched back slightly, it was almost unnoticeable but she saw it. Those words had stung him slightly. Good.