A/N: I'm glad that there were overall positive vibes after the last chapter. For those who are on edge hopefully this puts your minds at ease…
Chapter 28: Family
Pursing her lips, Padmé fiddled with her platinum armlet in the mirror. She'd woken up late, her parents had already arrived and were waiting in the tearoom outside her new chambers. Part of her felt guilty for not meeting them when they'd touched down, however she also knew she needed the sleep and extra time to make herself presentable. Rolling through the chain of events that would occur the following day, Padmé was thankful her and Vader had at least found time to practice their vows earlier in the week. She was also shocked to learn that her mother would be bringing her wedding dress, she hadn't even thought about a dress as shocking as it seemed. Even though she felt unprepared, it became clear that dozens, if not more, had been preparing for the day for months, making her feel a bit less on edge about the ceremony.
Tracing over her reflection, she was relieved to see herself in another backless georgette gown. The lightweight sheer indigo fabric hanging down to just below her ankles. More and more she felt herself being able to wear the clothing she used to – it was a relief in many ways.
"I must say I think I've out done myself with your hair," Dormé smiled, joining her in the mirror. Gently, she pushed one of the pins in the Senator's curls back into place.
"I feel like I haven't looked this good in ages," Padmé slightly smiled shifting in her heels.
"What do you mean? You always look beautiful. But I must admit your skin is more radiant. Seems Lord Vader has been leaving it alone," she slightly smiled, Padmé shook her head trying to hold back the deep blush that threatened to heat her cheeks. All morning she had been repressing the urge to think about the night before. "Speaking of which, you were late coming in last night."
Padmé's cheeks flared as she bit her lip, "Yeah well, I think I'm all set-"
She was cut off when the door slid open, Vader's stature trudging his way into the room. "Your sister is very insistent upon seeing you," briskly, Sola broke past him crushing Padmé into a bear-hug.
"Where have you been for the past four years!" she squealed, "My goodness you've actually grown up – last time I saw you I could have sworn you hadn't even reached puberty yet."
"Wow, thanks," Padmé muttered, sarcasm oozing through her tone.
"I just can't believe I missed you on Naboo. I almost raised hell when I learned you both had already left."
"Yeah, I'd been away from here for a couple weeks by then – I couldn't leave Jar-Jar to the luftgriffs any longer."
"Well, you look wonderful – Beautiful work on her hair Dormé, it's a masterpiece."
"You should see what I have planned for the wedding," her handmaiden beamed, from the corner of her eye, she watched as Vader stealthily made his exit. Seeping away back out into the other room.
"I almost throttled him when he said you weren't ready to be seen," Sola muttered, tossing a perfectly coiled braid over her shoulder.
"I think it's because she was out late last night- he was just trying to make sure she gave the best impression when seeing you."
"Really?" the mischief in her sister's tone made the Senator send daggers in Dormé's direction.
"I'm not in the mood for an interrogation," Padmé dryly laughed as she struggled to keep a blush from forming across her cheeks.
"I feel like it's been eons since I've seen you! I think a couple questions are in order," her sister argued, falling back into the pillows on her daybed.
"Okay," Padmé acquiesced taking a seat on one of the couches. "Well get on with it," she laughed trying to keep the air lighthearted.
"First off, where have you been the past four years? I mean usually you would at least come visit for holidays."
A frown pulled at the Senator's lips, Dormé eyeing her cautiously before she wondered away to the other room. "I don't really want to get into all that right now," Padmé told her honestly, "But, things will be different, I'm hoping I'll be traveling more."
"Well how did you both meet? I mean 'The Supreme Commander of the Imperial Forces' doesn't really sound like your type of guy. Don't get me wrong, he's handsome but… after your past relationships I just don't quite understand."
Padmé struggled not to think too deeply about Obi-wan, "Well we met at one of the Emperor's galas," she explained, the lie eating away at her for a moment.
"Was this before or after you broke things off with Clovis?"
"Before- I mean we spoke for a while." Padmé pressed the inside of her palm. She was used to exaggerating or not really disclosing the entire truth to her sister but, she'd never outright lied to her before.
"Okay," her voice dragged the vowel, "So you both just clicked or what?"
"He's different, what I feel when I'm with him isn't ordinary… I don't quite know how to explain it," she replied honestly.
"You're marrying this guy Padmé," Sola said seriously, "Bonds like that are not easily broken." Padmé held the urge to roll her eyes, wedding vows are the least of it. "From what it sounds like you've only been within him for less than a year, are you sure you're ready to be committed like that?"
Her eyes fell from Sola's; her sister had always been against marriage – not really understanding the significance. Even if she had two children of her own, they didn't have a father. That's where they differed. Padmé always wanted a family, someone there for her and she didn't want to have to rely on her children for that. "I love him," Padmé professed, "I know his occupation isn't something you approve of but he's not the same person with me," at times… She quietly finished in her thoughts.
"Okay," her sister retreated, "I didn't mean to upset you. I just needed to be sure this is what you want." Padmé nodded, her eyes lingering out the window at the Imperial gardens. "Enough with the heavy talk," her sister giggled rushing to her side, scrunching in beside her on the small couch, "tell me what your night was like yesterday. From what Dormé said it seemed like a good one."
Padmé's cheeks flared, unprepared for the sudden shift in discussion, "Oh that," she shyly smiled. "I don't know if I want to get into that right now."
Sola rolled her eyes, "How many times have I gushed to you about the men I've been with, come on Padmé – spill."
The Senator groaned, "I am just not as open about my private activities as you are."
"I mean from the looks of him, he doesn't really seem like the type of man to wait for marriage. I'm assuming you all-"
"Okay, okay, okay!" Padmé chanted flustered, standing from her seat, "If I tell you will you stop prying? I seriously need a glass of wine first."
Both made their way out of her bedchambers and into the main sitting room, Padmé stopped on a dime seeing Eryx and Njord flanking the main doors. They were wearing armor although, they'd nixed their helmets, Eryx's emerald eyes catching her own as he remained stoic. Sola caught her expression, confusion spreading as Padmé continued to remain stagnant. Snapping her attention to the liquor cabinet, the Senator briskly opened the door – rummaging around through the various vintages only to settle on the fourth bottle she came across. Snagging the bottle opener and two chalices, she wanted nothing but to return to the other room.
"Can't we sit out here?" Sola wondered, not even giving the two men a second glance. Padmé's eyes flashed to the inquisitors again as they remained like proper statues.
"Preferably not," Padmé admitted, her sister's brows furrowed. Rolling her eyes, she snagged the woman's arm dragging them back into the next room. Once the door shut, a respire left her lips – she had not mentally prepared herself for that situation at all.
"What is going on," Sola laughed, snatching the bottle and opener from Padmé's clutches. "You just looked completely horrified for a moment."
"Can you just pour me a glass please," she groaned, handing her sister the goblets. A moment later, Sola handed her the cup – taking a swift sip, she wondered back towards the small seating area further inside the room.
"Okay now you seriously have some explaining to do, my stars Padmé, it was as if you'd seen a ghost."
"Hell Sola," Padmé groaned kicking off her heels before collapsing on the couch. Inadvertently, she winced the soreness in her lower body still lingering. "Why would you want to sit with them there?"
"Oh, you mean the two fascinatingly attractive guards that are posted inside the main entrance to your quarters - Why not? It's not like they'd care." It was only rational for her sister to think such a thing. Under normal circumstances, guards were barely even seen –their sole purpose of providing protection but, there was still much her sister didn't know.
"They aren't ordinary guards; they are inquisitors meaningthey are sensitive to the Force."
"Still… that doesn't explain your reaction unless…" something crossed her sister's eyes, a revelation as her gaze connected back with Padmé's. "Sith's hell Padmé you didn't." Her sister gaped.
"Wait hold on," Padmé flustered, "Whatever you think I did it's not as bad as you undoubtably believe."
"O-Okay, explain to me why I'm thinking that you bed both of them– I'm honestly now seriously questioning everything I know about you."
"No, it's not as bad as that," Padmé sighed partially relieved.
"If it's not that bad then what did you do?"
"I was with Vader and Eryx last night," she finally admitted, the alcohol taking an edge off. She wasn't embarrassed about what she did, but she certainly didn't like spilling to anyone about such a thing. She was meant to be married. Force, if her parents knew she'd done something like that, two days before her wedding, they'd disown her.
A Cheshire smile grew on her sisters features, "That's what has you so worked up?"
Padmé rolled her eyes, "I know you're versed in such things but me? Not so much."
"Well, which one is Eryx? I mean if it were me, I'd have all three but," she shrugged with a cheeky disposition, "I know you're an innocent thing."
The Senator glared at the woman for a moment, "the one with green eyes," she muttered dryly.
Her sister hummed, "I'm happy for you, finally clawing your way out of the sanctimonious little box you cornered yourself into."
"I'm glad you see it that way. I am just not really sure…" Padmé trailed off not certain with how to go about asking the pressing subject on her mind.
"If it was a one-off thing, then treat Eryx how you always did before," Sola explained, answering the question she knew her sister meant to ask. "It's not that big of a deal, once you allow yourself to understand that – things will be easy. From the little you've told me, you feel something special with Lord Vader. Emotions like that are paramount to anything else – even if this other man made you feel good for a few moments."
Padmé blinked, her sister making the complex situation in her mind relatively simple. "Thank you for that," she whispered, twirling the wine in her cup.
A giggle resonated from beside her, "What else would I be here for if not to guide you through the shit that took me years to learn."
"Ugh, I'm happy you're here," Padmé groaned as her head fell onto Sola's shoulder.
"You know you can always call me; you don't need to go through this alone. Even mum would understand to a certain extent but, I get why you wouldn't want her knowing. You arethe pure one of the family." Padmé's smile faltered from her sister's last remark, she tried to replaster it as her sister turned towards her quickly. "Now that you're a bit less stressed, I wanted to give you something!" She squeaked running out of the room only to return with a small, white box wrapped with a pink silk bow. Padmé bit her lip, a genuine smile forming.
"What is this?" She giggled feeling that even if it was a small box, it carried a fair bit of weight.
"Call it a pre-wedding gift, I got you something a bit more appropriate for after you're actually married."
Padmé eyed her sister suspiciously as she pulled one end of the slight bow. Opening the box, she outright laughed at its contents. "You got me a rock," she dryly chuckled, somewhat confused.
Sola rolled her eyes, "I'm not that mean, come on - take a closer look."
Picking up the smooth river stone, Padmé revolved it in her hand. What she saw on the other side made her eyes widen. Carvings were engraved into the stone, a poem her and Sola had made when they were kids one summer at the lake house. She thought it had been lost, from the other side it looked like any other Nubian stone. "Where did you find this?" Padmé whispered, her finger brushing over the armature yet profound script. It was almost illegible now, but she could still make out some of the words.
"Technically Ryoo found it when we had visited the lake last summer. I wanted to give it to you sooner, just something to remind you of home while you're here," Sola smiled warmly.
Tears pricked at the woman's eyes, jaw quivering she tried to plaster a warm smile. "Thank you, this is… thank you," Padmé whispered, pulling her sister into a tight hug. "I miss you all so much," she breathed.
"It's okay," her sister laughed, "We know how busy you are."
Against her wishes, tears began seeping down her cheeks as she hugged her sister without relent. Sola hadn't the faintest idea of how much she longed to go home, live a peaceful life in the countryside. Yet, her future, she knew would not permit that. Every single loss compounded in her mind as she began sobbing. Everything she had done was for the people, her family, all she wanted was for them to be at peace. Even if that meant sacrificing herself in the process.
"Padmé," her sister gasped, "Hey, it's okay," she faintly smiled pulling her back.
"I'm sorry I haven't been home," she gushed, "I'm sorry I-"
"I didn't bring this to make you feel guilty!" She comfortingly laughed. "We all just wanted you to feel at home here. We understand how difficult it must be for you. I mean now that you're marrying Lord Vader, doesn't that mean you will be stepping back from your Senatorial position?"
Padmé tried to collect herself, "The Emperor hasn't told me if he plans to revoke my position," she answered honestly.
Sola frowned, "Well don't worry about that too much. You shouldn't be crying so close to your wedding day! I'm sorry if I-"
Cutting her off Padmé pulled her into another hug, "Don't be sorry, I'm just happy – I haven't seen you in a while," she explained trying to hide the true reason behind her emotions.
"Well luckily, we'll have plenty of time to catch up. We'd stay longer than a week, but it took serious convincing to pull Ryoo and Pooja from the academy for even that long."
Nodding, Padmé pulled away wiping her tears, hoping her makeup didn't smug. "I suppose it's about time to go visit mum and dad," she whispered standing from the couch.
"Fair warning, they have a whole list of question of their own," she snickered, "They told me that they'd held back while you were home."
"Wonderful," Padmé tried to laugh as the entered the main sitting area. "Sola," she abruptly called grabbing her sister's arm. "Wait what kinds of questions," she asked hesitantly. The Senator didn't even register the inquisitor's anymore, her sole purpose only discover how she needed to prepare. Her father was a methodical, knew when she wasn't divulging everything. Trying to convince to him wouldn't be easy.
"The usual, basically what I asked you… but you know how he can be," she frowned. Padmé's shoulders fell, her eyes glancing to the doors. Once she left, there was no saying what could happen. Her father knew her too well, there was no way she could keep herself together for an extended interrogation against him. "They are excited to see you Padmé, I wouldn't expect them to drop the heavy questions on you till the morning."
The Senator's eyes popped open, "They wouldn't do that."
"You know how dad is… He can read when any of us are stressed, best time to ask questions."
A swallow pushed down Padmé's throat, "Okay."
"What are you so worried about?" She sympathetically wondered.
"Nothing," she assured, throwing on an immaculate false visage. Striding towards the blast-doors, Padmé tried not to notice Njord's head turn slightly, his eyes following her out. Once the doors drew open, a smile formed across her features – her mother and father bolting from their seats.
"My treasure," her mother gushed, clutching her into a tight hug. "You look absolutely stunning."
"Thank you, I'm glad you had a safe trip," Padmé sighed, returning the gesture. Pulling away for a moment, she was collapsed into another pair of tight arms. Her father didn't say a word as he hugged her tightly, as if he were clutching something dear to him for the last time. Her teeth gnawed at the insides of her cheeks, struggling not to show any agony. She had missed them. The few days spent in Theed not near long enough to actually see them again. The dinners they had were short, her and Vader leaving for Varykino too soon. "Hey Dad," she whispered, perhaps too delicately. She should be happy, ecstatic, yet all she felt was anguish – an emotion that was almost too strong to overcome.
"I hope they have been treating you well here," he whispered into her hair, Padmé's heart pounded viciously.
"Yes, I've been great," she beamed, pulling away, "I just cannot believe the months have flown by like they have."
"Come on Ruwee, this is wonderful! We are so happy for you my dear," her mother smiled placing a hand on her father's back. Padmé knew from her father's eyes that he was worried. Perhaps it could be due to the instincts that came with being a father – however, his apprehensive gaze sent anxiousness to her skin.
"I am happy, Jobal," he weakly smiled, Padmé could then tell he was trying to mask his trepidation as well. Perhaps not as well as he hoped.
"Well, I'm so excited you both are staying for the week, perhaps after the wedding we can go about the city. I know you haven't been here in quite a long time."
"I believe the last time we were here… We had been celebrating your eighteenth birthday," her father chuckled.
Force, she remembered that like it was yesterday. Her nerves heightened, Obi-wan had been there. In their eyes he was a dear friend, ally. She'd never told anyone about the relationship besides Sola. It was forbidden for him; breaking oaths wasn't something that Padmé had ever wanted her parents to know. No matter how much she knew it was wrong… she never questioned being with him for a single second.
"I remember that," she giggled brightly, "I can't believe it's been so long, hard to believe I'll be twenty-two in the next few months."
"Another occasion we should celebrate together. Hopefully, by then you will be able to return home for a time. The people miss you as well, it has been difficult to explain why you have yet to return," her mother admitted. Padmé's heart collapsed in her chest, her stomach churning.
"I'll see what I can do, we are passing a new budget that month so I may be swamped." She deflected the question immediately, not really knowing what her situation would be by then. Part of her wondered if she would see her next birthday at all. Suddenly, Vader made his way into the room, Padmé finding herself at a loss for words from his appearance. He was wearing a navy, collared button-down shirt, the top buttons unfastened – his tan taught skin bleeding through. The silky shirt was tucked in black trousers with a pair of matte black loafers to match, the material screaming wealth. His muscles were accented seamlessly, words dying as she stared. It was the first time she had ever seen him out of his tunic besides the black sleep-pants he'd wear to bed. His honey eyes were fixed on hers without waver. "Hey," Padmé warmly smiled, Vader returned the gesture walking towards her before placing a chastised kiss on her forehead. "What's the occasion," she mused gently tugging at one of the buttons.
"I assumed that you may be hungry considering you slept through breakfast," he explained, "I also understand that you have yet to have lunch either," Vader added turning towards her family.
Padmé brows furrowed, "What is your obsession with food?" she wondered knowing he'd hear. Vader's eyes glanced to hers, Padmé could only watch as he struggled to hold back a smile that threated to falter his expression. Biting her lip, a blush heated her cheeks feeling his hand slip to the base of her spine – the feeling of his leather-clad gloves exhilarating against her exposed skin.
"Lunch sounds lovely," Sola piped in, the Senator's eyes shot to her sister. Padmé's senses were on high alert noticing the devious intent plastered in the woman's gaze. She hesitated to wonder what questions she'd have for Vader.
In the terrace dining room, Padmé eyed the luxurious meal placed before her. Delicately poking the pristine greens plated elegantly on her plate, her attention turned to the people surrounding her. The chatter in the air was lively, Vader effortlessly keeping her family entertained as she stared blankly at her plate. She wondered how he had the capacity to do it so smoothly.
"Padmé," her sister chirped from beside her quietly, snagging her attention. "You seem lost, what's up?"
"Nothing, I just am fascinated by these," she whispered touching the berries on the dish gently with her fork.
Her sister observed her, "It's as if it's the first time you've seen food before…" she quietly giggled. Padmé finally took a bite, the depth of flavor spanning her taste buds swiftly. She had to admit, for a salad – it was delicious, whatever the chefs had done intensifying the flavor than she had ever experienced before. The senator's thoughts fell to 3PO's meals, thinking about how much she missed him in that moment. The golden droid had really grown on her, his cooking just as pleasant. When the doors beyond swiftly opened, Eryx trekked from the palace – his eyes emotionless as he moved towards Vader. Padmé could feel her sister's eyes burning a hole into her skull as Eryx approached them. Taking a bite of her salad, the Senator fought to ignore it only watching as the Sith's head tilted. Eryx murmured something in his ear before the light in Vader's golden eyes faded ever so slightly.
"My apologies, if you will excuse me for a moment," he sighed standing from his seat before making his way back into the palace. A frown tugged at her lips as she struggled to eat anymore. His expression was void as he spoke with Eryx, she could only watch as they disappeared beyond the glass doors.
"I must say this is quite delicious," her mother nodded quaintly, her hand delicately reaching for her wine.
"I'm glad you like it," Padmé smiled, struggling to find it within herself to carry on a conversation. "I hope after the wedding you both will be able to visit our home. The Imperial gardens are gorgeous, but I must say Vader's collection is a bit more spectacular," she admitted straightening her posture.
"Really?" Her father chimed in; his expression surprised.
"Yes, even I was amazed by the diversity when I first visited. His admiration of nature is lovely, he's collected many unique specimens. I honestly have never seen anything like it," she answered genuinely. "He has millaflower mutations I never even realized existed."
"He has Nubian species?" Her mother chimed with wonder.
"Many, an entire section dedicated to them," Padmé affirmed.
"I am happy you have a piece of home here," her father smiled warmly.
"Yes, when I moved in it was a relief to see them daily. He realizes how much I would like to return home but, considering both of us have obligations here and abroad it is hard to even contemplate vacations."
"Well, we are glad to be here now, we are so happy for you Padmé," her mother warmly smiled. Seeing her father's eyes fall, Padmé struggled to keep the smile on her features as he grabbed his glass of wine. Hearing the door slide open to the terrace, her eyes darted to Vader as he returned an apologetic expression touching his visage.
"My apologies for that," he announced taking his seat at the head of the table.
"We were just discussing your exquisite foliage collection," Sola beamed before taking another bite of her salad. Vader's eyes glanced to Padmé's before returning to her sister's. A hesitant smile tugged at his features.
"Yes, when I am here, I find it nice to look at something green occasionally," he admitted.
Daintily collecting her napkin from her lap, Padmé found herself gently blotting her lips before ushering herself away from the table, her thoughts spinning when a servant assisted with tugging her chair. Vader's eyes stared at her pleadingly, however the sudden need to refresh her mind was paramount as she excused herself from the table. Feeling every pair of eyes watching her she made her leave, Padmé maneuvered divinely through the doors, swiftly making her way towards the nearest fresher. Once settled inside the chamber, her back hit the door – her mind humming in pain. She desperately needed to collect herself before returning. Washing her hands, she tried to focus on the warm water across her skin. Padmé hadn't realized it could be so difficult conversing with her parents, it was much easier on Naboo – much easier when she knew it wouldn't be till now that she'd see them again.
After she had poised herself adequately, the Senator didn't hesitate to make her way back to the terrace. However, she froze seeing her father laughing, Vader chuckling as well. Her head notched, watching for a few moments. She wondered how Vader had altered his spirits. Anxiousness pierced her stomach when she thought of what he was capable of – he could alter perspectives without someone knowing.
"You alright?" Eryx's voice brushed past her ears; her eyes shot to him.
"Why wouldn't I be?" She flustered, cursing herself for the wavering in her own voice. Aker shifted in place, his eyes falling upon her as well.
"You seem tense," Aker added.
"Hmm, I wonder why," she sniped with a snide smile before she stepped through the glass doors, her expression softened as she made her way back to her seat.
"Padmé!" Her sister chimed, Padmé tried to retain her distain hearing the piercing nature of Sola's voice – she had too much to drink. "I wanted to ask if you had plans settled for your birthday!"
"I haven't actually thought that for ahead," the Senator admitted, shifting her posture. "It's just another day-"
"Nonsense! We all know you love parties!"
"Perhaps when I was younger," Padmé smiled, her voice was kind, yet it carried daggers as she stared down her sister. She didn't want her prodding at the topic any longer.
She glanced to Vader, his eyes were still bright a soft smile tugging at his features, "I was going to surprise you with what I had planned actually," he shrugged, "But since everything has happened so suddenly, think its best if you knew. I wanted us to travel to Naboo for your birthday. I understand that it is usually customary for prior queens to celebrate with their people. It has been a shame you have not had the opportunity for the past several years."
"Thank you," Padmé smiled cordially, trying to keep her heart from thundering through her chest as she pressed the palms of her hands in her lap. Vader's brows furrowed slightly, his soft smile never faltering from her reaction. Feeling her skin become humid, her nails twisted and bit themselves into her palm. A small giggle left her as she attempted to save face, "Since we didn't spend much time in Theed that idea sounds wonderful," she smiled, a blush touching her cheeks.
"My goodness, every year the city throws a massive celebration for your birth. Millions from around the planet gathering in your honor. It is gorgeous Padmé. The lanterns, the festivities, it will be an absolute wonder for you to see it yourself," her father smiled.
Biting her lip softly, Padmé nodded, she had heard of the festival yet never finding it within herself to investigate it further. She found herself wondering if she deserved to be honored in such a manner.
"You are their salvation Padmé," her mother declared, the warmth in her tone eliciting trepidation in the Senator's heart. She knew Vader had sensed her anxiousness when his posture faltered, his eyes lingering on her stature before returning to her family.
"The divine and pure queen herself finally returning home," her sister hummed, sipping her glass of wine.
Trying to keep a humble façade, Padmé struggled to hide her shame. She fought the urge to sob, Vader's hand collapsing around the space just above her knee as the feeling became overwhelming. 'You are their queen, Padmé. That will never change.' Her fiancé assured her, his deep consoling voice swiftly gathering her worries to store them away.
"Speaking of home," Padmé mused, "Where are Ryoo and Pooja?"
"Dormé took them out to explore the city, hopefully she is okay," Sola hooted, "Both of them are quite the handful."
"I can only imagine," Padmé chuckled, "they are inquisitive for their age."
Her sister scoffed, "Inquisitive? Call it out-right demanding. My stars Padmé when you have children of your own, you'll be willing to die for them. Though my goodness they are quite the journey in and of themselves. Sometimes I hardly even know what they want but, force, I do anything to get them whatever it is."
Inching in her seat Padmé smiled, "That would be quite the endeavor."
"Are you planning on having children anytime soon? I know Pooja and Ryoo would absolutely love someone to play with." It was effortless how her sister was able to twist the conversation, Vader nor Padmé had never even mentioned the idea of having children.
"Hush now Sola, let them at least get married first," her mother sniped in the most regal tone manageable. Padmé profusely thanked her mother within her mind, she was the saving grace of the entire lunch. Feeling Vader's eyes lingering on her own, Padmé tried to bury her feelings about the matter. She was still on birth control, both herself and Vader too young. Believing that they had too many things to accomplish, Padme knew it was far-reaching for either of them to contemplate having children. She struggled to keep the thoughts away from considering her next checkup within the next month. Whether she'd get another injection for a year of contraceptive still a plague in her mind.
After another several courses of lavish cuisine and countless glasses of wine, the lunch concluded when Padmé stood from her seat struggling to see straight. She hadn't paced herself appropriately, her thoughts twirling around like ballerinas on a stage. Vader stood as well, his arm swiftly slipping around her waist, knowing she wasn't in a state to leave on her own.
"There are a couple matters we must attend to before dinner this evening," the man beside her announced, saving her the struggle of explaining their departure.
"Lunch was wonderful, thank you," her mother bowed gracefully before they made their leave. Waltzing back into the palace, leaving her family on the terrace, Padmé staggered through the halls after her mind went weak knowing she was out of their line of sight.
"I need sleep," Padmé whispered feeling his guide her back towards her chambers.
Vader chuckled, "Never seen you drink a whole bottle yourself before."
Rolling her eyes, she nestled deeper into his side, "Can you blame me? Kriffing hell my sister can be difficult sometimes."
"She is very good at instigating," he sighed leading her through the main sitting area of her quarters and into the bedroom.
Padmé broke away from him, tossing herself onto the bed with a thud, "That was the most stressful interaction I've ever had with them," she mumbled into the pillows, feeling Vader unbuckle and remove her heels.
"At least it went well," he supposed, unfastening the back of her dress. Padmé didn't hesitate to lug herself up, slipping herself out of the suddenly uncomfortable attire before snuggling into the bed with nothing but her undergarments. "You can sleep till dinner, I will keep your chambers locked if you wish."
"Please," she muttered, tugging the comforter up and over her eyes.
"You should drink this before sleeping," Vader told her quietly, handing her a glass of purple liquid.
Her expression soured smelling it, "What the heck is this?" she wondered inching away.
"It will help with the dehydration; you will be in pain without it when you wake up."
Padmé nodded, pinching her nose before she chugged the entire thing. Throwing herself back against the pillows she stared at him. "Can you stay?" She wondered, pulling the sheet up to her chin. Watching him lock the door controls, he nodded, kicking off his shoes before beginning to unbutton his shirt. "You looked really handsome," she hummed cloaking her expression with the duvet.
"Really? Because I swear this shirt has been strangling me for the past few hours," he scoffed, tossing the fabric along with his trousers aside as he joined her between the sheets. Without a moment's hesitation, Padmé snuggled into his chest, her fingers aimlessly trailing his scars, finding the sensation of his skin against her own captivating. It was silent for a time, Padmé on the verge of falling asleep until Vader's quiet voice kept her awake, "We've never talked of it."
"Talked about what?" She wondered sleepily, her lips pursing as she rested her chin against his chest.
"Having children," he replied quietly.
That woke her up immediately, her elbows pressing against the bed as she hoisted her up, "Vader…" she whispered, her eyes falling away from his face, "I've always wanted to make a family but-"
"I apologize, forget I said anything," he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. A frown tugged at the woman's features.
"I just think that would be better to discuss once our future is a bit more certain," she murmured, trying not to delve too deep into the ambiguity that lied before them. Vader nodded, his eyes falling shut as his arm coiled more tightly around her waist. Inching her nose into the nook of his neck, her nerves from earlier vanished sensing his cologne.
He held her tightly as his lips pressed against the top of her head, "You should sleep," Vader whispered into her hair. After a few minutes, she felt herself drift off once again finally falling into a blissful slumber.