A/N: Ahhh! 500 reviews everyone! Thank you all so much for reviewing! I absolutely love reading everyone's thoughts! I also want to say thank you to everyone who has favorited/followed this story. It is hard to believe I've been working on it for over a year and a half now. I'm so sorry it took me this long to publish this chapter and that I haven't fully proofed it. I rewrote a bunch of parts and am still fiddling with the timeline for the next few chapters. Still, hope you all enjoy! :Dx

Chapter 31: The Quiet

Resting against bark, Obi-wan gnawed on his ration bar as his eyes lingered on Ahsoka's data pad. The union of Amidala and Vader had permeated every frequency on the HoloNet. He saw her face everywhere; the news was flooded - everything else seemingly not as important. The Jedi's heart twisted every time he saw the images of her and Vader together. For someone who wasn't aware of a Sith's true nature, the moving pictures depicted a stunning - perfect couple. Padmé looked divine, pristine porcelain skin on display while her counterpart was young, handsome - smile charming. However, Obi-wan could see the obsession in Vader's eyes. Monsters came in many forms; it seemed that Darth could hide his truth quite easily.

"He's younger than I figured," the adolescent Jedi frowned, "I wonder why Sidious places so much trust into someone so young?"

"Sidious does not trust him Ahsoka… He controls him. There is a difference." Obi-wan explained rolling the ration wrapper in his hand.

"What about Senator Amidala? I mean I only met her a few times before the fall of the Republic, she isn't someone who I felt could be easily controlled," Ahsoka argued back, her brows furrowing.

"Fear is a great motivator."

"She almost looks happy though, doesn't she?" Obi-wan stared at the images again, the emotion behind the woman's eyes was not a lie. She did seem to be happy and so did Vader.

"Many of the people I've spoken with believe she's changed her agenda… They call her a traitor Obi-wan…"

"She is doing what she must to survive. Who have you heard that from?"

"Commanders Hood and Elaskon, along with the members of their units. They believe she has turned her back on the cause-"

"She is not a traitor Ahsoka!" The knight snapped, "You have sensed Vader's presence in battle - you know how powerful he is."

"I know you said that to acquire power, the Sith manipulate others - is it possible for him to brainwash someone entirely so easily? I mean Senator Amidala has a strong mind - I can't imagine that it was easy for him."

"It wasn't easy. What you see now probably took him years to achieve."

Ahsoka bright eyes dimmed a fraction, "Darth Sidious manipulated the people through events, circumstances… I just don't see how Vader could have possibly done the same to the Senator."

"He didn't. You know the feeling when someone even brushes against your mental barriers. Those who are not force sensitive are unable. They can feel deep intrusions, however minor ones remain unnoticed."

"He has been making small changes to her mental barriers for years - small enough for her not to know."

"Precisely," Obi-wan frowned.

"We have to do something, Master. I mean we can't just leave her with him. She is no more than his puppet. Think about the number of systems that will believe the Empire is moral due to her affiliation."

"He keeps her under strict guard, has direct access to her signature and can locate her star systems away. It would be too dangerous for us to rescue her now. Bringing her back here would put us all at risk."

"Do you believe Master Yoda could break the hold he has?"

"Perhaps." Obi-wan nodded, gaze lingering on the canopy above. Breaking the bond that Vader had created was only the beginning of what would need to be done. She would no doubt feel inconsolable for a time - lost, herself broken. Vader had certainly made her presence dependent upon his, only time away from the Sith would allow those wounds to mend.

"What more is there, Master?"

"It would be traumatic for her if we were to rip her away like that," Obi-wan explained quietly.

The young Jedi shook her head, "We would be helping her-"

"Yes, and she may understand that, but it would be exceedingly hard for her to be away from him. Even with the bond broken, the damage to her barriers would remain. It is not the Jedi way to everlastingly augment someone's mental state in a selfish manner. I wouldn't be able to mend them for her… only she has the power to do that."

"So, it would take time for her to become herself again…"

"She may never return to who she once was," the despair in the man's voice was evident as he stood from his place.

"Why would he do that to her…. make her completely dependent upon him? Isn't it against the teachings of the Sith to generate bonds of that nature?"

"Her reputation throughout the galaxy is monumental," Obi-wan declared just above a whisper, "During her time as Queen, she was a courageous, gracious, and powerful ruler. Many planets who were hesitant to join the Empire may reconsider their position if she is in line to rule beside Vader. He no doubt understands that."

"He'd use the people's loyalty for her to exploit them," Ashoka murmured, her eyes losing their luster as she realized the rebellion's predicament.

"That is almost certainly his plan… If she still has any resistance against him, she no doubt realizes his motive." Obi-wan's eyes hammered shut, if her resilience has waned it may only take a couple years, at most, for the remaining neutral systems to side with the Empire. That timeline sliced in half if Vader decides he is powerful enough to overthrow his Master…

Padmé gently moaned awake with lips trailing down her neck as a warm metal hand scaled her body, legs brushing against her own. She smiled as the arm rolled her to rest on her back, hair tickling the skin of her breasts as a warm mouth sucked on the pebble of her nipple. A soft sigh escaped her as her hands raked and pulled at soft locks of her lover and -now- husbands hair.

It had been two months since their wedding, over a month since she'd seen Vader until he'd come home the previous night. The days he was gone were muddled in her mind. Working from five in the morning till passed midnight, Padmé had used her time to conclude most of her obligations. Within the week, she would finally decide whether to renounce her Senatorial position and leave Jar-Jar with a manageable starting point to take her place. The final task that required her was the Galactic budget, then her calendar would be -for the most part- free.

Her legs shifted as her ankles dug into the bed as Vader planted a line of kisses down to her warmth. "Force," she breathed as his hands drifted across her inner thighs snaked as her thighs wrapped around his head urging him closer. His hot breath warmed her core before a wet tongue swiped across her sensitive area. A gasp escaped her lips as he continued in vigorous movements.

Still in a sleepy haze, her hands tightened in his velvet locks, "Vader…" she whined, her back arching as he eased her thighs over his shoulders to gain complete access as his tongue plunged into her warmth as his fingers aided in the ministrations. She felt him hum as his tongue continued his relentless attack sending euphoria pouring into her body, the wave of sleepy pleasure sending her mind ablaze. Her head slipped off the pillow as he pulled her even closer. "Vader- I-" she whined feeling her body begin to shutter. He only hummed and buried his face even further, her hands now yanked at his hair which in response she received groan. Her toes curled in the air as a loud strained cry escaped her lips as her pleasure crested, the feeling swirling through her body. Padmé's legs tightened around his head as her back arched from blissful pressure. She felt his tongue swirl around cleaning her up before a soft chuckle left his lips as he kissed her warmth.

"Good morning," he mused lowly, even without looking she could tell there was a smirk across his handsome features. She sighed softly feeling him plant gentle kisses against her inner thighs before slipping them from his shoulder, gently placing her legs back on the bed.

"Good morning," she breathed as her eyes fluttered open for the first time to witness Vader's glistening golden gaze. Her hand reached out placing her finger under his chin to guide him to plant a kiss on her lips. Their lips moved in sync effortlessly, tongues dancing. She smiled into the kiss feeling his all-too-ready member brushing against her inner thigh. As their lips continued to move, a slight feeling of vertigo stirred in her mind. She tried to brush the feeling aside, but a sharp twisted churn of acid hit her stomach sending her body shivering as cold nausea overwhelmed her. "Stop," she demanded hastily shoving his chest. Quickly, he pulled away before she desperately pushed his arm in a swift escape. Padmé hit the ground running, bolting from the bed towards the fresher. Her hand reached out swinging on the doorframe as she raced to the toilet, vomiting the lone acid that resided in her stomach.

"Are you alright?" Vader called from behind her, feeling his hand gently wrap around her curls, holding her hair out of her face.

"Yeah I-" she was cut off by another wave of nauseousness, her hands gripping the toilet as her stomach struggled to expel anything more. Coughing, she winced feeling the burning in her nose and throat as her head dangled over the toilet- her knees struggling to hold her weight on the warmed marble floor. She felt dreadful, body shaking as cold needles pricked against her skin.

"I'll get a medical droid," Vader fretted, his free arm wrapped around her gently to support her weight.

"No… I- I'm okay," she breathed, feeling slightly better. Pulling her head away from the toilet, she crumpled to Vader's arms as he held her on the floor in the fresher. They stayed there as she swallowed a few more gags until her stomach seemed to finally settle. "I just need to brush my teeth," she whispered pulling out of his arms, flushing the toilet, heading to the sink. Her sweaty palms touched the cool countertop before she flipped on the water, washing her hands.

"Padmé," Vader spoke comfortingly, "Are you sure you're, okay?" He asked concerned, she internally smiled at his innocent worry as she finished rinsing her face. Pulling the small hand towel from the wall, she blotted her face before replying.

"Truly I'm fine. I just- maybe it was something I ate last night," she frowned grabbing her toothbrush. "Are you taking me to the Senate today?" Padmé questioned squeezing toothpaste onto her brush, his lack of reply made her lips purse before she looked up at him in the mirror.

He looked concerned, confused, "You think it's a good idea for you to go to work?" He asked sincerely gently resting his hands on her hipbones.

"I'm alright, I should have been there several hours ago," she explained wetting the brush then scrubbing the sickening acidic flavor from her mouth. Vader sighed, running a hand through his hair in conflict before leaving the fresher, presumably to go get dressed. Padmé knew he was oddly worried, but she felt… better, fine even.

After finishing in the fresher, she slipped out into the bedroom taking a glance at Vader shifting the fabric of his tunic before calling his belt and lightsaber into his hand to wrap the leather around his waist. Raking a hand through her hair, slight heat rose to her cheeks. She felt humiliated being sick in front of him. Her cheeks grew even hotter as his eyes snapped up to meet hers.

"You don't need to feel embarrassed, that kind of stuff doesn't bother me," Vader frowned tossing his cloak onto the bed before walking closer to her. His arms wrapped around her small naked back as he bowed his head to plant a small innocent kiss on her lips.

"It wasn't the sexiest thing to do at the time," she dryly laughed as he pulled away.

"I wouldn't judge you for something like that. Are you sure you're feeling better?" He frowned, thumb brushing across her cheek.

"Yeah, I'm alright," she smiled stepping onto her tippy toes to kiss his cheek softly. His arms pulled her into his chest as he buried his head into the crook of her neck. She bit her lip feeling him inhale before kissing the skin tenderly. Padmé found his scent to be warming and addictive, but she felt as though he took hers to a whole other level of delight.

"You are intoxicating," He chuckled against her hearing her thoughts before he went back to nipping the skin above her pulse. Then his lips glided to her own, planting a slow kiss. Padmé's arms moved to wrap around his neck, her breasts rubbing up against the leather of his uniform. The kiss morphed into a more heated session as he lifted her onto his toes before walking to press her back flush against the window. With need brewing between her legs, she tugged at his blond locks. "Force, Padmé. You're going to make me late again," he sighed pulling away. "I have a meeting in twenty minutes."

"Well, my understanding is that you can make it to the Senate in four," she purred her hand gripping the leather covering his chest to bring him back.

He kissed her for a moment longer before he pulled away, "I- I can't. The Emperor is already displeased with me."

"So, I'm not going with you?" She frowned brushing her hand down his chest before letting it fall back to her side.

"I can pick you up around noon or you can have Lasky take you once you're ready," he stated shuffling into his cloak before adjusting it over his shoulders. "Or you could stay here and rest," he added pulling his gloves over his hands before securing the buckles.

She pouted at his idea, "I'm so close to having everything finished Vader..."

"Well, whatever you must do could wait another day. From what I heard you were staying in your office most nights while I was gone," he frowned, "You need to sleep at some point."

"I did sleep, last night," she muttered, flipping her hair over her shoulders, covering her breasts, before pulling at the ends of her curls.

"I would say you only truly slept for several hours," he argued.

"Not my fault you came home late," she huffed. "I figured you wouldn't be back till my birthday."

A sigh fell from his lips, "Have you given any thought to my proposition since the last time we spoke?" Vader wondered, his hands gently collapsing on her upper arms.

The woman's eyes wondered away, "The final obligation that requires my direct input for this quarter is the budget. I wasn't going to make my decision until after that has been handled."

"Can you please have your answer for me before your birthday?" He wondered; leather fingers guided her chin up to meet his gaze.

"Yes," she nodded, a small smile reached the Sith's features as his thumb brushed down her cheek.

"I need to leave. Please reconsider going to the Senate today, you need to eat, sleep – you are still a person," he said quietly, his eyes lingering down her body. Padmé gnawed the insides of her cheeks knowing that the new sharpness of her hipbones and shoulders bothered him. "It does bother me. It's not sustainable to drink countless cups of caf a day with only one snack."

The woman rolled her eyes knowing Lasky or Grett had ratted her out, "I've told you in the past I can take care of myself. I've been doing this job for years."

"It's been different since the wedding. I know you've had to deal with more-"

"Vader I can handle the media and I can handle myself," she grumbled breaking away from his hold. Suddenly, she found herself entwined in his arms once again, her back pressed against his chest.

"Padmé please," he whispered against the top of her head. The desperate nature of his voice crushed her aversion to his request. Vader sounded truly worried, and even if he would never admit it – he undoubtably was.

"I'll only go for a few hours today, I'll just come home whenever you do," she relented, "Can you still just pick me up at noon?"

She felt him nod against the top of her head, placing a kiss before twisting her in his arms. "Threepio will have breakfast waiting for you downstairs whenever you are ready." Padmé opened her mouth to contend, however, Vader cut her off before she could even speak. "You will not argue with me on this. You will not leave until you have eaten something," he chided. Rolling her eyes, she planted herself on the bed. "Please don't be angry at me angel," he murmured, gathering her chin in his hold once again. His thumb brushing under her eyes – no doubt tracing the deep purplish bags under them. "I will see you at noon," Vader sighed releasing her gently before leaving her in silence.

"Senator Amidala!"

"Senator!"

"Lord Vader!"

"A comment please!"

Padmé was practically adhered to the Sith Lord's side as he escorted her up the steps to the Senate. Too many troopers to count fended off the media circus that was threatening to stampede the now narrow pathway to the building. It has already been two months and these clowns are still manic, she internally groaned her head hanging low under the security of her cloak. She had almost stumbled over her own heels twice as her mind flustered from the constant flashes, snaps, and screams of the reporters. It had been a nuisance before to deal with the vultures when it was just her but, with Vader's presence, they were like a frenzied swarm of piranhas.

She had praised herself for keeping her nose out of the HoloNet, Force only knows what they were saying about them. When she thought about wedding the Dark Lord, it completely slipped her mind that he was to inherit the Empire. That was a big detail for her mind to let slip. No wonder the media was still hectic, they were witnessing the unification of a man whose wife would one day be an Empress. The Senator felt herself almost tumble again, Vader audibly growling before wrapping his arm around her waist. Practically lifting her up the steps to hasten their pace.

"This is too much… This can't all be due to the wedding," Padmé whispered looking up at Vader's hood. She could feel her nerves starting to get to her. "Why couldn't we have gone through the secure lot?" She wondered, her ankles shaking in her heels.

"Sidious wanted us to make an appearance, it has been over a month since the public has seen us together," Vader informed her.

"You haven't even been on the planet," the Senator muttered softly.

"Many don't know that," Vader responded.

"Is it true you are pregnant Lady Naberrie?!"

"Senator Amidala! Are you going to support the vote for Budget bill without assurance of reinstating anti-slavery laws?!" Padmé stopped at that question.

"What are you doing? Let's keep moving," Vader demanded practically tugging her away.

"What if I wanted to answer that?" Padmé frowned as she gave up and followed his lead.

"Which question, you being pregnant or the one about the Galactic budget?" Vader dryly muttered, obviously not impressed.

"The latter of course," she huffed rolling her eyes.

"You know that the Emperor would never reinstate a law that he repealed," he retorted quietly as they reached the final steps. Agitation grew on the woman's shoulders, the nausea from earlier returning as she thought about what she had discovered before the wedding.

"He has his own harem doesn't he." There was no question in the woman's voice as she sneered the whisper. Padmé dug her heels into the ground, stopping just short of the doors.

Vader's cowl snapped towards her, "Not here," he demanded lowly. "Anything you have to say to me, say it inside."

Chin inching up, she jeeringly stepped away from him, "What's the harm… its legal." Padmé knew if they were away from prying eyes, he wouldn't have hesitated to grab her. However, he was in the most public place he could be in that moment. Every reaction being carefully analyzed. "But you know damn well that just because it is legal doesn't make it right." Even though her voice was below a whisper, no chance of anyone else hearing – Padmé knew Vader had heard every word. His shoulders had tensed, hand balled into a fist at his side.

"My Lady, please," he said tersely, extending his hand. Staring down at the glossy leather awaiting her hand, she knew that she may have been testing the limits of his patience. Delicately, she placed her hand into his – allowing him to guide her inside. Once the heavy doors slammed shut, Vader didn't hesitate to seize her harshly.

"What the hell was that?" He barked, "Anything you have to say to me needs to be done in private. The media is but one of my concerns."

"What both of you have done is wrong," Padmé shot back.

A growl escaped Vader, she could see him quivering – trying to contain himself as the troopers escorted the lingering staff out of the lobby. "I've already done what you wished of me. You cannot hold the past over me-"

"Is it really the past? Call me absolutely shocked if Palpatine actually let you free them. How can a slave free another slave?" The words fell from her lips without wholly comprehending them. She had said something similar in the past, however the context surrounding the discussion was vastly different.

"What?" Vader snarled. Padmé could have sworn her heart had seized as her back hit the wall. The Sith's presence became thick, air frigid as he towered over her – his height growing as his shoulders tightened.

Padmé had already gone too far with the topic to turn back. Yet, she couldn't control the tremble in her voice as she continued. "Y-you are nothing more than one of those girls to him. He uses you-" The woman's words caught in her throat, back crawling up the wall as she struggled to find air.

'There will come a day where I kill him. Do not dare utter another word,' his voice was like glaciers, her throat suddenly released from an invisible hold. Panting, Padmé tried to slip away from the prison of his body, yet she swiftly found herself caged. Hot breath wafting across her cheeks, his dominating presence striking fear to her fingertips. "If I am his slave – ever thought about what that makes you?" He sneered. Padmé didn't dare think another word as he violently released her, "I will retrieve you around five this evening. Lunch will be brought to your office within the hour." With that he stormed away, leaving her traumatized and quivering. Her eyes drew to Captain Grett standing at the hall near the lift. Gathering herself, she strode towards him.

"My Lady," he said quietly, handing her a small cloth. Padmé didn't even realize until that moment tears had been rolling down her cheeks. Delicately taking the handkerchief, she blotted her eyes as she entered the lift. There was never a moment outside of Vader's establishments that she was left fully alone. Even in her office, the guards stationed beyond the doors were always on her mind. She couldn't leave, couldn't even grab a coffee herself. She had to brew some, or Dormé had to bring it to her. Padmé thought about what Vader had said. She knew what she was in the end, a prisoner to Vader and a slave to the Emperor as well. Striding into her office, the Senator didn't even glance at the guards as she trekked in – the door slamming behind her.

She hated her situation, hated that she had no say in her future. At least Vader had an end in sight. Kill his Master or continue as normal. For Padmé she couldn't really see where her future would lead. Perhaps the vision she had seen would become true… She would be locked away for Vader to visit her ever so often, only surrounded by droids during the time in between. Tears swelled her eyes as she stared at her holoscreen. That future was not certain. However, there was another she could make. Assisting with negotiations would allow her freedom. Yet that avenue came with its own challenges. Would she be able to be loyal to the Empire? If she managed to relocate her family, contact Obi-wan – explain her situation. Was it possible for her to find a way out? Save herself and her family. They could never return to Naboo but there were thousands of star systems, there wasn't one identical but some similar.

"Sith's hell," she cursed quietly, burying her head in her arms. Wiping the tears from her cheeks, Padmé forced herself to begin her work for the day. Her eyes stared at the screen, thinking about the budget vote. She sneered, shoving herself away from the desk to stare at the skyline. If she were to accept Vader's offer, the budget vote would be the last vote she'd ever cast as a Naboo senator. The last time on record that her beliefs could be recorded. Before the vote, she was required to support the bill, if not, she wouldn't be allowed in the Senate chamber. However, once on the floor in the Senate… there was no one to stop her from voting against the decision. She knew that the last vote she made would be her own.

A knock at the door drew her attention as Dormé shuffled in with a smile. Noticing the container of food nestled in her hand, Padmé's smile slowly drifted. "Dormé I'm really not hungry right now," the Senator informed her as she glanced back at her holoscreen.

"Okay… well Lord Vader requested-"

"I don't care," Padmé bit, swiftly the woman sighed, "I'm sorry Dormé… I didn't mean to be so harsh."

"It's okay my Lady, I can put it in the fridge for now," she nodded, "But Lord Vader instructed me to make sure you eat. I must tend to agree with him, you hardly fill your dresses anymore."

Padmé's teeth grown together, "I'll just buy more."

"But my Lady-"

"I don't want to hear about this Dormé. I can eat whenever the hell I want to- He controls every aspect of my life. I don't need him managing what I eat too."

"Perhaps he is just concerned," she murmured standing patiently before her desk.

"He's made it clear to me on several occasions that he doesn't care. This is just him trying to control me. He probably specifically sent you because he knows I tend not to be as adamant."

"Perhaps… but don't you think that it's important for you to remain healthy? I know you missed meals before your engagement but this past month, I've barely seen you eat."

"You're here to support me – why the hell are you agreeing with him?" Padmé scoffed, "Please leave, I have a lot to do before I'm dragged home this evening."

Dormé frowned, "My Lady, I never meant to choose sides. I only want what is best for you. I mean Threepio really tried to make something he knows you like; you will enjoy it my Lady."

Padmé rolled her eyes, "Please just leave it in the fridge. I'll get around to eating when I feel like it."

"Okay," Dormé relented, placing the container within the small fridge before leaving her office. Padmé's foot tapped, her nerves churning as she stood from her desk. Vertigo hit her suddenly, the room spinning as she clutched her desk. Shutting her eyes, she could feel her world rotating. Her hands clammy as she snagged the bottle of water atop her desk. Shuffling her way towards the seating area, she tossed herself on the sofa. There was no denying that she was exhausted, perhaps more tired than she was hungry. Allowing herself moments of quiet, she soon found herself drift off into sleep.

"A direct route to Queel is eight-hours, if we exit hyperspace beyond the moon - the rebellion won't be alerted to our presence before it is already too late," Vader affirmed, his eyes lingering on the battle schematic. "If we can keep our presence hidden, Death Squadron should have no issue debilitating their forces. We could keep this mission between the men we trust."

"When?" Sobek questioned, "Before long the rebellion will discover that jeweler can no longer be reached. We have a small window, perhaps two standard weeks at most."

Resting back in his seat Vader tapped his fingers, "The Galactic budget vote will be held next week. Let us plan our attack then when the Emperor is preoccupied with other matters."

"Understood my Lord," the four inquisitors acknowledged simultaneously.

"Once we are en route, I will inform the fleet. This needs to remain between us until then," The young lord warned.

"Understood Lord Vader."

"You are dismissed." With that the inquisitor's left his office, the Sith's eyes glancing to the chrono. He had taken longer than he anticipated, it was far past seven.

Leaving his office behind, Vader maneuvered through the secret passages of the Senate building. He could sense his Senator was asleep, she had been for the afternoon. Dismissing the guards stationed outside her office, he made his way inside to see her sleeping. Nestled quite uncomfortably on the sofa. One heel had fallen from her foot while the other was barely hanging on. A frown formed across his features noticing the uneaten food in the fridge before his eyes returned to her figure. Last night when he first saw her, his heart had dropped. She had lost a significant amount of weight since he'd left. The dark circles under her eyes evidence that she hadn't been sleeping. When he peered inside her mind after she had fallen asleep, he was regretful by what he'd found. Being parted from him was difficult for her – a night's sleep only bestowing her with nightmares. Ones that she would never have if he were in her presence.

Quietly maneuvering towards the sofa, Vader slipped the remaining heel from her foot before collecting her tenderly. His breath hitched from how weightless she felt, it crushed him knowing she hadn't been eating or sleeping. She had been working constantly. Too fearful to return home because she was afraid of falling asleep. Afraid of what her mind would show her.

"Vader?" The woman's angelic voice murmured sleepily.

"It's okay…go back to sleep," Vader whispered, nudging her with the Force to return to slumber. She drifted off once again, limp in his arms. Making his way down to the secure lot of the building, Vader placed her into his speeder – buckling her in before flying back towards his establishments. Hands coiling around the yoke, the young Lord pondered the series of events that would commence in the following week. He would have to leave the night before the Senate vote, part of him wished he could stay longer for Padmé's sake. Although, he also knew that if everything went according to plan – he wouldn't be gone long. Perhaps a week at most.

Pulling up to the veranda, Vader urged the Senator into his lap before hoisting himself out of the speeder. Tossing the fob to Lasky, he made his way towards the lift. Vader thought about leaving her within her own chambers. Yet, something urged him against it as he exited the lift – not taking a second glance at the room down the hall as he went into his own chambers. Without thought, he removed her Senate gown – replacing the tight silk with a flowing nightdress, cloaking her with the sheets before he began removing his own attire. Relief washed down his shoulders as he unclipped his gloves. Vader hadn't realized it, but he was glad to be home. There was something about his chambers on the Executor that seemed less inviting. He struggled not to think deeply about it – the only thing missing there was her. He missed her smiles, her presence, her body. Even he found sleep hard to find without her.

His attention was drawn back, the peaceful nature of her sleeping figure wrenched his heart as he took a seat beside her on the bed. With wistful eyes, his fingers brushed across her cheek brushing the stray hairs away. Teeth gnawing and jaw clenching, he found his nerves on edge. Vader's mind should have been consumed with the impending battle. However, all he could think about was her. She shifted in her sleep, eyes daintily pulling open in confusion.

"Kriff," she cursed coiling against the pillow, "I needed to finish a doc review before I left – we need to go back."

"No. You need to sleep," Vader argued softly, "You can't go on like this."

The woman tugged herself up in the bed, shaking her head, "I have to-"

"You don't have to do anything," the Sith chided grabbing her hand as she reached for her commlink. "Padmé… This past month, has it been hard for you to sleep?"

Her eyes glanced to him before they quickly adverted away, "No, I've just been busy-"

"Please tell me the truth," He pleaded quietly, his eyes searching for her gaze.

Watching her hesitate was difficult for him as he restrained from peering into her mind, "I can't stop the night terrors," she whispered, meeting his golden orbs. "I've been able to sleep since you've returned… but when you're away – they never stop. I can only sleep an hour or two at a time most nights."

Vader's eyelids shut, his hand slipping away from hers as he stood. He cursed himself knowing there was risk associated with what he had done. When his gaze pulled back to the woman again, drained, dull, chocolate eyes were staring up into his – almost seeming lost. "I'm sorry," his voice cracked while he took a step away, knowing there was nothing he could do for her. A chime on his commlink drew his thoughts, dragging the device from his robes he stared down at it. A perplexed frown formed across his features.

"What is it?" The woman wondered, her brows furrowing.

"Nothing," he said calmly, a small smile pulling at his lips. "Please… Sleep Padmé," he whispered nudging her thoughts with the Force as he brushed his thumb across her cheek. He watched her eyes loll, body wavering before her head thumped against the pillow – immediately in a deep soothing sleep. He didn't want to do such things to her, but her mind was a relentless rapid river of questions. They would no doubt keep her up for hours without him. Leaving his chambers behind, Vader headed down towards the veranda – Eryx's speeder sitting idly, the inquisitor waiting patiently with a glass of scotch. The man slid a filled cup in his direction, Vader clutched the crystal old fashioned glass before tossing it back. Alcohol didn't burn him the way it used to; the translucent amber liquid tinged his cells like water.

"Why are you here?" The Sith wondered taking a seat across from the inquisitor.

"Athiss… I haven't been able to decipher what the Force meant for us to see. I know you told me to never speak of what I saw. However, I believe what happened there was more significant than just locating the finder-"

"Because it was not for you to see," Vader hissed, his hand coiling around the glass tightly.

"You were meant to go to Exegol. Even though you've had innumerable opportunities – you haven't. I just don't understand," a sigh fell from his lips, "perhaps it is not even my place to understand," he muttered, "I just am curious whether you believe that the power which you know is there is still necessary…" the inquisitor shook his head, "My lord we are running out of time," Eryx warned in a whisper. "You know how the Emperor will react after-"

"Do not presume to know how he will react, Eryx," the Lord snapped, "he did not get to where he is now by acting rash." Standing from his place, Vader poured himself another drink as he strode towards the ledge. "He is calculating, cautious, part of me knows he is already aware about the invasion. By the end of it all he will claim responsibility."

"The military leaders will know it was your order-"

"Silence," Vader viciously chided, "You are too eager. There is still much I must accomplish before that time comes. For now, we must focus on eradicating the Rebellion. I need Kenobi dead." The Sith's thoughts twisted around the fact he needed that man dead. While he also needed more time to become stronger… His master was still more powerful in the Force. There was still more Vader needed to learn before he began constructing a true strategy to overthrow him.

Eryx nodded taking another swig of his drink, "If one of us sees him in battle?"

"You will leave him to me," the hatred in the Sith's voice was tangible as he twisted towards the inquisitor. "I will be the end of him."