A/N: Last chapter containing smut for a while (And its somewhat graphic so MA on this one for sure). Don't worry this is NOT ~10K words of smut (however it is 35 percent smut, but I have no regrets). Also, I really hope there are no missing words :( I skimmed through before posting to check and didn't see anything... but sometimes its hard for me to find those kinds of issues. Anyways enjoy! :D

Last thing…if you're not 18 (or older) pleeease go away, thx!

Chapter 14: Loyal by Nature

Sprinting down the terrace, the brisk Coruscant air whipped across the tears streaming down Padmé's cheeks. She couldn't understand how he could be almost reasonable one minute then utterly possessive and cold to the point of insanity the next? What made him tick, how could she make the man with the dull golden-blue eyes come out. It was as if the darkness in him was threatened, something subconscious using all its power to drag him back into the depths. Even contemplating that thought made her stomach churn, a wrench twisting inside her chest. Before she knew it, she was clutching the edge of a fountain- hunched over bawling her eyes out. For the first time in her life she was truly terrified.

Padmé was afraid.

What had claimed her last night was not the same man with the dull blue-golden eyes nor was it the man with the piercing gold. It was much more ominous than that. His eyes were sinister crimson. Did the darkest part of his soul had claimed her as his? What did that mean? Why had he been so gentle? Was it out of self-preservation? Was the darkness within him concerned that it would lose something if it didn't imitate tenderness? Vader had left the bed so quickly, as if he'd just gotten done with a job.

The thought made her gag. Crumbling against the brim of the fountain, she slumped to the ground. There was too much uncertainty- too much that she just could not fathom all she didn't know. All she knew was that each part of him wanted her- that was the only correlation between all the sides of him she'd seen. Padmé didn't know how to handle him- handle his mood changes, handle her own need, she wanted him… But she also wanted to be with someone who was capable of loving her. It made her nauseous to think that she'd be married to someone who could never accept it, especially with the connection they shared. Even before the previous night…

Resting her head back against the ridge of the fountain, her eyes lingered on the starless sky. With nose inhaling the sweet fragrance of flowers, she couldn't help but feel insignificant. Staring up into a star sprinkled sky would at least give her some indication of placement. Some indication that there were indeed other planets out there still. She'd visited many of them before the fall of the Republic, how could four years cause her heart to feel so empty, lost, it was now calcified to what she used to hold dear.

The person she used to be would never stoop so low to sleep with a man like him, even if it was for fun. Back then, she placed too much respect for herself, for her body. Perhaps her self-esteem had dwindled as her power over her own future had. Padmé rested further back against the fountain. Her heart pounded painfully in her chest. She shook her head not knowing whether it was her own weakness that allowed this or something greater than that which destined it. Was it her own mind twisting the sensation of butterflies into something more? Or was it an actual feeling she had – an actual feeling between herself and a Sith Lord that he did not create.

A sob escaped her, she was so ill equipped to deal with someone like him. She had never met a single person even remotely similar. Who was he before he was a Sith? Was there even a time where he wasn't? There must be… her thoughts muttered rationally. Padmé's gaze spanned the entirety of the terrace; Palpatine would never create such a beautiful place for anyone. He would find the gesture foolish or perhaps even see it as a betrayal to the teachings of the Sith. Yet, Vader constructed some of this for her… even if it made her uneasy that he'd obviously created it before she'd even met him personally – it still showed that in his own way he cared for her. Even if he didn't want to admit it. His words betrayed him earlier – he'd said he had the plants from Naboo imported to basically make her more comfortable. That was the definition of caring about what she thought… right? A small gasp left her lips, is it possible Vader wanted to use them to lower my guard? Another whimper escaped her lips at that thought, if that were the case he didn't even need the damn flowers.

Vader sat in stillness. Listening to the faint hiss of mist and whispers of butterfly wings. Once the last bit of sunlight was snuffed by the night, neon celeste bioluminescence radiated through the greenhouse – shining light through the darkness. He eyed the leaves for a moment, feeling the resonating energy flowing through each cell, the chemical reactions fluctuating like diminutive waves through the Force. He could scarcely remember when his eyes used to be a similar color. His expression hardened at that thought, his chest rising and falling heavier. The nightleaf stilled. The color drained from its extremities, the flow resembling bright receding veins dragging towards the stem. Suddenly, the plant fell dark. The entire greenhouse swept into darkness, leaving Vader to sense the quiet suffocating screams of the plants through the Force.

They longed to be free, they longed for their light to return – for their life to be given back. Gritting his teeth – Vader released his hold, allowing nutrients to flow freely once again. Gradually, their color returned, humming into comfort once again. However, the plant he'd initially been fixated upon, it's light did not return. With an infinitesimal shift of his mind, he'd killed it. Guaranteeing its sacred light would never return. Standing, he strode towards the shriveled cellulose shell, pinching its crumbling leaves between his index finger and thumb. It dissolved under his touch, floating to the soil below. All that remained of it were specks. Specks that would lead to an eventuality – nutrients for the surrounding plants. Its energy had and would always be present. It would just be present in a different form.

Leaving the plants behind, Vader left the greenhouse – not even sparing another glance at the only dead plant in his collection. His expression was one of indifference as he trekked across the terrace. That was until he heard muffled whimpers, his eyes slightly narrowed. He knew the Senator was displeased by what he'd said. When he peaked into her mind he wasn't shocked to see he was at the forefront. He tried to decipher the thoughts that slingshot around. He could only capture a few word: stars, calcified, betrayal, flowers, his name. Vader's boots caught still on the ground, listening to her fragile sounds.

Something was urging him to comfort her - apologize for his earlier outburst. His teeth clamped together, anger flooding him, why should he even contemplate apologizing? He was telling her the truth. How many times had he heard sobbing before he'd killed? He never felt anything. The only time he could ever remember feeling something from someone else's agony besides power was the women Sidious had him torture or his mother. The Senator's sobs were reaching his ears even louder than he could recall anyone's... He didn't like it. Matter-of-fact, he hated it. But his hatred didn't sprout anger or the sensation of power… it was something else. His chest felt like it was lurching.

Replacing her mental barriers with his own was beginning to feel more and more like a mistake as he found himself mindlessly moving forward – towards the Senator.

"I wish to be alone," she averred just as his boots scuffed a yard away from the fountain. Even though she attempted to sound stern, her sniffles and broken voice betrayed that. He wanted her to stop crying. It was almost painful for him to see her this way. The only other time he'd seen her cry was the day he'd first seen her – that day Palpatine announce the formation of the Empire. And that night at the gala… Remembering that night made Vader even more on edge about her muted whimpers.

"I'm not…" Vader began before biting his tongue. "My communication skills, on topics such as these, aren't the best." He admitted, "I did not intend to upset you." It was almost baffling to him how genuine he sounded and how genuine he felt. He was uncomfortable, restless as they sat in silence for a few moments. Her attention had seamlessly fallen towards her hands.

The Senator's glossy chocolate eyes stared up into his with wonder, "A-Are you apologizing to me?"

Her soft voice rang through his ears like angelic bells, there was true curiosity in them but there was also something else. Hope. His adams apple bobbed in his throat as his jaw tightened. He wanted to say yes. It would apparently make her – happy. Is that what he wanted to do? Make her… happy? His thoughts came to a screeching halt, what the fuck was he thinking about? Vader felt the sudden urge to flee. The thoughts he was having these past few weeks – did not represent his usual self. She was… affecting him somehow. No, that's not possible. If Vader could see it, there was no doubt Sidious would soon become aware.

"Vader?" The Senator frowned, rubbing the tears from her cheeks.

Once again, her voice almost broke him – his usual calcified heart pounded in his chest roughly. "I just wanted you to know it wasn't my intention to upset you. Goodnight Senator," he said promptly before turning on his heel to retreat. He should visit the palace. Perhaps spend the night there, away from her. Vader shook his head, all the woman he had there would remind him of her. They weren't the real thing; he probably wouldn't even be able to get it up for any of them. He internally cursed himself, till his thoughts were broken when he felt someone tug at the sleeve of his robe. "Senator-" Vader began hoarsely, his words died on his lips when he saw her…

The Senator's brunette curls were a mane which hadn't been tamed since the previous morning. Her eyes were large glassy – innocently hopeful. Vader found himself repeating over and over in his mind that she was anything but, technically she was a traitor. He should have confronted her about it but all he could do was allow his gaze to drop until they were resting upon her neck. Bruises and marks were decorating her fair skin. He swallowed hard, his member twitching at the sight. Fuck.

"Vader, I just don't understand you. Sometimes I don't know who's in there." He wasn't sure whether to laugh or feel unsettled. Either way her words snapped his attention, his eyes flickering back to her face. Her full lips were parted, eyebrows furrowed with true uncertainty. He couldn't look at her for much longer, it was wrong for him to feel aroused by this. She was crying, it had bothered him but now looking at her – how small she was, how innocent she looked, but truly she was anything but...

"I could say the same about you," he countered, his voice still rough.

"What?" Her eyebrows furrowed further. Vader couldn't help it now, he smirked. His golden eyes glinted; a predator studying his prey. In a blur of an instant, he had spun them, pinning her against the window. A yelp caught in the Senator's throat, her eyes growing even larger staring up into his with apprehension and… anticipation.

"Tell me Senator," he intoned, his lips centimeters from her ear. Vader marveled at her ability to collect herself. The only way he could visually tell she was nervous was when her chest began heaving soundlessly, igniting a slight friction between them. His palms pressed against the glass on either side of her head. "What were you doing in my office yesterday morning?" He crooned, his teeth grazing her soft skin. After a few moments when she couldn't formulate and answer, he pulled air between his teeth as he slammed his body against hers. The tiny squeak that escaped her lips was too innocent coming from someone like her. Physically she was a small delicate creature in comparison. Yet, they also once had equal determination. "Well it seems I've rendered you speechless. For a woman who has a response for everything… I'm surprised." The Sith waited a few moments for her reply, but her thoughts were too scrambled for him to make sense of any of them – she couldn't make sense of them either. "You really think I wouldn't notice?" He mused, craning his neck down towards her collarbone. He whispered against her skin, "You look at me with those big innocent brown eyes thinking I don't know what you truly are?" His hands left the glass, clamping her hipbones before gliding up her body, "You still think I don't know where that fire in your wit comes from?" He menacingly chuckled, "I warned you that there would be ramifications for conspiring withthe Rebellion." He tsked, nuzzling his nose against his bites and bruises. He heard her breath hitch.

"Vader…" she stuttered, "I-I…" He could feel her inner conflict on whether to be aroused or terrified. Without his cowl, she seemed to struggle continuing to label him the death incarnate.

"Fortunately for you, I already cleaned up the little mess you made," he sighed indolently. His gloved hand left the top of her ribcage to brush his knuckles across her cheekbone, wiping away reminiscent tears. "I think we need to discuss allegiances, Senator. Considering I tampered with evidence to keep you safe," he hissed into her skin.

"Y-You what?" She breathed.

"I protect what is mine," Vader declared, his face leaving the crook her neck to let his eyes bore into her completely bewildered ones. "But you. Your allegiance was misplaced. Your loyalty now belongs to me." With that his index finger slid to her temple before he tugged on the tendrils of their newly formed bond, guiding her towards him. She swallowed turning away, but he felt her acknowledgement. Vader knew she wouldn't attempt another stunt such as the one she pulled the other morning. Nor did she have her traitorous friends to scurry off to now. Vader examined her for a moment, his golden eyes trailing over her facial expression down to her neck and collarbones where her skin disappeared beneath his shirt.

"Ramifications," She murmured, her lips studying the word. His golden eyes flicked back up to hers just as she wet her bottom lip. In the matter of an instant, his hands were wrenching her hips into his fists before twisting her around and shoving her chest into the window. A cry broke from her lips as her cheek collided with the glass. His hand raked up towards her hair, winding her locks in his fist before snapping her head back. She winced, a tremor quaking down her body.

"You're fortunate that you don't have to endure my usual methods of punishment," Vader intoned slamming his hips into her rear, towering over her effortlessly.

"Oh gods," she quivered. He could sense how conflicted those words made her feel. How lewd they made her feel, how disturbingly exhilarated she felt by them. That truth horrified her mind even more, her thoughts were darting so sporadically that he couldn't keep up. She breathed out, "Vader… please," as he grinded his hips against her ass, his teeth hovering above her ear. With his left hand still tangled in her hair, his right slid down her thigh hiking up his shirt that was multiple sizes too large. Unlike the tenderness he'd shown her in the past – there was no such characteristics in his actions now. The only way he could deliver a reasonable punishment was for her to witness him partially lose control.

His mouth immediately attacked the bruised skin of her neck, making her squirm in pain and pleasure. Her small high-pitched cries were enough to gain the attention from the guards who were stationed at both corners of the terrace. Vader knew his cloak would shield her body from them so there was no hesitation when he hooked his fingers into the back of her pants. "Wait! Not here!" She pleaded, her eyes darting towards the troopers. Before she could even finish her plea, she was already bare from the waist down to her ankles. A whimper fell from her lips as the cold air touched her exposed flesh. Vader's eyes immediately drew down to her exposed ass, his black leather grip fondling one of her pale globes.

"Don't worry," he muttered lazily, watching with perverted fascination as her skin rippled beneath his rough touch, "they'll figure out to leave shortly."

"V-Vader," she choked out as his hand drifted from her ass towards the heat between her legs. Even though his leather gloves he could tell she was drenched.

"Again, I've barely even touched you and you're already dripping," he sighed, his teeth nipping the skin of her neck. When his fingers began making small precise circles, she shuttered, falling into the glass. "So tell me Senator," he crooned his pace increasing between her folds, "What is the extent of your dealings with the Rebellion?"

"What?" She managed to choke out as he slipped a finger into her core while he dragged his other hand across her scalp, crunching her curls in his fist. "Oh moons," she mewled, her eyes fluttering closed.

"Senator." Vader's hand stilled inside her before he shoved her closer against the window – his body dominating hers to shove two fingers knuckle deep into her warmth. "Tell me," he demanded pumping his fingers.

"I-I can't," she whimpered, "F-Find it yourself." His hand slipped from her hair to wrap around her neck. He squeezed without tenderness causing her eyes to pop open.

"I want you to tell me." She shook her head and he growled tearing his fingers from her only to shuffle open the small part of his pants. He bit back a hiss as he freed himself from the confines, allowing the tip of his member to tease her warmth. He gritted his teeth, his hand leaving her throat to side of her head, stridently pushing her face first into the glass. A true wail left her lips, he knew her cheek would be bruised by morning. "Tell me," he demanded again, plunging himself hilt deep inside her warm. Her scream echoed through his ears, the sound carried away with the brisk Coruscant air. With half-hooded eyes, Vader's hand smooshed her face into the window as he pounded into her, hitting that specific spot which made her squeal in pleasure. "You're always so damn tight," he grunted, causing her to moan against the glass. His hand sprawled across the side of her face before wrapping back into her curls and tugging back. He had full access to her neck, his mouth crushing kisses and teeth against her pulse.

When her moans became desperate, he could feel her begin to tighten and immediately he withdrew – a sob escaping the pinned woman. She whined, writhing beneath him for his touch.

"I asked you a question," He sultry reasoned, controlling his breath yet his tone, even to his own ears sounded exotic – it had been too long since he'd taken a woman like this and he'd never done such a thing with a woman who was so headstrong.

"I don't know what you want me to say," she whined, "Vader please, I was so close." At that she squirmed until he restrained her with the Force.

"Tell me your role for the Rebellion and I will let you," he hummed nipping her earlobe.

"All I did was orchestrate the acquisition of supplies," she huffed, her cheeks obviously flushed even in the dim lighting, "Or strategize a raid here and there."

"Was that so difficult?" He cooed, his tone the polar opposite to his touch as he slammed back into her causing a pleased cry to escape the Senator. Vader struggled to hold back moans and grunts as he pulverized her into oblivion. He lost himself, just pounding into her relentlessly. He wasn't sure how many times she came by the time he finally climaxed, a loud deep guttural moan roaring from him. He spilled into her, hips thrusting lazily until every drop was released. Both his palms caught him as he bowed his head, leaving a few final nips on her neck before he pulled out, only freeing her for a moment to tuck himself away. He snagged the Senator's waist as she slumped against the glass. "Bedtime, Angel," he smirked, reaching down to slide up her pants before cradling her in his arms. Her eyes were half-hooded, legs twitching, expression of blissful exhaustion.

Whisking his fucked-out Angel to bed, he made his way into her chambers – draping her on the bed. His fingers hooked into the sides of the sleep pants which were damp with sweat and fluids. Vader did the same with her shirt, stripping it off her body leaving her naked. And by the time he came back from her closet with a nightgown, she was passed out, snuggled under the covers - her head buried in the pillows. A wave of his hand, dimmed the lights until the room fell into darkness, only the light streaming in from the city created shadows now. Quickly stripping of his boots and robes, he slipped into the snowy sheets, beckoning the Senator to roll over using the Force until her leg was draped over his and her head pressed against his chest. He didn't hesitate wrapping his arm around her, the his golden arm refracting the city lights of Coruscant. For quite a time, Vader listened to her heartbeat, her breath, and watched her dreams. Then after a time he felt himself get swept into her dreams, lulling him into a blissful slumber.

Stirring awake, Padmé shifted under the covers tugging the sheet up beneath her chin. The natural rouge on her cheeks darkened as her toes brushed against a familiar leg, part of her expected to wake up to black sheets but she didn't. They were white and crisp, hadn't been slept in for some time. It dawned on her then that Vader had brought them to her chambers last night. She wondered why momentarily until she noticed one of her nightgowns at the base of the bed. It had been undisturbed throughout the night, the silk still smooth with no wrinkles. She tipped her head at it, shifting the back of her head off of Vader's arm and onto the mattress. Before she could slip away to grab a shower, a golden arm curled around her, rolling her over until her bare chest was flush with Vader's.

Padmé giggled softly, gently running her fingers across his pectoral muscles realizing he seemed to still be asleep. Suddenly, he rolled them over – practically snuggling his face into the crook of her neck like a pillow. Her cheeks flushed bright pink feeling his erection dig into the side of her thigh. Goosebumps formed across her skin as his hands trailed up her sides before gently clamping down at the top of her ribcage. His mouth was already planting sloppy kisses as he worked his way from the nook of her chin towards the base of her neck. Padmé's eyes fluttered closed, a soft moan slipping from her lips as Vader's mouth captured the pebble of her nipple. He gently tugged it, sending a zap of heat down to her core before he all but devoured it with his lips. Vader's hand left her side, skimming towards her breast to comfort it while his mouth gave the same attention to her other.

With hands tangling themselves in his blond locks, her back arched feeling the tug on her sensitive skin before he quickly rolled it with his tongue. She whined tugging at his tresses as his lips trailed down her flat stomach, leaving tender but powerful kisses in his wake. When his hands glided down, grasping her hips, she shivered feeling his hot breath on her core as he dragged her thighs onto his shoulders. Broken moans slipped from her lips as her figures curled, her knuckles nearing white as she wrenched at his hair. "V-Vader, fuck," she whimpered as he all but devoured her and when the profanity left her lips she felt him smirk.

Her legs began to tremble, tears of pleasure rolling down the sides of her cheeks as she cried out for him. She hadn't even realized she'd trapped his face between her legs as she came, Vader humming a moan as he sat up straight, tugging her lower torso along with him. He seemed to devoured all he could as she climaxed, the wet sounds -a long with her wails- the only two things she could hear. Before she could even collect herself, her legs fell from his shoulders, her upper torso pulled to his chest as he slammed her down onto this throbbing member. Padmé screamed into the skin of his neck as he rutted into her deeply – feeling his size all but shift her organs.

The sounds which filled the room would have mortified the woman if she was still in the mindset to care – good thing she wasn't. She couldn't focus on frivolous things like that as she held onto him for dear life, not even trying to attempt to match his frenzied and rough pace. She was sobbing into his shoulder in pleasure as he pounded that spot that made her see stars each time. Her nails clung to his triceps, unable to restrain the wails that fell from her throat only to be muffled by his skin.

Absorbed in the haze of pleasure, she barely even registered an insistent beeping from beside the bed. However, she did hear Vader grunt lowly, somehow picking up his pace even more. Her climax tore through her body so suddenly that she screamed throwing her head back as her arms tangled around Vader's neck. Padmé was dazed as Vader's cool metal hand cupped the back of her neck, guiding her lips to his. Sloppily he conquered her lips, his jaw tightening before he groaned loudly into her mouth – his arms tightening to crush them flush.

Vader sighed, dropping his forehead against her shoulder before straightening, composing his breath as he did. Padmé temple rested against his shoulder, watching as he lazily shifted his arm to summon his commlink. "Vader," he snapped into the device. Padmé could barely pay attention to what was being said on the other end of the transmission.

"Lord Vader, my apologies if I disturbed you, I wanted to inform you that the Executor is now stationed above Imperial Center, awaiting your orders and arrival, Sir," A man spoke respectfully. A whimper escaped her lips as Vader shifted his hips, with his member still lodged inside her she couldn't help it – she was overstimulated. The Sith's free arm swiftly reached around the back of her head, his hand clamping over her mouth. She stared up at him with half-hooded eyes, even with a full night's sleep she now felt exhausted. Padmé squeaked into his hand as he slowly shifted out of her warmth, leaning her back on the bed. His eyes narrowed slightly into the distance as he returned his focus back to the transmission. When he strode towards her balcony, she couldn't help but to allow her eyes to follow his perfect body, he truly was like a walking sculpture.

Vader's free hand raked through his disheveled tresses as he replied, "Admiral Piett, we will be arriving at nineteen hundred hours, set the destination course to Vandor," he demanded professionally, his taught gaze staring out over the skyline. Heat rushed to her cheeks as she gawked at the red striations blemishing the back of his triceps. Padmé almost felt bad as she noticed one of them was trickling blood, however the feeling vanished when she recalled her neck.

Snapping out the stupor his body left her in, the woman frowned at his words. She had forgotten that they were leaving. She hadn't even told Dormé- what would her handmaiden think? Padmé internally groaned throwing herself back into the mountain of pillows, she hadn't even contemplated what she was going to bring! Vader glanced back at her for a moment as if overhearing her thoughts before wetting his lips and refocusing on the Admiral. Padmé rolled over in the sheets, the bare skin of her back on full display as the sheets clung to her hips. Was she even prepared to go with him? She had heard Vandor was beautiful but she'd also heard of the wildlife, everything there was so hardened by the cold. Padmé shuttered at the thought, she'd been so used to warmer temperatures. Her mind struggled to even remember the last time she had been in the cold or seen snow.

Fluttering her eyes closed, she decided to push the worrisome thoughts aside trying to only focus on the fact that they'd woken up so relaxed and at peace with one another. Shifting within the sheets, she smiled against the pillow feeling a warm hand began to rub her back gently.

"I have meetings to attend before we leave this evening," Vader divulged as she felt the mattress dip beside her.

"If you're going to the Senate, I would like to come. My ID is there," she sighed lazily pressing her face into the pillows.

"I can always swing by your office and grab it for you," he offered smoothly, she smiled feeling his nose on the nape of her neck before planting a small kiss. Padmé pondered his proposition for a moment, she'd been in his cooped up for what seemed like awhile without venturing into the world. Also, she no doubt had tons of documents pilling up- Force, I'm never going to be able to catch up now… She'd already arranged for Jar Jar to undertake her position while she was gone but she was hoping not to leave him with a mountain of documents to review.

"I really need to go in and get at least some work done. I haven't been there in ages," she frowned. What had she allowed herself to turn into? Sleeping and having sex the whole day was not in her character. She also needed to pack that much was certain, she hadn't even thought about leaving.

"My assumption was you may not have suitable garments for the climate. By the time we arrive on base there will be warm attire for you," he murmured against the skin of her back before planting small kisses down her spine. She sighed knowing he'd heard her inner thoughts.

Padmé hummed nodding her head, "Thank you," she smiled lightly, appreciating his thoughtfulness. Feeling him straddle her bottom, she felt his hands work magic over the tight muscles of her back. She was almost surprised how his metal and flesh fingers worked together in harmony, they were moving so smoothly that every rub was soothing. He might not be used to getting back massages but he was sure good at giving them.

A small moan of relief slipped from her lips as he continued his relaxing ministrations. Her mind wondered to how he could be like this one minute and potentially the polar opposite the next? This was a man she could see herself with. Shaking the heavy thoughts away she allowed her mind to focus on his hands against her back. But her eyes bolted open hearing her stomach gurgle an angry growl, upset that she had neglected it so.

"It seems that your stomach has other ideas," Vader chuckled pulling his weight off of her to sit beside her body on the bed. "When was the last time you ate?" He frowned scanning her body under the thin white sheets.

"Umm..." she pondered truly trying to remember, "I don't think I ever ate yesterday. I spent most of it sleeping and well the rest of it with you."

Vader sighed as his frown pulled further on his lips, "You need to eat."

"Yeah but what's another hour?" She smiled playfully however his reaction was not one she anticipated.

His frown turned into a hardened glare, obviously not amused, "You will eat, you could get sick."

She was taken back by the harshness of his tone, so much so that she sat up in the bed pulling the comforter along to cover her bare chest. "As I said, I was sleeping most of the day yesterday. I just didn't get the chance to eat," she tried to reason her voice struggling to remain non-antagonistic. She was clinging desperately to the bliss of waking up together after a pleasing night however as his expression soured- she knew it was a losing battle.

"You need to stay healthy," he snapped pulling himself off the bed, grabbing his boxers from the floor sliding them over his frame. She felt a twinge of spitefulness hit her chest at his tone, he was acting as if he was scorning a child for disobeying his orders. She wasn't a doll he could just attune to his wishes. So what if she didn't eat- why was it even his problem?

"I am," Padmé argued with her voice raised slightly as she ran her hand through her birds nest of messy curls. She could feel her irritation brewing with the conversation as she continued, "I know how to take care of myself- I'm not a child."

An arrogant, annoyed, expression crossed Vader's features as he rolled his eyes, "I never said you were-"

"But you're treating me as if I am," she retorted pulling herself onto her knees while still making sure the comforter was firmly in place. Padmé could feel the fire behind her words, she knew if the conversation continued on its path she wouldn't stop herself from lashing out at him, she would win this argument- no matter the cost.

He scoffed, "I would never treat a child the way I treat you Senator," he bit back offended.

This time Padmé rolled her eyes, "Then stop dictating my eating habits."

"I wouldn't have to if you would actually take care of yourself."

"Says the guy who takes pleasure in sinking his teeth into my flesh and riddling my body with bruises," she dryly laughed with harsh bitterness, shedding light on his hypocrisy. He physically inched back, his jaw locked as his adams apple bobbed in his throat, obviously struck by her cutting words.

"It's not the same," he argued, his eyes narrowing before grinding his teeth.

"How is it not?" She questioned in vitriolic astonishment, outraged by his double standard. She couldn't believe he was trying to justify his actions- she knew her words did not hold the entire truth… how she didn't really mind the lovebites or his tight grip. But even then- he had done more to her body that would quantify as unhealthy. He even enjoyed viewing his handy work, did it not register to him that her body had to deal with that?

"That was during-" He began to brush off her question, shaking his head- waving his hand towards the floor.

"Sex? So you can maul me, but you get upset that I forget to eat. Your double standard is mystifying," she ridiculed, cutting him off, before throwing the comforter off her body before trekking towards the closet. Padmé could feel her irritation churning into pure anger at this man. He was so arrogant, so blinded that he couldn't even admit his hypocrisy! He couldn't admit, that he himself had been the one causing more stress to her mind and body alike- more so than not eating for a day ever could.

"If you are going to participate then you should take better care-" He tried to refute in a professional mannerism. Padmé felt herself begin to lose it as he began speaking- every reservation she usually abided by tossed away in a single wave of emotion. She tried desperately to calm herself as she pulled a robe over her frame. But as she continued to listen to his bullshit, she lost it.

"Or maybe you should realize that I'm not a fucking toy! I am a living, breathing person!" she screamed cutting him off, escalating the conversation to a critical level. Her tone was severe- loud, just listening she could barely recognize her own voice. Her eyes were wide with anger, she could feel her heart roaring in her chest urging her to finally stand up for herself. She was tired of his controlling behavior- she was tired of him always believing he was right- she was tired of it all. "I'm not something you can just throw around, control, and stick your cock into!"

Her anger was firing on all cylinders as he grabbed her arms shoving her into the wall. She wasn't afraid staring down his fiery golden eyes. She wasn't going to give up- not this time. This time she would make damn certain he understood that no matter what he did or tried to do, she would not give up her will so easily. "You are my w-" He began to growl, his face ridged.

"Your Wife?! No, I'm not- not yet," she hissed, raging against his grip, she again did not let him finish his statement- using his own thought against him. "I don't have to do what you tell me to!" Her own words were wicked, every ounce of self-assurance pouring back into her body fueling her on. "You think I'm your property- don't you?! You think that I belong to you?!" She laughed with venom dripping from her tone. "You're a brute! A possessive, arrogant, brute!" She screamed breaking out of his hold, slamming her arms into his chest. Her rage never snuffed as he regained control- seizing her arms anchoring them to her body.

"You are mine, whether you like it or not!" he growled, his now sulfur eyes were swirling with amber as they pierced into hers with a menacing warning.

Her eyes narrowed showing the same warning, "Well I don't like it!" She yelled in a fit of rage, thrashing against his grasp.

His nostrils flared, jaw more tense than she'd ever seen it, "You will not speak to me this way!" He roared, his grip on her arms was painful, undoubtedly leaving bruises. Padmé's eyes shot disobedience and anger into his, not backing down. She was prepared to go to any length possible to win this argument.

Though the fire in her jut drew back from its oxygen as she saw something flicker in his eyes as he quickly released her stepping away. Her breaths were deep, rapid as her eyes continually sent warnings, daggers, rage in his direction even though he was no longer looking. Her heart pounding like a hovertrain witnessing Vader's dull golden blue eyes. She took a deep breath, the anger partially releasing with her exhale. Her eyes softened as he stumbled back towards the bed as if defeated- as if someone had just struck him in the chest with a lightsaber. A frown pulled at her lips when she saw the conflict, remorse, and pain in his eyes. The blazing fire in her body was fading and being replaced by agony and anguish just as his expression. He didn't know how to treat her… he was never taught.

"You're right. I- I- shouldn't treat you that way," he whispered, his eyes focused on his hands.. He was genuine, he had truly listened to her. She almost couldn't believe that he had understood. She was relieved to see his eyes in such a way. Even though he was in pain, they were that of the man she was trying to reach and finally she had.

"Vader..." Padmé frowned stepping towards him. He let out a shaky sigh before standing to meet her in the middle of the room. She was surprised when his hand reached slowly towards her neck. "What are you doing?" She muttered eyeing his hand carefully. Padmé remained hesitant when he didn't reply, but she allowed him to continue nevertheless. His flesh hand rested over her neck before he closed his eyes. Warmth seeped into her body from his touch, the ache which tightened the muscles in her neck faded until he slowly pulled away. Her eyes widened as her hand reached up to brush across the now flawless skin. Her heart almost stopped when his gaze finally met hers. His dull golden eyes were now almost fully blue, only speckles of gold remaining. Her heart lurched, the celestite blue of his eyes was beautiful just like the shallows of an ocean.

"I never wanted to hurt you... I- I'm sorry," he frowned, brushing his human fingers across her cheekbone. His feather-like touch made her feel like she was something he could never truly obtain. It was a privilege to feel her before his hand slowly pulled away, not wanting to push her limits.

"Forgiven," Padmé whispered her eyes shimmering trying to get him to connect with her gaze. After a few moments, he refused to meet her gaze - his expression that of surrender. Padmé's hand reached up to his cheek, his eyes fluttering shut as her skin touched his. She frowned as she urged him to connect with her. His eyelids were the only barrier and she had never seen him so troubled… His face was rigid as if afraid to look at her. "Please…" she breathed, "Please let me see you."

Reluctantly he complied, his eyes easing open, her heart stopped in her chest before it soared. An azure gaze was staring back at her. Padmé brushed her thumb across his cheek before watching him press into her touch as his eyes fluttered closed again. She had never felt anything so powerful before, his emotions on full display- he was allowing her to understand how he felt. There was so much conflict in him- it was tearing him apart. Padmé bit her lip trying to think of what to do. After a moment, she knew her mind would not help her so she only did what felt right. Standing on her tippy toes, she planted a comforting kiss upon his lips. It surprised her that he took a moment to respond but once he did she felt his arms weave around her gently urging her closer into his chest. Their kiss remained pure, a genuine loving and tender motion. She was almost disappointed as he slowly pulled away however he didn't go far. Her heart skittered as his forehead rested upon hers, his nose brushing against hers.

She couldn't help herself as she cupped his face, cherishing who he was at the moment- knowing that it was fleeting… that this tenderness would soon vanish. This was the man she had been longing to understand. His presence seemed so fragmented, so lonely, and lost. It was heart wrenching feeling him through the bond he created between them. Even though his touch was always so warm, his mind was usually the polar opposite as if frozen. It was different now, his presence itself was warm. Padmé wasn't sure how she could possibly be feeling all these sensations but that didn't matter to her at the time. All she was focused on was how broken this part of him seemed to be yet he was comforted by her. Had he been so drawn to her because he needed to be with her? That his subconscious was fighting so hard to take back whatever he'd lost? She memorized the color of his eyes, no doubt they were the color he was born with. Before Palpatine.

Just as she suspected though, their moment was fleeting as his eyes flickered to the doorway behind her. Immediately they were morphing, swirling with that piercing gold hue. A fleeting moment indeed.

"Good morning, Master, Mistress Padmé- Master I am reluctant to inform you that the Emperor expected your presence twenty minutes ago. He is quite displeased that you are late to the briefing before your departure," 3PO informed Vader swiftly. Padmé's eyes flickered to the Sith Lord who was cursing in some foreign language as he quickly got dressed, not even bothering to change from the day before. She was almost surprised when he quickly planted a kiss on her lips before jogging out of her room.

Vader arrived at the base in record breaking time for himself, taking long strides as he entered the lower levels of the base. Kriff, he hadn't realized the time- realized he was late. He was never late. He was always on time to start the meeting for the Emperor, he would be greatly displeased at his absence. That never ended well. Under the indestructible darkness of his cowl, he strode into the war room where the meeting had already begun. He tried to be like a snake, slithering beside the wall - but he did not go unnoticed which was an unavoidable consequence.

"Lord Vader, how good of you to join us," the Emperor stated with an unprecedented amount of annoyance, staring down at his datapad. Vader straightened his shoulders as the eyes of the military leaders stared at him in surprise- surprise that he was late for once in the entire four years of the Empire. "I am sure Senator Amidala is spent?" He asked casually, tapping his fingers against the table, his eyes sending daggers in his direction. Vader held back his anger as the men around the room struggled to hold smirks off their lips. It was not often the Emperor made an example of him, come to think of it- he never had.

"My apologies, your excellency," Vader stated taking his place by the wall, purposely overlooking the Emperor's slanderous comment about him and the Senator.

"Hmm. It has only been a month and she already has you wrapped around her finger? She hasn't been at the Senate, tell me have you worn her out to the point where is she unable to walk?" The Emperor questioned, his gaze finally connecting with Vader's. Palpatine was the only one who was truly able to see through the darkness if he wanted to and this was another first- he sought out his golden eyes.

Another etch of discomfort trickled into the young Sith Lord, the reference to the Senator once again sending his mind into a defensive and evasive mentality. The Moffs in the room could no longer hold back their quiet snickers. Even if he didn't want to see it, the images of the Senator appeared in all of the men's minds, her body unraveling beneath them- not Vader. Killing the lot of them became a more pleasing thought as Vader's annoyance grew. With only a few milliseconds to construct a reply he wondered whether it would be best to continue his deflective tactics or just to stare his Master's words in the face. The Naboo Senator was gorgeous, fit, young. The men envisioning themselves taking her spiked a territorial nature within him. Arrogant words left his lips before he could truly consider them, "Contrary to what influence you believe she has over me, my understanding was that you did not want her attending the Senate. I've found keeping her sated and exhausted seems to be the easiest course of action to fulfilling your wishes."

The snickering within the room stopped. The men's thoughts shifting into self-reflection struggling to admit that the Commander of the Imperial Forces was once again better at something than they were. Everyone in the room knew of the Senator's determination and spirit- the fact she even allowed a Sith Lord to take her was shocking to the lot of them. They were also astonished to discover Vader even participated in such activities- the most personal thing they had ever learned about him.

Sidious snickered, "I suppose I did instruct you to find a way." His sinister chuckles slowed as his voice became rigid, "Still I expect that not to impact your more pressing duties. Do not fail me again," he stated with a harsh warning.

"I understand, your excellency," Vader bowed, hoping that the conversation was now at an end until after the meeting.

"Tarkin, you may continue," Sidious stated staring at the other old man across the table. Knowing that the conversation was not over between him and his master, he tried to listen to the daily intelligence briefing. It was the first time in three years where he had actually attended these meetings in person consecutively for a month. He was usually never on planet longer than a week, now he found himself actually enjoying being here for once. Perhaps Vader's lack of presence at the palace was what had Sidious still skeptical, he hadn't been there since the day returned to Imperial Center - the day Palpatine had required the Senator to marry Vader. The girls the young Sith had collected were not as enticing as the real thing. That thought alone made Vader think that it was about time to get rid of them. Forcing his thoughts away from the trivial topic, his attention returned to the meeting at least trying to follow along with the information he already knew. This briefing was more focused towards keeping the Emperor in the loop- the old man only attended these things once a month. The only purpose of Sidious actually being here was probably to see Vader's beady golden eyes before he left.

Once the meeting concluded, the Moffs left the conference room. Vader already knew Sidious would want a word with him so against his better judgement the young Sith stayed planted in his position by the wall. Once the door shut closed behind the last attendee, it was just Vader and his Master.

"Lord Vader, I understand you are to depart this evening?" Sidious questioned leaning back in his seat.

"Yes, Master," Vader replied simply.

"You know…It has been sometime since you have visited the Palace, some of your girls are becoming antsy for your return," Sidious chuckled, "Or -be honest- has the real thing got you whipped?"

"Between meetings and dealing with the Senator and her spirit I have not had the time," Vader explained emotionlessly in attempt to maneuver around his Master's ploy.

"I do find that hard to believe. Whenever you'd return, you would spend days with them. Perhaps you should at least pay them a small visit before you leave," Palpatine suggested, however there was a demand laced through his words. Vader swallowed under the security of his hood as Sidious' gaze remained on his datapad.

"I have meetings up until an hour before we depart," Vader said slowly, trying to circumvent the order by using the truth. He quite honestly didn't want to be touched by any of them. Why would he care if they never saw him again? "I hold no attachment towards any of them. I do not care to see any of them," he stated almost with a slight bitterness.

"Does that mean you have an attachment towards the Senator?" Sidious questioned connecting with Vader's gaze as a twisted gleam flickered in his sulfur eyes.

Fuck.

"Unfortunately you are requiring me to marry," Vader rebutted trying to save himself from his own fuck up of word choice. He could feel his Master trying to infiltrate his thoughts however Vader kept them purposefully locked. A suspicious expression crossed his Master's face, but Vader was stronger than his Master. There was no way the old man could break his barriers. "In order to ensure the Senator remains loyal, I had to reconstruct her mental barriers." He explained trying to ease some of his master's suspicion.

"I see, so that was the disturbance I felt in your presence. You realize that could have jeopardized everything we have worked for?" Sidious glowered standing from his seat. Vader could feel the anger stirring from his Master, but not enough for him to take any disciplinary action against him. However, Sidious was reaching his limit.

"I was careful to ensure that would not occur," Vader assured him before tightening his arms around his chest.

"You now shield her then."

"There was a barrier created by another. In order to break it, I had to take certain measures that didn't consist of tearing her mind apart. I thought you would be displeased if I by accidently killed her," he explained simply, "I needed to understand what she was hiding."

"And what was she hiding?" Sidious questioned, his anger being replaced by interest as he sat back down in his seat.

"She used to be romantically involved with a Jedi before the ascendence of the Sith," Vader explained openly, "Obi-Wan Kenobi." A twisted dagger of jealousy hit Vader's chest as he stated the truth aloud. His jaw tightened, recalling the memories he had found as she slept. That man was her first for everything. Her first love, her first sexual partner. The images of that padawan taking her on the grasslands of Naboo stuck with Vader like a broken film reel that would never cease playing. Seeing that was why he'd become so enraged earlier, but it was also what made the man within him come out of his subconscious. The man within Vader was just as hurt as the beast but not for the same reason. The beast was angered that someone else had deflowered her, while the man was distraught that if his life had turned out differently then maybe he would have been her first love. Ridiculous. Vader shunned the reminiscence of that man, always surfacing during inconvenient moments.

Sidious' eyes widened slightly in surprise, "Interesting."

Vader internally smirked, knowing the information would save him from any retaliation from his Master at the moment. "He must still be alive in order to have maintained the protection of her thoughts. It was easy enough to shatter the impediment during the final process of claiming her mind." Vader was for thankful for the loyalty of his men. Not whispering a word of the Jedi who'd escaped his grasp on Almas to anyone. That information had not reached the Emperor nor had the only copy of the recording. Thus was the reason Sidious hadn't punished him yet and Vader planned to keep it that way. He had loyalty from everyone he needed. Knowing his mind was completely shut from his Master's, he replayed the moments he finally claimed her mind and in return hopefully her soul.

Struggling to hold himself back, he made slow but powerful thrusts into the woman beneath him as his lips followed the same ministrations. Pinned to the bed beneath him she felt so good, her barriers falling easily as he continued the tender dance. Her moans fueled the beast, however Vader knew he had to tame himself as he felt her crest of pleasure approaching. This woman's mind was even more intoxicating than her scent, than her body, than anything he had ever experienced before. Reaching out with the Force, he eased and brought down each of her remaining mental barriers reassuring her subconscious that it was okay, that she was safe, that he would keep his promise even if it meant destroying himself in the process. Vader internally smiled as she followed him, completely compliant. He would hold true to his promise. Do anything he possibly could to protect her, to make her feel all the emotions she wanted to, to allow her desires and personality to remain her own.

Vader made his way to the final barrier that would be most obstructive, one that wasn't her own- he was careful as he hastened his movements remembering that she needed her fulfillment from him. The Sith Lord implored her subconscious to renounce her allegiance to the Jedi who had created that singular barrier. After a few more slow and powerful thrusts and assurances, she finally began to refuse and renounce the Jedi's protection. When the barrier began to slowly fragment, Vader almost lost himself to greed- wanting to use his own powers to immediately dissolve the obstruction. However, he remained patient allowing her to completely relinquish herself to him. When she finally let go, the inflow of knowledge and memories forced Vader to moan as he pressed on to the final step. The Sith Lord vocalized his declaration, devotion, and promise into her skin before burying his teeth into her skin one last time.

Their new bond flared and exploded through the Force. A muted shriek of pain left the woman, causing Vader to release her skin to placate her pain and his own with a reassuring sound of calmness. Her own barriers shattered as Vader swiftly replaced them with his own. In both of their minds, Vader locked down every bridge, built back every wall with his own to only allow him and the mind's owner to gain access. In order to ensure her subconscious would not retreat and damage the both of them, Vader poured every ounce of pleasure he was feeling through the Force in order to mask the throbbing pain. His thrusts continued as he dragged out her high until he found his own. Involuntarily, he released a loud moan as he emptied himself into her warmth. It was done. She was his, no one else would be able break their attachment.

Vader pulled himself from the memory hearing Sidious question him, "Is there anything else of substance you recovered from her memories?" His Master pressed shifting his hands into his sleeves.

"There were memories of Bail Organa and Mon Mothma trying to sway her into joining the Rebellion. However, Amidala has remained loyal to the Empire," Vader lied effortlessly. The young Sith had made a promise with himself, the Senator, and the Force to ensure her protection. He needed to protect her and without lying there was no way to accomplish such a monumental mission. Vader knew that he had made a life promise, one that if he failed would tear apart his own consciousness. The Force would not have given him the power to claim her if he didn't give up something of his own. He had made a deal with the Force, the dark side and the light- if he failed he would know it immediately. If he didn't fulfill his vow, it would in turn shatter his own mind, leaving him truly broken- forced to live with the pain for the remainder of his existence.

"By the time you return, that situation will be permanently handled," Sidious stated with a flash of twisted pleasure in his eyes. "Return to your duties Lord Vader, I will contact you when I arrive on Naboo."

"Yes, my Master."

A/N: I will edit eventually along with the rest of the story… there are many errors throughout the previous chapters… I'm so sorry about that but thank you all for reading despite the fact!