A/N: Sorry, this took me forever to get out… I finished school then went on vacation but now I'm back! Hope you all enjoy this chapter! :Dx (Small warning: This hasn't been edited…)
Chapter 30: Home
Trekking down the halls within the military headquarters, Eryx cracked his knuckles as he entered the interrogation room. Expression void, his eyes rested upon Palo Aetos. The battered fool was slumped in a metal chair, his head hanging low – not even registering that the inquisitor had entered. Dragging out a metal chair, Eryx plopped down in front of him. Slamming his fist atop the table, Palo stirred, eyes slits – too swollen to fully open.
"What is the meaning of this? My trial should be held on Naboo," the man slurred, head swaying. "You have no right to hold me here." A wicked smile grew across Eryx's features sensing the fear from the man across from him.
"What makes you think you'll ever leave?" The inquisitor wondered leaning back in his seat. "I'm sure you understand that she not only a Naboo citizen anymore. She is part of the monarch. You're not leaving Imperial custody." His emerald eyes flickered, as he responded bluntly.
"Perhaps if I just spoke with her-" The man began to argue.
"You're never seeing her again," Eryx snarled. Trickles of rage hit the muscles in his neck, Amidala was now riddled in bruises because of this prick. "And depending on how things go, there's a chance you'll never see the outside of this cell."
"Padmé would want me to have a fair trial-"
With one violent movement, Eryx reached across the table seizing the back of the man's head, slamming him face first into the durasteel table. A scream belted from the man's lips as a distinct crack filled the hollow chamber. His set nose fracturing once again. Eryx tore the away his own seat, chucking it across the room. Just as he was about to place the fool into an invisible hold, the door to the interrogation room slid open. The inquisitor reeled back as Lord Vader entered the cell. His face was shadowed by his cowl, the death reaper himself making an appearance. Foreboding rage seeped from the Sith's signature, even sending the inquisitor on high alert. In an instant, Eryx retreated from the maimed man sputtering in his seat.
Palo's eyes widened, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears at the sight of Vader. "It was a mistake, if I can just apologize-" his banter was cut swiftly as the Sith's hand formed a claw, cutting off airflow.
"Apologize," Vader mused, effortlessly lifting the man by the throat through the Force. Palo was scrabbling at his neck, a helpless attempt of freeing himself from something he could not see. "What makes you think I would even let you near her?"
"S-She wouldn't w-want you to kill m-me!" Palo choked out. The Sith stepped forward, pulling back his hood. Sharp sulfur eyes replaced the Lord's usual honey golden gaze. His irises ever so slightly lined with amber. "P-please I can explain-" Palo groveled struggling to speak.
"There is no explanation compelling enough for me to let you live," Vader snarled cutting him off, dropping him back into his seat. "I should be fucking my wife senseless through the mattress. But here I am dealing with your pathetic excuse of an existence. You really don't have a fucking clue how much I want to kill you quick if that meant getting back to her sooner. But you don't deserve that pleasure. I might have rearranged your face a bit last night but believe me that's not even a fraction of what will happen to you here."
Palo eyes widened glancing between Eryx and Vader, "Please! I swear I don't remember what happened! I would never have hurt her! I loved her!"
Eryx's eyes narrowed, "Perhaps if you had an inkling to remain sober, none of this would have happened."
"I was! I only had two glasses of wine! I haven't touched anything harder in over a year!" Palo cried. Vader glanced to Eryx, the Sith's eyes morphing in contemplation– both knew he was telling the truth. There was no dishonesty in his signature.
"Your tox-screen says differently," the inquisitor muttered, crossing his arms over his chest before resting against the wall.
"T-That's impossible! I swear I didn't have anything stronger than wine!"
It was as if Eryx could visually see the gears turning in Lord Vader's mind. Something was not adding up. Unless… Eryx's eyes widened as did Vader's as both came to a potential conclusion. Someone had spiked his drink. 'The Emperor,' Eryx told Vader though his thoughts. The Sith's hand crunched into a fist atop the table. Within a matter of moments, Vader left the interrogation room. Palo frazzled by the Sith's sudden departure. Within a fraction of a second, the inquisitor followed Vader in tow.
"Could there be an alternative explanation?" Eryx questioned as they stepped into the desolate hall.
"With how strict security was, unlikely," Vader responded. His voice was void, the inquisitor unable to determine how the young lord thought of the matter. The previous night, Eryx had never seen Lord Vader become so worried. A swallow pressed down his throat, perhaps it was a test to see the Lord's reaction. When the thought brushed through Eryx's mind, the Sith's shoulder's tightened – gaze turning down the hall. "You sensed it then."
Eryx only nodded, knowing what the Lord was asking. A deep respire left Vader as his jaw flexed. 'Your only option is to get her off the planet, my Lord,' the inquisitor explained through his thoughts. 'Most of the star systems in the mid-rim territories are now under direct imperial rule… Her purpose is already waning.' Vader's attention shot back to him, golden eyes contemplating.
"I will deal with this," Lord Vader announced, beginning to trek down the hall.
"What of the artist?" He called after him.
Vader halted his steps, "do what you see fit."
Shifting under sheets, Padmé's eyes lugged open to find herself still in the Medical Center. A pout tugged on her expression watching a nurse checking her vitals. She was human, fair skin, blond hair, green eyes, and seemed to be at least five years older than the Senator herself. A soft grew across her features as Padmé came too. "You were out like a light there for a while," the nurse smiled, "My name is Brielle, Lady Vader. The doctor should be in shortly to visit you. She has a couple questions she'd like to ask before you're discharged." Trying to mask the nauseousness of hearing her new title, Padmé stared around the room. Vader nowhere in sight. "Lord Vader told me to inform you that he had a meeting this morning," she said quietly knowing Padmé was searching for her husband.
"Hmm, right a meeting," She muttered with a sigh before falling back into the bed.
Brielle's smile weakened a fraction, "If it makes you feel better, he seemed hesitant to leave. I believe he was hoping to return before you woke up."
Nodding slightly, Padmé resisted the urge to roll her eyes, knowing her husband had no doubt placed her into a Force induced slumber. Within a few minutes of the enduring silence, another older woman strode into the room with a delicate smile. She was beautiful, slim, tight curly black hair, pristine almond complexion, with striking blue eyes. "It is wonderful to see you are awake, Lady Vader. I'm Doctor Lillia Auclair. Our intention is only to keep you here for a few more hours. However, I noticed in your file that you have a yearly physical coming up."
Shifting upwards in the bed Padmé nodded before wondering, "Do you think I could just get that done now?"
A brilliant smile formed across the woman's expression, "That is precisely what I was just about to suggest. I also wanted to ask if you wished to continue your contraceptive injection. There are others we can give you that have a shorter duration, but the decision is yours." Padmé pressed her fingers against the palm of her opposing hand. The doctor noticed her hesitation. "You can always come back after you've had time to think about it. However, from what my chart says you are due within the week, if you wish to continue coverage."
The woman's eyes widened a fraction, not knowing that time had passed so quickly. "I'll just continue the yearly contraceptive," Padmé said quietly, her eyes adverting themselves.
"Okay," she nodded with a warm smile, "Brielle, would you go get that for me please?"
"Yes Dr. Auclair," the younger woman said swiftly with a nod before leaving the room.
A few blood tests and evaluations later, Padmé found herself once again tired as the medical droid left. Leaving her and the doctor alone once again. The woman was reading her datapad, nodding as read the results. "Overall, the tests look great. Your hemoglobin count is a little on the lower side of normal. Considering your injuries, when you get home be sure to drink plenty of fluids and take your vitamins-"
Suddenly the door slid open, Brielle standing in the entrance. "Dr. Auclair, a moment?"
The doctor's brows furrowed, a flash of confusion appearing on her features as she stood. "My apologies."
Padmé sat in silence for a time, hoping everything was alright when it had been over fifteen minutes since the doctor had left. Just about to slip off the bed to investigate, she froze hearing the door glide open. Dr. Auclair returning, her smile less bright than before.
"I am sorry about that," she breathed as a medical droid strolled in after her.
"Your contraceptive is the last item I have on the list. Is there anything else you wish to discuss?"
Padmé shook her head, only slightly peering at the droid as she felt a slight pinch of a needle go into her arm before quickly retracting. "No, I believe that is it."
"Wonderful, I will be back in a few hours to run one last diagnostic reading then, you should be all set," she smiled warily, "Please get some rest my lady."
When they finally left the medical center, it was early evening. Spectacular hues of titian, scarlet, and amber stroked the sky like a magnificent painting. With the night's darkness imminent, Padmé found herself sitting idly in the passenger's seat of Vader's speeder. Head resting against the window, her eyes lingered down on the city below tracing the other speeders. With her hand gently folded across her lap, he flew them home. They hadn't said a word to each other the entire flight. A frown tugged at her lips, the silence was comfortable but, it almost seemed that more needed to be said between them.
Vader had spent the night with her, but she fell asleep early – they barely had time to talk. A small respire left her nose as relief touched her mind, at least they were going home. They had only been away for less than a week and she missed it. Padmé glanced to Vader, his left hand on the yoke, his other on the shifter. He was rested back in his seat, eyes locked beyond the windshield. With a small pout, Padmé reached for his hand atop the shifter, his whole body tensing when she fiddled with the leather of his glove.
"Never seen you fly so slow, I'm getting bored," she teased with a giggle. It was incredible how quickly his expression shifted, a small tugging at his lips while his eyes brightened. His eyes flashed to her tauntingly as his hand slipped from hers to the gearshift. On a dime, she was launched back in her seat, her heart hiccupping as he effortlessly weaved through traffic at high speed. Padmé had grown accustomed to how effortless it was for him. Second nature. The Force bestowed him with impeccable reflexes, she could hardly wrap her mind around his maneuvering. While Vader on the other hand was hardly paying attention – his eyes locked on her trilled reaction.
They arrived at Vader's establishments in a fraction of the time that it would have taken them if they had kept going the same speed. Padmé dipped her head, hiding the blush and smile that hummed her cheeks as Vader helped her from his speeder. When her attention fell upon the veranda, her family and handmaidens were all seated waiting for them to return. Nervousness crawled on the surface of her skin, not really prepared for the number of guests. She was only donned in a simple navy dress, her wavy hair that had yet to be washed was twirled into a sloppy bun at the top of her head.
Innately, she inched closer to Vader – partly hiding behind his arm as their attentiveness fell on her.
"Padmé I am so sorry! I never meant-" Her sister began, unshed tears glistening in her eyes.
"I know you didn't. It's not your fault," Padmé muttered softly. Vader snaked an arm around her waist, pulling her close. Swiftly finding her temple against his chest, she took in the scent of his cologne. Feeling safe in his arms. "I've had a long past couple of days," she continued quietly. "I know all of you must be eager to speak with me, but I am quite fatigued. As such, I believe its best if I retire early tonight."
Shoulders falling, she listened to their understandings – thankful that no questions would be asked of her tonight. Vader didn't utter a word as he began escorting into the atrium and towards the lift. Once the doors slid quietly closed, Padmé didn't hesitated to turn in the Sith's grasp to crush their lips together. Within a matter of moments, her back was pressed against the glass. Leather-clad hands gently easing up her gown before hoisting her in his arms. Hearing the lift chime, wordlessly, Vader swooped her into a bridal carry. Her cheeks flushed feeling his nose nuzzle her hair as he carried them towards his chambers.
"Under other circumstances, I would have brought my you elsewhere," Vader announced clearing his throat as he placed her gently on the bed. Her eyes blinked, wrapping her mind around the number of beautiful bouquets spanning the entire room. It was an interesting sight to see his chambers so vibrant, never did she ever believe she'd see it such a way.
"What do you mean?" She wondered, as he sat down on the edge of the mattress.
A slight smile crossed his features, "I wouldn't have wanted to stay in this system after the reception. If things were different, we could have gone anywhere you wanted." He clarified, standing from his place. She could only watch as his leather-clad fingers pinched a petal of one of the millaflowers.
A small forlorn laugh left her lips as she rested back against the pillows, "With our schedules?"
His eyes fell back to hers, "About that," he reluctantly muttered, "I return to the Executor later this month. I wanted to wait to tell you, especially after what happened- but I know you'd prefer to be aware."
"How long?" She wondered, hesitant to know the answer.
"I don't know," he uttered vaguely, distant. "A while." Padmé nodded slowly, her fingers slipping against the fabric of the mattress. "I will see you for the week of your birthday-"
"But beyond that you don't know," she finished for him. Falling back against the pillows, Padmé's eyes lingered on the ceiling.
"Padmé…" Vader whispered; his voice too soft for her ears to bear.
"It's alright, what did we think?" She dejectedly laughed, "We live two very different lives."
The Sith tensed turning towards her slowly, "There are ways that can change," he said reluctantly. His fingers slipped from the petal as he slowly drew closer. A frown tugged at the woman's lips.
"What do you mean? She wondered, straightening her posture.
"Become my liaison," he rationalized, turning towards her, "you could be free to travel, help people, and… be with me." He replied sitting back down beside her once again.
Her brows furrowed, "My senatorial position?"
A sigh fell from the Sith's lips as he raked a hand though his tresses, "You must know that the power the Senate once held is no more. That one day it will be dissolved. Your experience is more valuable elsewhere. If you were to negotiate peace agreements with the remaining systems that are still neutral or in conflict with the Empire, perhaps there could be less bloodshed."
Padmé shook her head, "I- I can't help you expand this abomination," she all but sneered, rising from her place. "You can't ask me to do that."
"You may not have any other choice in the future," he reasoned, the strain in his voice drew back her gaze. "You're holding onto something that is no longer relevant. I want you to be able to do good Padmé. Your talents are wasted on this planet and in the Senate."
Attention falling to the floor as she rested against the window. When she found her gaze lingering upwards towards the skyline, tears pricked at her eyes. "I can't do that," she affirmed, "I won't help him subjugate one more system."
"So, you choose to stay here and let your voice die." There was no question in Vader's words as he rose from the bed, folding his arms behind his back. "Your hope for a new republic is misplaced." Her nerves churned hearing him comment on the thoughts at the forefront of her mind.
Grinding her teeth together Padmé inched closer to the window, "The belief and hope I hold will never be lost."
"Enough of this," Vader snapped, the brutality in his voice shot the hairs on the back of her neck straight. "I am giving you a choice," he hissed, his presence much closer than before. "Stay on Coruscant under strict guard and limited communication capability or accompany me. Forget what foolish hope you have of accomplishing anything here. The Emperor will never allow motionsto occur that oppose his objectives. You know this to be true."
"I still have obligations to the Senate," she numbly muttered.
"Then take three months to finalize and complete what you must."
"After that… I go where you go," she murmured, her attention lingering on the balcony. Padmé couldn't help but think about the way her life would end up. She knew that it would be hard for her to be away from him. The week he'd left for Athiss was evidence of that. Yet, she could only imagine how trapped she'd feel stowed away on his ship.
"Not always," he hesitantly revealed. Her attention seeped towards him, not quite sure if she'd heard him properly. But when he continued, she knew she'd heard correctly. "You will go to the systems where you are needed. Under many circumstances, you will have the freedom to travel and conduct yourself as you wish… As long as you remain loyal to the Empire." He paused a moment. "You must know that my mere presence is more hostile than many negotiations require."
"You're saying I'll be going to systems on my own?"
"Yes," he nodded, "Where you will be needed and where I will be needed are going to be different at times. You'd have your own destroyer… You wouldn't always need to be on the Executor."
Padmé's eyes widened a fraction, "W-What?"
"This was the only way I could justify giving you more freedom, Padmé. Please take it," he whispered. Eyes imploring. Pressing her fingers against her palm, she contemplated what he was offering. Having the amount of freedom, he described, was a gift. Although, she couldn't promise that she could remain loyal… In that moment, she found it horribly difficult not to delve deep into how that freedom could be used for her own agenda.
"If your allegiance so much as deviates a minute fraction. You will be sent back here where you will be held under highly restricted communication privileges, and you will not be allowed to step foot from these establishments without my approval."
Her eyes shot back to him, there was only certainty and warning in his gaze. "I would become your prisoner-"
"What else would you have me do? You would be a traitor. It is either that or-"
"Or you'd have me killed," she snapped, cutting him off.
"It wouldn't be me that gives the order," he seethed. A scoffed left him as he shook his head, "Padmé, I would prefer none of that happen. I want this to be easier for you-"
"No! This is just the Emperor dangling a kriffing carrot in my face! Just hoping I'll attempt to take a bite!"
Vader reeled back, "What? This has nothing to do with him. This was my idea. My…"
"Your what?!"
"My hope for us to work together!" He shot back, "Why can't you see the potential?"
"Potential? What - to make you stronger?!"
Vader's eyes grew wide, "To make us stronger," he corrected with a hiss.
Padmé pinched the bridge of her nose, "I need time to think about this," she muttered, gaze dropping to his boots. Tender pads of leather gently rose her chin. Her eyes resisted meeting Vader's golden gaze.
"Please look at me." The adoring nature in Vader's plea rattled her composure, she had no other choice but to look at him. "I shouldn't have brought this to your attention tonight. It was selfish of me. I-"
Padmé shook her head, cutting him off with a heavy kiss. She didn't want to talk anymore nor hear him explain himself. Clutching his locks, she was the selfish one. There wasn't anything that could be said that would stitch her conscience about the future. She knew the distraction of feeling him caress her body would drown out every worry. Padmé needed that. With his lips molding against her own, Vader ushered her back against the window with a gentle thud. With a whisper of fabric, her dress fluttered to marble. Vader inched away, his gaze hollowing as it fell to the molted indigo skin of her abdomen.
"I should shower," Padmé said quietly, twining her arms around her stomach - suddenly self-conscious. Picking up the sound of running water, she knew Vader had switched on the shower. In a blur, she found herself cradled in his arms, curled against his chest as he brought her into the other room. Gently placing her on marble, Padmé watched the water pelt to the stone floor. When she heard him begin to walk away, her heart trembled. "Wait! D-Don't you want to join me?" she called to him. Covering her chest, a slight blush touched her cheeks – she hadn't meant to reject him… Only that she needed to clean, she hadn't bathed since before the wedding.
"I will join you in a moment," he said quietly, slipping back into the bedroom. Padmé begrudgingly ripped off her undergarments before stepping under the water. The tenderness of the warmth was enough to loosen her body. Trying to ease her mind, she let her thoughts silence, thinking of nothing else but the quiet hiss and feeling against her skin. The patter of footsteps behind her drew her attention.
Goosebumps rose like teeny hills across her skin as cool metal trickled down her spine. The juxtaposition of the humming heat and Vader's touch was enough to muddle her into nonsense. Head dipping back, a pair of arms slipped around her comfortingly ushering her into a tender hold. A click around her wrist drew her attention, eyes falling to a rhodium bracelet locked against the skin just above her scar. It was weightless, yet it was taught like a loose binder. She couldn't analyze it a moment longer when hot breath reached her ear. A pair of lips not sparing a moment to begin pressing heavy kisses against the skin below her ear. Her knees buckled while hands spanned her body. Her senses flooded by the kneading of her breasts while invisible touch riveted the rest of her effortlessly.
Whatever pain remaining from her injuries vanished, the molted, fresh bruises fading as Vader's lips moved down her neck. Padmé had never felt so flush in her entire life, her skin like rivers of unearthed magma. She wanted to curse from the pleasure, yet the breath had left her lungs. Her body all but collapsing into the man behind her as he stimulated every cell in her body. "V-Vader," Padmé gasped, helpless against his touch. He'd never done this to her before, she would have climaxed right there he didn't recede. The lips against her skin formed into a smile. He didn't give her time to regain her bearings as he effortlessly plucked her up into his arms. The sweet aroma of flowers, dim lighting of candles spanning the entirety of his chambers. She couldn't help but glance up to him, "Since when did you become a romantic?" Padmé giggled quietly.
"Technically I didn't," he sheepishly admitted, "Threepio and your sister may have had some input." Even within the sparse lighting, a blush had formed across the Sith's features.
Padmé couldn't help but smile as she reached out for him. Her hand twirling around his neck, toying with the locks at the base of his neck to pull him into a kiss. It was passionate, innocent – the connection they shared humming and fluctuating like small yet dynamic delicate waves. Even when he moved above her, his hands settling on her waist, his presence wasn't dominating as it usually was. He was careful, tender. It almost made her believe that he was waiting for her to succumb to indulgence first. Their lips moved in sync, the heat between them simmering. Padmé pulled away slightly, her heart pounding with a sudden urge to admit what she had concluded the previous day.
Vader's nose brushed against hers, recognizing her conflict. "What's wrong?" He sought in a whisper, nudging her cheek before placing a fragile kiss on her pulse.
A swallow pressed down her throat, her nerves twisting as he pulled back – his golden eyes yearning into her own. "I love you," she managed to say, the sheer honesty behind the three words stronger than she could ever imagine. Vader lurched back an inch, his eyes widening a fraction, his hands slipping to either side of her on the bed. When his lips parted Padmé found her thoughts scrambling. "I know you may never feel the same way. I-I- mean you don't have to say anything-" she began to ramble, that was until she was cut off by his lips against hers once again. He was more forceful than before. She could feel his smile as he hoisted her further onto the bed.
As they kissed, Padmé wanted to believe that his reaction was the admission of his own feelings. She was unsure whether he would ever say it back. However, the dream that they shared gave her deranged hope. In that dream he did reveal that he loved her. However, was that truly love? Or was it a mistaken declaration backed by only lust and possession. Shoving the thoughts away, Padmé focused on his lips as they wondered away to trail down her clavicle, coasting further to her sternum. Her once wounded flesh was no more, the skin pristine as his teeth gently tugged at her flesh.
Warmth encapsulated her, invisible hands returning, their ministrations sending her senses ablaze. She was wrapped in a cloud of him. Unhindered moans escaping as he influenced each of her cells. "Vader I-" Padmé gasped, he hadn't even physically touched her core and she could feel herself unraveling. Her back arching as he guided her legs over his shoulders. The heat of his breath against her sensitive skin sent her to the brink, suddenly the invisible feeling was gone – dragging her away from the edge once again as Vader's mouth enticed her sensually. She couldn't help but tug at his locks, her legs locking him in place as she became desperate for release. However, he took his time – adoring her as she whined his name. His lips glided, feeling her own gloss against the skin of her inner thigh as he continued planting kisses.
With pleading eyes, she watched him plant one final kiss on her toes. His flesh hand massaging her sole as he brought it to his cheek. When his eyelids drew back open, her heart fluttered at the sight of two beautiful oceans. Padmé could never get over how beautiful he was when he showed his true eye color. He reminded her of ancient heroes, a god even. Visually, she couldn't recall anyone being so perfect. Every inch of him was chiseled and strengthened to perfection, his skin divine even with the scars. For her, it was hard to believe he was still human at times. The only humanity he ever showed were the flaws in his personality, the flaws that seeped out when he was wounded or cross.
A small smile formed on his lips as he pressed a kiss on the top of her foot once again, "I can remember a time where you believed me to be a grizzly old man," he mused, the wit in his tone mischievous.
"I admit, I did imagine you being an aging pervert," she sighed falling back against the pillows.
He crawled above her, straddling her hips as his lips ghosted over her own, "Well at least I was a pleasant surprise for you." When he kissed her softly, Padmé didn't hesitate to intensify the heat between them, her teeth nipping his lip – tugging it to get the reaction she wanted. Vader regained control swiftly, conquering as his hands clasped the top of her ribcage ushering her further up the bed. When his knees shoved between her legs, the sensation of his throbbing member brushing against the slick of her core sent shivers down her spine. A moan falling from her lips. Padmé had become tired of waiting, she needed him. She had needed him for the past several days. With one powerful thrust, Vader was fully sheathed – the broken gasp and his low moan the only sounds filling the room.
When he didn't move, she whined, "Vader, I'm tired of this. Please… I need you," she begged, hands tangling into his tresses as his dark azure eyes stared down at her. Hands intertwining with her own, his thrusts were slow, sensual – their eyes never leaving one another. His face would twist in pleasure ever so often, his low moans in harmony with her bleats. Deep passion fluxed between them, nothing else seeming to exist. She could only describe the moment as beautiful. The moments were everything she could ever want as invisible hands and warmth tangled around her body once again. Her expression contorted from the pleasure, tears leaking from her shimmering eyes as he brought her to the edge of oblivion before allowing her release. The pleasure more consuming than anything she had felt with him in the past. With a loud cry, she captured Vader's lips – his arms entwining around her tightly.
The glow only wavered a fraction until it began climbing once again like a massive wave approaching the shore. Vader's thrusts never faltering, only intensifying to bring her to pleasure once again. She couldn't tell how many times she'd lost herself – Vader's slow passionate ministrations gaining more vigor to keep sating her into senselessness. His presence was the oxygen to her fire. At the expense of his own release, he gave her everything until she was spent. Padmé was almost comatose in the pleasure as she felt him finally release, gorging her before slowly shifting himself away. A small moan escaped her feeling him leave, her inner thighs spent – her lower body putty. She could hardly move, her fingers finally releasing the sheets as Vader left the bed for a moment. Padmé could feel herself drift off to the fragrance of flowers. The sensation of the comforter cloaking her softly was the last thing she felt before drifting off into blissful slumber.
"Where are you going?" A drowsy angelic voice broke him from thought, his hand freezing over the last buckle of his glove.
"Work," Vader replied, even though his reply was concise, it carried a soft tenor. "I will be back by early evening." He would much rather spend the rest of the day with her in bed.
"Shit," the Senator sprung out of bed, "What time is it?" She fretted tossing the comforter away. With a small patter, her toes hit the floor. Confused, Vader gawked at her movements, watching as she hauled a robe over her small shoulders only to squeak glancing at the chrono. "Ugh! Why didn't you tell me it was so late!" She fussed rushing out the door towards her chambers. The Sith stood there dumbfounded a moment, knowing it was only five in the morning. Gathering himself, he trailed after. His shoulder resting against the archway of her chambers, only able to observe as she frantically dragged clothes from her closet. Now true confusion racked his mind.
"I figured you should sleep in… You are on leave till next week," he reasoned, only able to observe the panicked woman scamper about the room. Her curly mane wild, chocolate eyes frazzled. His mouth became dry noticing the deep bruises painted across her inner thighs from the previous night. Cock twitching at the sight before yanking his attention back to her face.
"I need to get down there before my parents do."
A wearily smile tugged at Vader's lips, "Why?"
"Because I just don't need my parents interrogating Threepio, ugh… I barely spoke to them last night."
"Threepio knows what to disclose and what not to," Vader assured her, Padmé's head shot up, her eyes sharing doubt.
"He tends to share more than necessary at times."
"To you or me, yes, but he knows not to divulge personal matters with others. It is alright if you rest Padmé. He will be fine." Hearing his confidence, the woman sighed plopping onto the bed with a frown.
"You sure?" She pressed again, eyes searching his for reassurance.
"Yes. Also, you should try to enjoy yourself while they are here… Sometimes I wonder if you are more concerned about their judgement than you are about spending time with them. They are just happy to see you Padmé."
"I just don't want them prodding," she whispered.
"Prodding about what? They questioned you for hours before the wedding. What more could they have to ask?" Vader shook his head, knowing that question wasn't the point he was trying to make. "Enjoy your time with them angel. Don't look at them as being another obligation on your calendar." Padmé stared at him with puzzled eyes. A strained sigh left his lips, "You don't need to script yourself, that is what I am trying to convey."
"So, what do you suppose I do for the next week while they are here?" She wondered with a frown.
"Whatever you would like," He half-chuckled, not sure how to respond. "I already ordered Njord and Aker to accompany you wherever you wish to go." He explained, purposely leaving out the detail she would also have a unit of troopers in addition to his inquisitors. Watching her brows furrow, with a huff she tugged the comforter from the bed. Pillows spilling off the mattress as she began to drag the heavy thing past him and back to his chambers. He stood there, gaze trailing slowly after. He felt his feet move back to his room only to see that she had buried herself in a pile of blankets. Even one of his cloaks had been stolen from the sofa to create the mountain.
Her head popped out from the heap, "I thought you said you had work," She muttered, head collapsing atop a pillow.
"Yes," he nodded clearing his throat. Vader had never seen someone pile so many blankets in such a short amount of time. Better yet he had never seen anything like it, ever. "Won't you get hot under there?" He wondered, hoping she wouldn't catch on to his utter confusion. He couldn't understand why she would have decided to do such a thing.
"Maybe," she shrugged, her head pulling back into the blankets – disappearing form his sight. As he watched the blankets shift with her wriggles, Vader had to admit it looked soft. Biting his lip, he reached for the stack of blankets, brows furrowing as he dug trying to find his wife buried within the fabric. Her head poked out again. "What are you doing?"
"I could ask you the same question," He chuckled.
"Going back to sleep. It is still dark outside."
His eyes glanced to the panoramic window, before gawking at the mound of blankets. He needed to be at the headquarters for a meeting within the next hour. His thoughts tangled around the idea of canceling it or perhaps sending Eryx in his place. Stepping away, Vader slipped his commlink from his robes – sending a message to the inquisitor to attend the meeting. Without even a second thought, he began loosening his robes. Kicking off his boots, the woman appeared out from beneath the covers once again.
"You're staying?" She wondered with a frown. Sliding himself under the blankets, he absentmindedly nodded, hands gripping her hips as his lips captured hers. He quickly found himself above her, hands caressing every inch of her body. Tranquility washed over him, calloused palm brushing over the untarnished skin of her stomach before his eyes darkened on the bruises on her inner thighs. He was the only one allowed to mark her. Vader had no qualms staring at her tarnished skin knowing she had acquired the bruises during pleasure. "Vader," she whined as his cold metal fingers gripped her hipbone, "You're freezing," she squeaked with a giggle. Fuck, he could have died a happy man right there hearing her playfulness.
"You left me out there," he drawled into the crook of her neck. It was the truth, her skin was warm, scorching under his touch.
"If I had known you were staying, I might have invited you," she taunted.
"Might have?" He repeated lowly, his mouth glided to below her ear, molding kisses of fire against the sensitive skin. Coasting his cold metal fingers from her hips, she gasped when they brushed against her erogenous nub. As she squealed, a sigh fell from his lips, his eyes flickering amber as she lay bare beneath him. Only a flimsy silk robe tied loosely between them. "You would have left me out there even if I'd intended on staying?"
"I don't know," she hummed, "Perhaps you should show me why you decided to stay."
A gasp escaped her lips when two of his cold fingers split into her, his thumb brushing over her numb mischievously. Watching her face contort in pleasure was something that would sate him for a lifetime – nothing ever coming close to the gratification. Coaxing her greedily, a smirk fell upon his features feeling her toes flex and glide against his legs, her back arching as he brought her to the pinnacle of pleasure.
"Oh moons," she cried, nails digging into his skin. His eyes darkened feeling her quake beneath him.
Ravenously capturing her lips, Vader ripped his fingers away. Never hesitating to bury himself inside her. A scream scorching his ears as he tore her open, not giving her a moment to adjust. He could have fucked her all day if she'd allow it. The mountain of blankets tumbled away with each of his thrusts, his skin burning and slick with sweat just from the intense heat. When her eyes fluttered closed, his hand snaked to her neck – coiling around the tender flesh with a warning. "Eyes on me when you cum." He ordered, pounding relentlessly against the spot that would force her to see stars. She nodded, breathless, eyes wavering as her lip caught between her teeth. Nails biting at his shoulders, he could have cum feeling her tighten, spasming around him. He thrust through her climax, two was not good enough for him.
"My Lord," she drawled the moan as his hand reached for the headboard.
Vader almost lost it hearing her say those two words, "Fuck," he cursed, his own expression faltering. Burying his face into the crook of her neck, his steel grip rushed to crush her hips against his as he struggled to contain himself. Though all the pleasure, a disturbance through the Force snagged his attention, panting, his hand reached out for the door keeping it shut as someone attempted to open it. The Senator's eyes flashed with worry. His teeth gritted. Invisible touch quickly disabled the override controls. He could sense who was on the other side – 3PO.
"Vader-"
"Don't worry about it," he moaned, thrusting sharply – her head falling back into the pillows. All too happy to forget about everything else. Feeling her tighten around him, he allowed himself release, his thrusts faltering as she sighed his name. He lost it, his arms collapsing around her tightly as he came with a groan of her name. Tangled in each other, Vader watched Padmé's eyes glance to the floor at the pile of blankets that had fallen. A relieved smile forming on her features as she rested back, hand gently raking his locks. A knock at the door drew both of their attention's. Eyes darting, Vader's neck cracked, agitation growing as he gently bestowed a kiss on her lips before slipping away. Her expression shifted as he left, a pout forming.
"Who is it?"
With a roll of his eyes, Vader pressed himself off the bed, "Who do you think?" He muttered, slipping on his boxers before reengaging the door controls. "What?" Vader snapped seeing 3PO on the other side.
"My lord, Eryx is here – I tried to explain to him that you were otherwise engaged but-"
Vader's brows knotted, "What?"
"He says it is pertinent that he speaks with you."
Rolling his neck, Vader grabbed his robes and tunic. "I'll be down in a few minutes."
"Understood my Lord, my apologies…" 3PO nodded waddling away as the door shut.
"What's going on," Padmé wondered, tugging the robe back over her shoulders.
"Nothing, I just need to go see what he has to say…"
"Maybe you should just go to the meeting if it's that important," she frowned.
Vader racked through the topics in his mind, "Nothing of much importance will be mentioned," must be something else, he concluded.
Within five minutes, Vader was out on the terrace, Eryx waiting idly with his hands folded behind his back. "Mind explaining why the hell you are here and it's not even dawn?" Vader snarled as the door slammed behind him.
"Apologies my Lord, I figured what I had to say would be better done in person."
Vader scowled, "Get on with it then."
"Sobek ran into a couple setbacks," he explained vaguely, "It might take him longer than we had initially anticipated to find that jeweler. By all accounts he is currently on Notak."
An agitated sigh escaped Vader's lips. The planet's magnetic field scuttled monitor and navigation systems. "It will take weeks to find him there."
"Precisely," Eryx nodded curtly.
"Keep-" Vader cut himself off feeling Padmé's presence approaching. When the door slowly swept open, both of their attentions were already fixed upon her. His eyes softened noticing she had borrowed an undershirt and a pair of his sleep pants. Far too large that she'd rolled the cuffs of the shirt beyond her hands, the same with his pants. She hadn't fixed her hair, mane wilder than when she first woke up. New marks inked the skin of her neck; three weeks was too long for him not to relish at the sight.
"I didn't mean to interrupt," Padmé said meekly handing him a device, "But your commlink." She swiftly wondered back inside. Vader caught how Eryx stared, his eyes never leaving her as she began rummaging around the kitchen.
"Seems she's feeling better," Eryx noted, quickly adverting his eyes to the city realizing he'd been staring for too long.
"Indeed," Vader succinctly muttered. "Is there anything else?"
"Before Sobek enters the atmosphere he wanted confirmation that he was meant to perform the interrogation. Once he is there, it will be impossible for communication." The inquisitor cleared his throat, emerald eyes suddenly seeming unfocused on the topic.
"He is capable of performing it himself."
"Understood, my Lord. I will make my leave then," he nodded, turning sharply on his heel back down the terrace towards the veranda.
Hearing the door slide back open, Vader's eyes flashed to his wife resting against the frame, "Do you want to help with breakfast?" She wondered. A frown tugged at her lips, "What's wrong?"
Vader eyed the man trekking away, "He's distracted," he muttered strolling past her back inside.
Padmé remained silent as she followed, her nails clinking against marble as she tapped her finger, "I guess that's not a good thing."
"No," it's not. He had hoped that allowing him some freedom with her would sate him. Yet Eryx's mind was still a torrent. Even if he tried to mask it, Vader could sense the turbulence in his signature. He was caught in the vortex of the way Padmé made him feel. The Sith had never sensed Eryx demonstrate any feelings. Let alone ones that described care. The relief that washed over him knowing his wife was unharmed and healthy unnerved Vader's possessive nature. He forcedhimself to allow him to have a piece of her that night. If it weren't for Padmé's desire of him, he would have never allowed Eryx within a few meters of her. Perhaps he had made a mistake allowing such an act.
"Well," Padmé piped up, "We have a little under an hour before my parents wake up. I'm sure Threepio can teach us how to cook something before then." She waltzed past him towards the pantry. A moment later, 3PO wondered in. Ecstatic that she wanted to help.
Vader watched the situation unfold before him, Padmé's angelic laughter reminded him of harmonious bells as she dragged flour from the cabinet. Everything seemed so natural with her. The smile she carried, the way she moved around – bare feet stretching off the floor to gather something from the upper cabinet. Vader's brows furrowed watching her struggle, her bottom lip slipping between her perfect teeth as she concentrated. Without even realizing he stepped forward, Vader effortlessly grabbed the bowl handing it to her blindly. With a warm smile, she thanked him, setting it on the counter for 3PO. After she'd turned to watch the golden droid, Vader couldn't help wrapping his arms around her gently. His nose nestling into the top of her head. She smelled of honeysuckle and lilac, the addictive fragrance enticing every piece of him.
"Vader! I don't want your robes getting covered in flour," she giggled, squirming in his arms. For the first time in his entire life, he became vexed hearing his Sith name. He didn't want her calling him by the title when they were acting this way. Though, she now carried that name as well… 'Vader' was who she had married. His jaw flexed as he pulled away, trekking around the island away from her. He heard her call after as he left towards the sitting room, though he kept moving. He needed to distance himself; he couldn't allow himself to make the mistakes he'd made in the past. "Vader," he heard that name again from her lips as she followed. A frown now tugging at her lips as she stood demurely in the archway. "I didn't mean to upset you."
The young Lord sighed, a taught smile crossing his features, "You didn't."
She pouted, "Then why did you leave?"
His eyes drew towards the window. Witnessing the sun peak above the horizon. Warm hues of red and orange peeking into the room. "I have a lot on my mind," he admitted his gaze returning on her.
"If this is about last night or Eryx, I-"
He shook his head, "It's not."
Padmé nodded once, back resting against the wall beside the archway. "Do you want to talk about it?" Vader noticed her absent-mindedly brush her fingers across the healing linear scar on her wrist. He felt the overwhelming desire to share his real name with her. The desire so great that he had to turn away before shaking his head.
"No," he tersely answered, voice harsher than he'd intended. His heart pounded feeling the dejection in her signature.
"O-okay," she whispered, he could tell she was crestfallen even in her tone. Utilizing a tremendous amount of self-discipline, he didn't stop her from leaving. Standing in painful silence listening her return to the kitchen. Finding his way back onto the terrace, the cool morning air hit his lungs. Resting against the balustrade, he bowed his head – burying them within his hands.
What am I doing? He asked himself, head suddenly throbbing. Being with her felt natural, he felt whole. Never had felt such a way in his entire life, never was it a feeling he ever thought possible for someone like him. He cursed silently, wishing perhaps that he had just attended the meeting. Being away from her allowed him focus. Allowed him to contemplate more pressing matters. Sobek needed to find locate the planet harboring the Rebellion. Vader needed to put an end to the insurgence. He would gain respect, status, and perhaps even loyalty of the Moff's that still doubted him. Since the gala on Naboo, he realized that many of the Moff's who did not know his age silently questioned him more than before. His agitation spiking hearing them hesitate before accepting his directive.
His appearance was a double-edged sword. He had gained interest, amiability from the people but at the same time gained doubt in the military hierarchy. Vader knew the latter was Sidious' goal. The old man had no doubt realized where most of the Moff's hung their blind loyalty. However, now they were less blind. Some trusting his Master's age over Vader's accrued rapport.
The young Lord had been the one to orchestrate many of the significant battles during the Clone Wars. Secretly tugging on the strings of both the Galactic Republic and Separatist Alliance - composing a perfect, believable war. Even if some battles did not go as planned, Vader always managed to ensure the appropriate victor. Prolonging the fractioning of democracy, assuring the ascendance of the Sith. Even though he had never seen Padmé Amidala until the final days of the war. He could recall hearing the distaste of her political ideologies throughout the hierarchy. The Sith shook his head; he had even signed off on two of her assassination attempts. Recognizing that she was a nuisance and hinderance to progress. However, after two failed efforts, Sidious abandoned the idea. A scowl tugged at the Sith's expression that moment. At the time, Vader never understood why his Master decided against ending her life. He must have seen promise in keeping her alive.
Now here she was, married to him. Baking in their kitchen with 3PO as if the past several years never happened. Something else bothered Vader, his master's words on Naboo still fresh in his ears. 'Your anger has been diluted.' The more he recognized his own emotions, the more he realized his Master's observation was the truth. Logistically, Vader had been responsible for the least number of deaths over the past three months in six years. As morbid as it sounded, Vader liked killing. Enjoyed the fear of those who were backed into a corner, not able to accept their fate before death. Death was also a simple way of removing obstacles. While the death of innocents was an easy way of luring larger prey from the shadows.
Eyes lingering on his onyx glove, his hand formed a fist. He missed war. The adrenalin of a good hunt was mouthwatering. Once he found the Rebellion, Vader would also find Kenobi. The Sith Lord had slaughtered countless Jedi. But the thought of Kenobi's flesh burning at the end of his lightsaber caused the monster that had been laying dormant to surface. Golden eyes twisting amber.
The violent color in his gaze faded as he thought of a more pressing matter. The brief discussion he'd had with Eryx the previous day still fresh in his mind. Vader needed Padmé off Imperial Center. That was the ulterior motive as to why Vader had offered her the option of joining him. His jaw clenched; Sidious had been testing him the night of their wedding. Testing if Vader showed compassion for her. It was undeniable that he had. The sheer unguarded worry that he demonstrated was a weakness. How Sidious intended to use this weakness was unknown. Eryx was correct regarding the certainty that she was no longer safe at the Capital. However, Vader found the Force urging him to believe that it is not Sidious' intention to have Vader kill her. There was something else he was planning… something else more discrete and enduring.