A/N: Yikes so many errors in the last chapter, I'll get around to fixing them soon (hopefully). But this chapter I really did try to edit so I'm hoping it will have a better flow. Also... for this chapter please re-read the warnings I placed at the beginning of the story before reading this... stuff is about to get a little intense. On a lighter note! Thank you for the reviews, you all are too kind! :D
Chapter 5: A Sith's Nature
Padmé's political composure never faltered as she slipped her hand into Vader's. Intentionally, she ignored the media circus that had congregated outside the palace. After three weeks of anticipation for this gala, the Senator had already mentally prepared for it to be a scene. But when the screaming questions and camera flashes pierced her ears and disoriented her vision, a slight twinge of annoyance pricked her skin. Palpatine seemed to hit the nail on the head in attempts of keeping the media busy, she knew in the morning the HoloNet would be swamped in stories about the duo. It was almost laughable how different they were, it was obvious that dynamic would be greatly exploited by reporters. Even though she hadn't really scaled the Sith's attire, he was still blacked-out as usual while Padmé's gown showed off her curves, her skin - she was the human.
When his hand slipped to the small of her back to escort her up the steps, the frenzied press roared with questions. They were so loud and hysterical that Padmé couldn't even begin to comprehend any of their questions- the voices fused together. Their wild behavior almost made her concerned, she would have felt unsafe if it weren't for the mass of stormtroopers flanking the steps, keeping them at bay. Inadvertently, she pressed herself closer to the man by her side. She'd delt with reporters before but this was a new level of madness. Perhaps them being together was more captivating than she first imagined… Palpatine would be pleased.
Padmé fought the heat of embarrassment that began to stir against her cheeks as he lead her up the steep steps of the palace. She found herself regretting not mentally preparing for this level of stress because she knew that if they were a spectacle for the media- they'd also be the topic of conversation inside. They'd even arrived fashionably late, seemingly the last attendees to arrive at the gala. When they reached the ballroom, more eyes were on them immediately. Padmé wondered if Vader found this number of spectating bystanders as uncomfortable as she did. The young Senator was used to blending in with the crowd but now she stuck out like a sore thumb.
Once pleasantly placed in the massive hall, Vader's hand went from the small of her back to wrap at a comfortable tightness around her waist. His grip was cold. She began to wonder what could possibly make him such a way if he were alive- surely body heat would still transfer though his leather gloves.
Somehow the night carried on without much issue, after Vader had acquired her a flute of champaign the military leaders and Moffs didn't hesitate flocking to them in admiration and praise of Vader's success regarding the Battle of Almas. Padmé found herself wanting to roll her eyes at their blatant attempts of trying to get on his good side- she knew it was unlikely that there even was such a thing. But she kept up the act with small smiles.
After finishing half her glass, she finally found the courage to glance over at her date. Her eyes widened a smidge, surprised by his attire. He'd cleaned up, wearing presumably one of his more formal tunics. A gold Imperial pin with an insignia she hardly recognized was a few inches below his left collarbone, she presumed it signified the Supreme Commander of the Imperial Forces. She hadn't noticed before, but his cloak was also made of different material than usual, it reminded her of the cloak he'd given her when they first met but instead of white- his was onyx. Catching herself staring out of the corner of her eye for too long, she took a dainty sip of champaign trying to shield her embarrassment.
After an hour of conversing superficially, Padmé found herself on her third drink, she'd switched to something stronger- a berry cocktail. Her mask didn't do anything to hide her expressions and she began to wonder if Vader had noticed the slip in her reservations as she began leaning into his slide. Her mind was foggy, there was no doubt Vader could sense the change in her presence. She wanted to be comfortable, but the heels she ignorantly wore were beginning to sting the soles of her feet as they continued standing. When she gripped his robes closer, searching for a sober rock, she felt his grasp tighten pulling her slightly deeper into his side. It was hours since the gala started, she knew most of the party goers were tipsy so she allowed him to sturdy her body.
"You're drunk," the Sith Lord whispered close to the top of her head as the symphony continued to play soothing classical music.
"I'm not drunk, however I am surely not sober," she murmured back, "So this is what you do at galas? Stand and allow pets to come to you with praises?"
He quietly chuckled at her response, low enough so none of the surrounding attendees could hear him, "It think I already shared with you to a certain extent, that I usually avoid these types of gatherings at all costs," Vader whispered against her curls.
She hummed in response until her eyes caught sight of Bail, he was speaking with Mon quietly- their eyes glancing towards her sparingly. Padmé frowned, it seemed her friends were already judging her fiercely. She wanted to speak with them, explain her situation but she found herself staying put. As if on cue of her thoughts to flee for a moment, the Emperor approached them for the first time of the night. Vader's hold on her waist tightened ever so slightly as he approached.
"Lord Vader, Senator Amidala, I am glad you were able to attend this evening," the Emperor toothily smiled, her non-sober mind couldn't move past his gnarly teeth or the deformed wrinkles across his ghostly pale skin. But swiftly she found herself, slipping from Vader's grip, trying to remain consistent with her loyalty to the Empire.
With a curtsy she smiled, "It is a wonderful gathering, we are grateful to be here," she beamed and she immediately felt Vader relax at her reply, knowing she'd saved him from speaking.
"Indeed Senator. Lord Vader, a word please," the Emperor demanded, almost immediately Vader followed the Emperor willingly towards the back of the ballroom. Padmé was glad that Palpatine, for once in his malevolent life, had given her an opportunity to escape. Padmé swiftly maneuvered from her spot, heading towards the bar for another drink as an excuse to give her time to replay to any of the questions that she may be asked. Whilst waiting for her drink, a familiar voice called her name.
"Padmé," Clovis called warily standing beside her. She was about to glance towards him in annoyance however when she caught sight of him, any words that she had prepared became caught in her throat. He looked horrible. His eyes bloodshot, with deep bags of exhaustion pulling down at the base of his eyelids. She wasn't sure whether he was drunk or drained but she found herself worry for him.
"Clovis, is everything alright?" Padmé asked without thinking, she hadn't seen him for weeks. He'd recused himself from every committee they were involved in together. When Padmé first became aware of his actions, she was shocked but with always being attached at the hip to Vader or under the supervision of guards, she hadn't had the opportunity to ask him why he'd do such a thing.
"I shouldn't be speaking with you but I must ask, are you alright?" Clovis whispered with a startling amount of fear swirling in his eyes.
"I'm fine… But I don't think you should be the one asking that. Are you alright? You recused yourself from all the committees- I don't understand why you'd do such a thing." Padmé hesitantly stepped closer to him when he faltered replying- his eyes flickered to somewhere behind her before connecting with hers once again.
"I'm fine, I just wanted to be sure you were safe," he murmured, his voice barely audible over the conversations and music. Suddenly he began to walk away, Padmé shook herself with hastened blinks and before she knew it her hand was grasping the cuff of his robes.
"Clovis-"
"Padmé I-" He began to stutter quickly until his words froze, his face becoming eerily pale as his eyes connected with something behind her. Chills clawed down her spine as she felt Vader's presence behind her- knowing the cold that had suddenly surrounded them was from him.
Turning swiftly Padmé plastered a small smile across her features as she released Clovis' robes from her fingers. "My Lord," she breathed, swiftly moved to Vader's side. A dark aura sweltered them as his arm wove tightly around her waist, practically clamping her to him. If she'd been more sober, her movements would have struggled to remain more dainty but the young woman almost found herself falling into his grasp by the sudden action.
"L-Lord Vader, I'm the S-Senator of Scipio, Rush Clovis, I-It's a shame I've have ever had the pleasure of m-meeting you," Clovis announced in a frightened stutter, his shaking hands soon diffused into his entire body as he bowed- Padmé knew he was terrified to the bone from the Sith Lord's presence. And for good reason, the pure and utter darkness radiating off of Vader was suffocating. It was getting to the point where she knew whatever was happening needed to be disused it quickly.
"I was just telling Clovis about our engagement," Padmé smiled sweetly towards the void of Vader's hood- hoping her words would ease whatever thoughts were racing though his mind. When he didn't reply, Padmé's own face paled. Her eyes slipped from the Sith's hood to his boots as her fingers tightened around the front of his tunic in some futile attempt of keeping him contained. Realizing her words were not good enough to unwind the tension of the situation, Padmé opted for a different approach. "My Lord perhaps you could take me out to get some fresh air, it's becoming quite stifling in here," she smiled warmly, brushing her hand down his chest. Her large doe eyes stared up at the Sith Lord with a silent plea. She was almost shocked to see Vader peer towards her, for the first time actually registering her words.
"As you wish," Vader acquiesced quietly. Once the words left his the void of his cloak- Clovis vanished into the crowd, racing away from them. Padmé did not allow her eyes to wonder as he fled, her attention solely on Vader as he began to pull them away from the festivities.
When they reached the balcony, a deep sigh released from her lips as she leaned her forearms against the balustrade. The fresh air was indeed a relief as the music faded into quiet. For the first time in weeks, they were alone and for once Padmé was thankful. She wanted to excuse the sensation, see it as a result of leaving the incident with Clovis behind, but she knew there was something more to her calmness. When Vader approached her, her body relaxed from his presence and when his hands went to cup her upper arms, her eyes inadvertently fluttered shut. She wanted to feel revolted, shove him away, but she didn't- she let him hold her. Maybe it was her muddled mind searching for some solace within the lonely world she'd fashioned for herself- she didn't know. All she knew was that his touch was warm.
"I must be drunk," Padmé muttered her eyes lingering upon the starless sky. She didn't understand why she'd announce such a thing to someone she barely knew, but her mouth spoke faster than her judgment.
"No doubt," the Sith Lord whispered from above her head. His voice was surprisingly soft, any agitation or perhaps even…rage he'd felt- evaporated. Her mind was captivated by his tone, it was the one he only used with her. She felt his hands slip down her arms to press his palms against the balustrade, caging her between the stone and a Sith. Padmé should have felt uncomfortable but her body didn't feel that way. With her groggy awareness, she allowed the back of her head to rest against his chest. Questions arose in her mind; did he always feel so warm? Was her skin playing tricks on her as the alcohol muddled with her senses? Why did she feel the this way? "You have quite the active mind when you're intoxicated," Vader commented, she almost audibly groaned at the fact he'd been hearing her thoughts.
"Must you react to my thoughts?" Padmé sighed, pulling away from him to turn in his arms, facing the darkness of his hood. With her reservations lowered, she wasn't afraid of him. She found herself fascinated by his deep voice, the feeling it had as it hummed though her ears was hypnotic. When he stepped closer, his robes brushing against her dress- she inadvertently blushed gazing anywhere but his hood.
"My apologies, it's just your thoughts captivate me," he admitted in a low sultry murmur. The admission left her blushing deeper, she attempted to conceal the fact as her chin craned to her collarbone. "You don't need to hide from me," he assured, his reply receiving a leap from her heart buried within her ribcage. They were too close, his tone suggestive. She needed to escape whatever feelings were stirring between them.
"Interesting how you actually start speaking to me after weeks of breviloquent conversation," she declared, twisting in his arms to face the skyline and gardens once again. She couldn't be so close to him- her body was torturously disobedient to her mind, she couldn't risk by accidently trying to kiss him. When the thought brushed across her mind she could feel her own heartrate accelerate. Why the hell would she even contemplate such an outrageous action! But she couldn't deny that he was becoming even more magnetic as she waited for his reply.
"You can't blame me for leaving you alone. We don't exactly share a lot in common," he reasoned, the woman could feel his chin close to the top of her head as his chest brushed against her shoulder blades. Force, she needed to get out of this situation. There was something between them that frightened her to the core but also sent that same spot ablaze with warmth.
Swallowing hard, she tried to push away the known sensation she was feeling. She had to get away but how? She was locked to him with no means of escape. "You couldn't be more correct on that front," she quickly uttered pulling herself closer to the balustrade in hopes of unfastening herself from his touch. Fortunately, Vader seemed to take the hint- releasing her from the prison of his arms to move by her side. But when his left hand slipped off the ornate stone, to rest upon the small of her back, warmth flooded in from his touch. She was almost stunned for a moment feeling his heat, a shiver of delight rolling up her spine. It wasn't because she was uncomfortable. It was because he was warm- his touch was warm. It made her fuzzy mind flood with more questions. His right hand was cold- his left was warm. Perhaps…
"Are you cold?" He asked quietly, his hood turning towards her an inch. Flustered, she glanced towards him with large eyes- feeling as though she'd been caught doing something wrong even though his words did not reflect her thoughts. Padmé was wordless as she tried to contemplate why he'd ask such a thing. Then she remembered her attire, her strapless dress rendered her arms bare, much of her skin was showing and the brisk of night was approaching. "Senator?" He questioned with a notch of his head, as if genuinely perplexed.
"I'm not cold… You're just- warm," she managed to muster out of her lips, partially regretting commenting on such a thing.
"Even though there are many rumors I am a machine, I am alive," he slowly replied, as if hesitant.
"I never believed those rumors," she said automatically before realizing her tone was a comforting one. "I-I- mean you have the power to use the Force. It's apparent that you'd be a living being- to me that is," she quickly tried to recover before realizing she had potentially dug herself into a deeper hole. Why had she decided to drink? A gust of wind broke her concentration, true shivers crawling across her skin. Instinctively seeking the warmth by her side, she pressed deep against him unknowingly. But when he flinched her actions dawned on her. "I-I'm sorry," she stuttered, mortified, as she pulled away from him to a respectable distance.
"It's alright," he assured her, his arm snaking back around her back before pulling her into the warmth of his side.
Both of them remained that way in the silence for a time, staring over the Royal gardens and the skyline of Coruscant. Padmé was content, the man's presence beside her almost peaceful- the darkness around him almost impalpable. Eventually, she found herself completely resting against him, her small hands clutching his tunic and her nose nestled into his side. He's so warm. Padmé was amazed at how his presence almost seemed to wrap around her, keeping her safe from the cold. She knew of a Jedi's powers but they'd used their gifts for purpose- and showing affection or comfort for another was not typically allowed under the Jedi Order. Even when she was with Obi-Wan, he'd never feel this way- there was something about the man beside her she couldn't explain.
"Lord Vader," A familiar voice spoke from the entrance to the balcony, seemingly breaking both of them out of a moment they'd been sharing.
"What is it Captain?" The man beside her answered in an uncharacteristically smooth manner, as if in a daze himself.
"My apologies to disturb you, but the Emperor requires your presence, Sir," Lasky spoke quietly, as if remorseful for disturbing them. Suddenly, the air around them fell cold, all of the heat that had protected her had vanished- leaving the air of Coruscant to prick at her exposed skin.
"I will escort you back inside," he announced tersely. She was shocked when his right hand wrapped around to grip her hipbone as if in an effort to guide her. When she did finally move, her legs were wobbly. Something told her that it wasn't from the alcohol, it was from the way he made her feel. Padmé wasn't sure how to interpret that thought. Was she so placid and loose because she'd become so comfortable or was it something else? When they turned back towards the doorway- Vader practically steadying her body as they went, she felt mesmerized by his touch. An overwhelming sensation of not wanting to leave the moment they were sharing became tremendous- almost to the point where she felt like arguing against leaving the balcony. But her lips remained sealed as they left.
Just as he said he would, Vader lead her back into the ballroom with Captain Lasky in tow. The woman felt like air on her feet from the man who's left arm was now tightly wrapped around her waist, keeping her up right- guiding her back to the festivities.
"I will return momentarily," he whispered soothingly above her head. With that, he left. Leaving her at the side entrance to the ball.
Padmé was struck in awe, her skin still tingling from his touch as he all but floated away. She wanted him to comeback, her mind longing for the warmth of his presence once again. Staring mindlessly at his cloak wavering behind him, she was frozen- her mind momentarily not knowing what to do with itself until a familiar voice broke her from thought.
"Padmé," Bail called from behind her, just as the Sith Lord had vanished with the Emperor.
"Bail," she called, twisting on her heel towards him. She somehow felt herself spring back into a sensible mind as her eyes rested upon his face concealed by a mask. "I'm sorry I haven't returned any of your transmissions… As you can see things have become quite complex for me," Padmé muttered, her mind immediately recalling who her date was- a Sith Lord, Darth Vader himself.
"Mon and I would like a word, if that would be alright," he wondered respectfully and without a moments' hesitation Padmé nodded- following him. Even if she had a few drinks, she was walking perfectly normal once again, reenforcing the notion that the way she'd felt earlier was from Vader's presence. Now that his attention, along with her own, was elsewhere- she was able to walk with ease.
They wove through the crowd, heading towards the hallways of the Palace. She'd been meaning to speak with Bail for so long- she wondered how the Rebellion were doing, wondered if they were recovering from the Battle of Almas. Strolling through the crowd, Mon inconspicuously followed along until all three of them were on the far corner of the terrace. When Padmé finally removed her mask and turned to face them, both Bail and Mon had done the same, their facial expressions one of desperate worry.
"Padmé, what is going on? What is the meaning of you attending this gala with Darth Vader? He's always around you now- we don't understand," Bail blurted out alarmed.
"The Emperor… he is requiring us to marry," Padmé said quietly, her body shuttering in disbelief as she announced the truth.
"He can't do that," Mon demanded with a shake of her head, "That's not- I don't understand."
"The Emperor threatened my family Mon, I don't have any way out of this," Padmé whispered in defeat, her eyes lingering on the stone beneath her heels.
"Perhaps it's time Padmé… you could leave. We can ensure your family's safety if-" Bail began to suggest.
"I can't leave- I can't ask my family to uproot their lives because of me. I can do this and maybe I can even use this to our advantage. They moved me to Vader's establishments- if I can access the files he has, it could greatly help the Rebellion-"
"But Padmé, that's too dangerous- you can't risk yourself because-" Mon tried to reason before Padmé cut her off.
"Our soldiers risk everything each time in battle, if I can help them win, that's all that matters. I can handle myself. I know for a fact that Palpatine won't have me killed- at least for a time." Padmé's voice in a whisper as it trailed off, the night air between the three feeling apprehensive. "I need to get back before Vader knows I'm missing- I don't want him knowing I spoke with you. I'll try to contact you as soon as I'm able."
"Wait- take this," Bail whispered stepping closer to place a commlink in her hand, "It's encrypted. We shouldn't be speaking on open channels anymore."
Padmé immediately understood what he meant… if they weren't able to speak with each other on a regular basis in person- they needed another way to speak privately in a secure way. She hoped her contacts scattered through the mid-rim planets would still trust her once the announcement of their engagement came along. Part of her was scared thinking about that. If Vader ever found out of her movements, their lives, her parents lives, along with her own would be at risk. It wasn't a new fear but Vader seemed to have extraordinary powers- being able to read her immediate thoughts was one of them. Now more than ever she needed to be cautious. He was by her side almost every moment of the day when neither of them had meetings. It was obvious that Palpatine had instructed him to keep a close eye on her but that also meant they'd be watching Bail and Mon as well.
"Just watch your back, okay? Vader never leaves me alone unless we are at his establishments which means Palpatine has bugged our offices. Just keep all communications outside the Senate," Padmé murmured almost inaudibly as she slipped the commlink into her brassiere. "I have to go… he'll be wondering where I am if I'm not in the ballroom."
"May the Force be with you, Padmé," Bail breathed, his eyes glassy- laced with worry.
"And it with you, my friends," she smiled forlornly before racing back to the festivities.
Padmé found herself sprinting to get back to the ballroom. She knew it had been over ten minutes since she'd left. The clicking of her heels echoed through the chamber, obvious that she was moving with great haste to return. Nearing the final corner, she rounded the wall swiftly until she smacked into something- someone, hard.
A low cry escaped her lips as she tumbled backwards, her mask slipping from her fingers as she prepared for a collision with the ground. Yet the fall never came, an arm had snagged around her waist. Even if the arm had saved her from the devastating fall, she was only met by something much worse.
"Where the fuck have you been?" A voice growled through teeth, shoving her to the wall. With a strangled yelp, she felt almost dazed- her head splitting as it snapped against the stone. Everything had happened so suddenly that when her mind wrapped around the situation she was terrified. Darth Vader had pinned her to the wall, his body keeping her arms locked to her sides, being utterly crushed by his weight.
Anger flooded her now sober mind with ease, "You brute get off of me!" she demanded trying to wriggle out of his grasp, however he was unyielding. There was zero give even though she'd used all the force in her body trying to get away from him. He was rock solid, only then did she truly realize how vulnerable she was- powerless against him. Within a split second of her own defiance, he once again crashed her back into the wall, his hand wrapping around her neck with ease. Innately cowering, any sort of fire in her gut snuffed in an instant. The anger had vanished and only fear remained. She froze when his voice became those carved from sheer ice.
"Where. Have. You. Been."