Chapter 36: Certainty is an Illusion
The streets were sparse, empty compared to the bustling turbulence of Coruscant. Eryx rested against his speeder; gaze trained on one particular shop down the road. Stretching his neck, he took a drag of his death stick witnessing the last customer of the evening leave. Clearing his throat, he flicked the jack away – shoving his hands in his robes as he marched towards the entrance.
Drifting into the shop, a chime rang through his ears. The boy behind the counter stared over to him apologetically, "Sorry Sir, we were just about to close. Everything left is stale now." The inquisitor nodded lightly, his eyes scanning the establishment – everyone in the back had already gone home.
"I'm actually surprised you're open this late," Eryx announced, inching closer to the counter. "Most of the city seems to be sleeping in preparation for tomorrow."
The boy's head tipped to the side, "Yeah… ya know I've never seen you in before. Usually, we don't get very many new customers."
The inquisitor clicked his tongue, "I'm visiting from Coruscant," he revealed truthfully.
"Well, I can still get you a cup of caf if you'd like, but that's all I have right now," he reiterated, leaning against the counter. The teenager's gaze finally became more calculating, his attention lingering on the new scar that stretched from the base of his ear to his shoulder.
"Sure, I'll take a cup," Eryx shrugged taking a seat, his hand waved ever so slightly – the front door locking as a small grin appeared on his features. "However, there's something else I require," he hummed casually. The boy turned to him, grey eyes mystified.
"I already-"
"Give me your commlink," the inquisitor demanded, dead emerald eyes staring back without an ounce of care.
"Excuse me?" The kid scoffed, "Sir, I must ask you to-" the boys words died in his throat as the Force shut his trachea. Eryx could smell the boy's fear as he reached across the counter – dragging him over only to slam him against the stone floor. Rummaging through his pockets, the kid remained paralyzed under the inquisitor's control. Slipping out the device, Eryx only required one more task of him. Holding the communicator to his eyes, it unlocked. Swiftly he accessed the holoimages, his eyes falling upon the recording Lord Vader spoke of.
"It's rude to take pictures of people without asking," Eryx muttered, releasing the boy from the Force hold. The inquisitor watched as he beelined it towards the door – battling the barrier that wouldn't open unless he decided to burst through the glass.
"Kriff, please I'm sorry alright – just let me go," the boy begged, inching away as Eryx stalked closer.
"What was your intention with this?" Eryx wondered, "I thought almost everyone in this city had respect for their former Queen."
"I do respect her! I-I- don't know I just thought it was cool," he stuttered, "I didn't think she would care," the inquisitor grabbed the boy by the collar. Swiping to the next image, Eryx's eyes locked on the youth's expression. A gulp pushed down his throat as both of them observed the focused shot of the woman's discolored neck, handprint evident.
"I'd be cautious with your explanation," the numb voice that fell from the inquisitor's throat seemed to completely snap the boy's composure – a waft of urine making its way into his nostrils.
"Y-You're not here because of her, you're here because of him," he stuttered, it took a great amount of self-control for Eryx to contain his surprise… he hadn't been expecting that response. "I-I was worried about her safety," he boy replied honestly, "But they were gone by the time I came back."
"Her safety," the inquisitor mocked, shoving the kid to the floor. With a roll of his eyes, Eryx straightened his outer robes while the lanky teen remained in a puddle. "Bruises are not always obtained through violence. I believe you're old enough to know the alternative ways." The boy's eyes were lost, even Eryx could hear the gears turning. Until they froze and the lad's expression fell. Tossing the device on the table, his fist obliterated the outer casing with ease. Rummaging through the rubble he snagged it's datachip. "Remember something, do not involve yourself in a situation you know nothing about." With that, Eryx strolled out the door towards his speeder – he was a split second away from crushing the chip. However, avarice stopped him as he slipped it back into his pocket.
Entering the flat, Eryx sighed hearing his comrades playing Sabacc in the other room. Shuffling off his boots, he was about to head straight to his quarters when Sobek appeared from the kitchen. "You get it done?" The older man interrogated, resting against the frame.
"Yes," the younger muttered, turning towards the stairs. Entering his quarters, he slammed and locked the door heading to his datapad. Tossing himself on the bed, he dragged the chip from his pocket – plugging it into the port. His eyes flashed to the door as he downloaded the last two images. After, he disposed of the chip like he was ordered - crushing it and dumping the remnants in the wastebin. He assessed the flat one more time, the rest of his brothers were still busy downstairs. His eyes drank in the image of her- the peaceful expression, damp hair, hand mark around her neck. A groan escaped him as he set down the device. Fuck, he shouldn't have saved the images – disregarding a direct order from Lord Vader was something he'd never done. The inquisitor shook his head, hands racing to his waistband. Only once, he promised, releasing himself from the confinements – desperate to find relief. He could have gathered any of the images on the holonet of her, but none of them were as genuine. None of them depicted her nature. A muffled groaned escaped him as he coaxed himself towards release, her image imprinted in his mind as he finally climaxed. The act leaving him softly panting atop his sheets.
He stared at the ceiling. Mind muddled with the thought of her as his craving soon died. Hoisting himself from the mattress, he cleaned up – jumping in the shower before changing his robes. After drying out his hair, he tossed the towel aside, heading down the steps to join his brothers in the kitchen.
"Well look who finally decided to show up," Njord hooted, tossing his cards on the table as he stretched. The youngest inquisitor's eyes rolled as he hauled open the icebox, snagging an ale before slumping into the seat across from him.
"Mind dealing me in next round?" Eryx wondered as he used the Force to flick off the cap. Taking a swig of his drink, his elbows bolstered him up as he evaluated the table.
"Yeah man. So, Sobek just informed us that we have the night off tomorrow," Njord smirked, downing his drink once he'd uttered the word 'check.'
Brows furrowing Eryx rested back, his thumb brushing the brim of the bottle, "At least we will be allowed to enjoy ourselves," the man muttered, his eyes focused on the way his nail brushed the glass. "Been quite some time since we went out."
"It doesn't mean we can just terrorize the city, Eryx," Sobek muttered, "We will have to demonstrate some decorum."
The emerald-eyed soldier snorted, "Perhaps you should remind yourself of that. Even on backwater planets in the outer rim – the rest of us still show some restraint. While you on the other hand, can't sleep with a woman without slicing them into little pieces afterwards."
Eryx's eyes never left Sobek as he heard a click of a tongue from Aker's direction, "That escalated quickly," the blue-eyed man chuckled, "Who the hell pissed in your crunchies this morning?"
"Just fuckin' finish this round and deal me in," he snapped, dragging out a pack of death sticks – lighting one swiftly before chucking the box atop the table.
The other three inquisitor's made glances at one other until their eyes rolled continuing the game. Eryx just stared at the ember, fumes drifting from the humming heat. Smoke hanging from his lips, he dragged out his commlink – informing Lord Vader that the situation had been dealt with. Leaning on the armrest, he massaged his forehead as he pulled the jack away from his lips allowing the ash to hit the floor.
For the rest of the night, their banter was civil. Hell, they even got along as they continued to drink. It wasn't until Eryx's head hit the pillow that his thoughts lead him astray once again...
Eryx thrusted upwards burying himself, the plush of the cushion of the sofa fluffing ever so slightly. The Senator's head lulled as her eyes became half-hooded. "It's as if you're afraid of breaking me," she purred, matching his pace as his head buried into the nook of her neck. His calloused hands tightened around her back, the rest of him lost as her tight warmth encased him. He placed open kisses along her neck – nipping her skin as he increased his pace.
"What do you want from me?" He whispered; however, his words held a double meaning as he slammed into her harder a yelp escaping from above as he rammed himself deeper.
"I don't know," she moaned, gripping him tightly – it was a blur when he dragged her under him, pinning her roughly to the sofa while his hands bound her wrists.
"That's not good enough," he groaned, a distressed visage crossing his expression as he fought to allow himself pleasure. Keeping her arms pinned with the Force, he permitted his hands to wonder –palms clutching the taught skin of her waist as he rutted. Sweat had condensed under his hands, the woman's skin blazing as his eyes pinched shut. "Fuck," he all but whined, he wanted her too much for whom she belonged to… Within a moment, the inquisitor came to a halt – his head burying into the crook of her neck as pants left him. Hands balling into fists at the sides of her head, he knew his actions were wrong.
"What's the matter?" The woman wondered beneath him, shifting to gain friction – he outright moaned as tears pricked his eyes.
"I can't do this," he murmured as nails raked at the base of his locks – tugging on the strands gently.
"Eryx, please," she begged, nails digging softly into the back of his neck as her breasts rubbed against his tunic. She was testing him, enticing him to keep going as his heart hammered within his chest. He wanted too, desperately – real or not real he could taste how close he was to release. "Just once won't hurt anyone," she cooed, brushing strands of hair away from his eyes. The inquisitor shook his head, shoving himself up and off of her to take a seat at the end of the sofa. "You respect him that much?" She whispered dragging the silk robe back over her shoulders.
He stared at her a moment, his brows furrowing, "You're different than the others-"
'Brother, get up!'
It was a reflex when he bolted awake, hand tearing out the saber stashed beneath his pillow – the red glow suddenly illuminating the room with a crimson hue. "Fucking hell!" Aker roared, lunging away – eyes wide with disbelief.
Eryx wheezed, his finger deactivating the crystal as he tossed off his sheet. "What the fuck are you doing in here?"
"Waking your ass up, we need to leave shortly. Fuck man, you could have taken my arm off!"
Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Eryx let the lightsaber clatter to the floor as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "I'll be down in a minute. Just get the fuck out," he sneered, gesturing towards the door as he hoisted himself out of bed.
"Asshole," his brother scoffed, and with that he left the room – the door slamming behind him.
Fuck, his thoughts groaned, taming his breathing as he maneuvered towards the dresser. Dragging out a set of robes, he tossed them on. Hiding his lightsaber within the garb, he left the room – locking it behind him as he blustered down the stairs. "Thought you said we had the day off?" Eryx grumbled to Sobek, snagging a ration bar from the cupboard before ripping off a bite.
"I said the night. Considering what happened a month ago, we need make sure there is not a repeat of that failure during the ceremony today," Sobek muttered. Within a fraction of a second Eryx's fist collided with the man's cheekbone sending him flying back into the fridge as Njord grabbed his arm. In a blink of an eye, Sobek regained his footing until Aker shoved him back.
"That's enough!" Njord bellowed, shoving Eryx hard in the chest. "You two need to figure out your shit! This is getting un-fucking-professional!"
"That motherfucker just needs keep his kriffing mouth shut!" Eryx roared shoving his finger towards the taller, brutish man. "You've had a problem with me since we fuckin' met. Tell me, what is it? What the fuck have I done that's got your panties twisted!? I saved your ass on Athiss! You were about to have a saber driven through your heart and I talked Lord Vader down! Perhaps I made a mistake, sticking up for such a delirious prick!"
Both Njord and Aker stared at one other, their eyes lingering on Sobek's prosthetic hand as Aker released him. The eldest inquisitor's jaw tightened as he stormed out of the room, knocking into the youngest's shoulder before he trudged out the door.
"I guess that's why he lost his hand," Aker snorted, shoving away the chair which had been knocked over during the confrontation.
"It's not my place to tell you his business," Eryx scowled, "Let's just get this shit over with." The other inquisitors retreated as the he left the kitchen, fuming towards the front door. Checking the chrono, he knew the event started at ten. That was in the next hour which meant they needed to report within ten minutes. He could sense his comrades catch up with him swiftly as they trekked down the street.
"He's probably just itching to get laid. I mean hell, we've been living like priests the past six months. Well aside from yourself," he snickered, shoving his right shoulder. "You never did tell us how she was ya know."
Njord chuckled, joining him on the left. "Perhaps he doesn't want to share."
Eryx quietly groaned as they approached the palace. Njord was right, he didn't want to share. Quite frankly, he wanted to forget – remembering was too much of a temptation. Ugh, he didn't need her innocent little sounds penetrating his mind as he tried to focus on the day ahead. "Don't ask me about it please," Eryx sighed, pleading with them.
"Damn, so she's hard to forget," Aker laughed aloud, "Fuck, after all the women you've had that says something."
His reaction was unrestrained as he swung over snagging him by the collar - shoving him against the wall, "Shut the fuck up about it I said," Eryx snarled, forcing him into the stone before releasing him roughly.
"Fuck man," his brother coughed, "What? So, she was just a tease?"
Eryx could hear his own neck crack in his ears as his dangerous emerald eyes shifted. "You seriously trying to test my patience right now?"
"Hey," a curious small voice called out to them, all three pairs of eyes flashed to the dainty woman standing before them. He couldn't help but drag his eyes down her frame, practically gawking at the beautiful pastel violet silk and pearls that didn't leave much for the imagination. Unlike yesterday, her neck was unblemished, soft skin mimicking the likes of ivory. Her gaze was perplexed and as he scanned, suddenly it was clear they'd entered the palace walls. "Everything okay?" Lady Vader's voice chimed a lighthearted laugh leaving her quietly.
"Lady Vader," All of them said in unison, straightening themselves as Eryx's glare never ceased. Force, the last person's face he needed to see was hers.
"Where is Lord Vader?" Eryx impassively asked, his eyes surveilling the space behind her – he was nowhere to be seen. Though, he could sense the Sith close by.
"He'll be here in a moment," she muttered, annoyance replacing the curiosity at a swift rate, no doubt due to his tone. "Discord in the ranks I suppose?" She quipped, her eyes suddenly growing witty.
"How can you tell? From experience I presume?" Eryx shot back without thinking. Both of his brothers recoiled, drawing back as the young lady stepped forward. Suddenly, his cheek was stinging, the zap against his skin flashed so swiftly it left him speechless. His teeth tugged the flesh, massaging it gently as his forest eyes met a furious pair of chocolate. Perhaps he did deserve that.
"What is going on here?" Lord Vader's voice intoned, drawing Eryx back to reality. Fuck.
"They were just about to come find you," Padmé muttered her eyes narrowing before she turned on her heel to join him. Vader's golden eyes seeped sulfur as he glared at them. Without even contemplating the action, the inquisitor's gaze fell away from his commander's – unnerved as he backed down.
"Perhaps you should rejoin your family, I'll catch up in a minute," Vader whispered into her hair, kissing the top of her head gently. Eryx could see the apprehension in her gaze when his eyes flashed briefly to hers once again.
"Okay," she murmured, pecking a kiss on the Lord's cheek before leaving them to their commander's will. The Sith turned slightly, watching her leave until she vanished around the wall. The harmony on his face vanished in an instant, the light in his eyes snuffed in milliseconds as his expression absorbed its usual dead glare. It was incomprehensible, even for Eryx, when Vader moved – a metal fist plummeting into the space just under his ribcage, sending him to his knees. The inquisitor didn't dare wince as breathlessness took him.
"Get up," The Dark Lord snarled, "I don't care to know what the fuck has been going on between you four. None of it matters. Sobek is already in position. The rest of you do the same," he growled.
On his feet, an assured 'yes my Lord,' left all three of them as Lord Vader moved away, following after where is wife had left just moments ago.
"Let's get going," Njord muttered, his expression bleak. Eryx rubbed the corner of his eyes before following them – his breath still reeling as he tried to force air into his lungs. He needed to get his shit together, now. Lord Vader had been lenient with him because of the setting… but, in private his punishment would've been much more severe. He couldn't afford another misstep.
The words of her parents, sister, and nieces were mute as her heel anxiously clicked against cobblestone. Her mind flustered about Vader and his inquisitors. She wasn't expecting the confrontation with Eryx – nor had she even registered she'd stuck the man until the stinging in her palm. His anger hurt. It hurt her much more than she'd ever admit aloud as a frown threatened to take the small smile she had plastered.
"What do you think Padmé?" Sola wondered, a beaming smile across her features. The woman stared flustered; she hadn't even been listening.
"I-I'm sorry, what?" She stuttered, an apologetic frown tugging on her features.
"About going to this new club that just opened later! I've heard it's supposed to be very classy- so don't worry it fits your standards," she laughed, giving her a reprieve as she repeated herself.
"Oh, sure," she shrugged with a smile, her eyes glancing back towards where she knew Vader would emerge from.
"Awesome! After the lantern lighting we can head there! Eeeek! I can't believe this! We are actually venturing out together!" Sola squealed, burying her in a tight hug. Padmé tried to give her a warm smile as she pulled away but sensing Vader's presence approaching, her attention immediately drew to him. He had his own small smile playing, his eyes capturing hers effortlessly.
"Sorry about that," he said cordially, his perfect, white teeth flashing as he captured her waist when her sister drew away. Padmé held her head high with a smile even if the bottom of her heart was ruffled with unease.
The day was full of drink and laughter, the new queen taking them in and treating her as if she were a goddess. Padmé was overwhelmed, too many times that she had Vader draw her back to the world of the mortal. She'd heard too many praises, felt too much adoration while the back of her mind reminded her of all the mistakes she'd made. Part of her wanted to label herself as an outcast, the attention too much for her to register as she was poured another glass of champagne.
At that point, her vision was groggy, reflexes stifled as she clutched to Vader's side. He had barely taken a drink the entire day, his eyes studying the entire rotunda as the rest remained celebrative. Sipping her drink, her heels quivered, ankles dying in the now uncomfortable shoes.
"You should sit," Vader whispered in her ear as she heard her sister laugh. Staring at the woman's attire – she'd worn sandals, had nixed the heels that would have usually been called for the event.
"Kriff, I should have worn different shoes," she groaned as Vader gently placed her within a nearby seat.
The Sith shrugged, "Give your feet a rest, you'll be fine within a few minutes," he assured, pressing a kiss on her forehead as he took his place by her side.
The sun was beginning to sink beyond the horizon, darkness setting in. She'd been drinking the whole day, part of her surprised her mind was still with it as more came to greet her. She played her part perfectly, saying a 'thanks' before they moved onto the queen. For once, she was thankful that she was not the last in the line of greetings as the line died down. Observing the pavilion, her eyes fell upon a familiar set of scrutinizing emerald eyes. She'd seen him numerous times that day, she'd already registered his new scars – the new chill emanating from him. Her eyes darted away, sipping her glass in hopes to forget. However, he only became more of an anker in her mind. Without even realizing what she was doing, she had set her glass down – counting on her shaky heels to carry her to him. Yet, a hand stopped her – drawing her back into a pair of arms.
"Not now," Vader sighed pecking her on the forehead. Her head shook, shifting out of his hold as they remained a spectacle to those surrounding them. Vader's visage fell, his eyes becoming dark as they glanced to the inquisitor. "Speak with him later, not now… please," he pleaded, a false smile crossing his features in order to placate the bystanders. Jaw dropping slightly, her heart fell further.
"Why is he upset with me?" She whispered, her bottom lip quivering as tears welled in her eyes. Suddenly, Vader's entire mood shifted – his body covering her in an instant as he escorted her to the shadows of the tower.
"He isn't," he assured her, "He has his own problems to work out." Her mind was a puddle, rippling with one concern, especially when the inquisitor's eyes fell upon her apologetically.
"So, you won't let me speak with him," she sniped, brows furrowing about to shove him away. Though, his arms were already around her, moving her softly in a dance that she knew as the familiar music played.
"You can speak with him whenever you wish," he cautiously replied, "I just don't suggest it now-"
"Why not?" she cut him off, moving with him with a false visage on her features. What was on her expression was the opposite to what she was feeling. A warm bright smile was cloaking her, and yet only Vader was the one who could have known of its falsehood as they twirled across the floor. The Sith's jaw clenched as he buried his expression in her hair, she could feel the stress emanating from him as they swayed. Pulling herself together, she tugged away, twining to the rhythm – performing her role perfectly as she made the correct steps. The bystanders around them moved as they became the center of attention, Vader's guard completely fortified as he became the perfect partner – effortlessly taking center stage. With all eyes upon them, neither of them could make a mistake. Listening to the vocal cues, Padmé tired her hardest to perform the dance perfectly as did Vader. Noticing the eyes, she became a shadow of her persona. The silhouette taking hold of only the flawless parts as they reenacted the steps flawlessly. When the song ended and she became draped in his arms, relief washed over her as the guests around them gave their applause. Within his arms, her eyes gave him her truth while the rest remained fabricated.
The lights faded, allowing them their escape, Vader escorting her towards one of the various pillars. "I need to rest a moment," she breathed, trying to contain her distress as Vader pulled her off her feet – practically carrying her down the steps towards the powder room. Once they were fully inside, and in private, Vader locked the doors. Standing in the middle of the chamber, Padmé stared at her husband puzzled as to why he'd brought her there.
"Why does it matter to you what his feelings are?" His deep voice finally probed. When his darkened golden gaze met hers – she shied away from them. Her gaze fell to her toes as she heard him draw closer.
"Part of me feels like it's my fault, I thought… I don't know," she replied honestly, her heart stammered as boots stopped short of her toes while chilled leather fingers inched up her chin. Obsessive golden eyes leered over her possessively, she could practically feel him undressing her as his tongue brushed across his bottom lip.
"We do not have to discuss this now," the man sighed, his thumb brushing against her jaw. "But please, do not seek him tonight." Gently, his full lips captured hers, hand cradling her cheek as he ushered her backwards until her rear bumped into the counter. It was instinct the way she reacted, raking her nails through his hair as he hoisted her onto the cold marble. Leaning back against the mirror, a pitched sigh tumbled from her lips as Vader's moved passionately against her pulse. His hands sashayed up her legs, tickling the skin, forming goosebumps. Moaning softly, Padmé writhed under his touch as his teeth nipped her collarbone. A gasp escaped her as he slipped her closer to the brim, his lips planting one last kiss on her navel before he sunk to his knees.
Her body was humming as her head fell back against the mirror, dainty hands tangling in soft sandy locks as he shifted up her dress – slipping off her panties. Trying to contain her small squirms, iron grip held her legs apart. Hot breath tantalized her core teasingly, her fingers twisting – tugging as her eyes pinched shut. Delicate pants and whimpers fell helplessly as he pleasured her expertly. He knew what made her tick, her entire body ceasing as she came – nails twirling and grabbing anything possible. With a loud cry her legs tensed, ankles slipping against expensive fabric as Vader tugged her even closer. Sweat had condensed on her forehead, her hand aimlessly reaching back against the mirrored sides of the alcove for stability. A soft nudge from a nose pressed the space beneath her jaw. The sensation drew her back to reality as a warm chuckle followed.
"Welcome back," he teased, pressing a kiss upon the sensitive skin beneath her ear. Padmé rolled her eyes gently shoving him away. He swiftly regained his closeness, helping her off the counter to place her softly on the floor. It felt natural as she wrapped her arms around his neck kissing him passionately until a knock startled her – panicked eyes flashing to the door.
"Kriff," she cursed, frazzled as she fixed her undergarments and uncreased her dress, "Your hair…" she muttered, the man's eyes flashed upwards as he sleeked back his locks. Her lips parted slightly watching each strand fall perfectly back into place. They made their way out of the powder room, both ignoring the disapproving gazes from the ladies waiting beyond the door. Whispers erupted from behind them as the door waved back shut. Approaching the rotunda, Padmé's mind was twining in bliss until she felt the man beside her freeze – her eyes gazing up into his only to find they weren't focused on her but on someone at the top of the stairs. Her attention followed and any happiness that was once in her features shriveled and died. Palpatine stood at the top. Seemingly waiting for them as a small, wicked smile remained on his features.
"He wants to speak with you alone," Vader whispered in her hair.
"What is he doing here?" Padmé shivered hoping her words would remain inaudible to his master's ears.
"Go," he said reluctantly, "We will speak about it later."
Begrudgingly, the former Queen pulled away – her eyes lingering on the emperor waiting for her at the top. Ascending the stairs, a fabricated smile played on her features as she left Vader at the bottom. His eyes were burning into her back as she continued on. "If I had known you were attending, I would have made sure I was here to greet you, my apologies Your Grace." She atoned immediately, offering him a small curtsey.
"How could I miss such a spectacular celebration for your birthday, Lady Vader," Palpatine grinned, his arms folded within his sleeves.
The woman's eyes fell to her husband's, his gaze already fixed upon them as he stood at the base of the stairway. "It is, I'm delighted to finally experience it," there was a knife imbedded within the words as her chin inched up to evade the old man's stare. It was him who kept her away for so long…
A chalky, wrinkled hand rested on her shoulder - giving her delicate fair skin a soft squeeze as he escorted her closer to one of the pillars. Leading her away from Vader's line-of-sight. "When I heard about your loss… I was deeply wounded. A stunning heir the child would have been," he whispered in her ear, his breath sending sharp pinches of fear across her skin. The topic was so unexpected that it half knocked the breath from her lungs as Palpatine used it as a punishment. Padmé couldn't help the reflex of her jaw tightening as tears suddenly welled. "Do not fear, you will have another."
It was as though she were in the coils of a python as she tried to remain composed. It was all she could do to remain a statue as his hand glided down her arm, his lips ghosting above the space behind her ear. Without a second thought, her eyes fluttered closed - praying for the end of their interaction.
"From the very moment I laid eyes on you all those years ago, I knew that you were destined for beautiful things." Grizzly, sharp nails gently raked through the brim of her curls. "Even as a youngling, you were always such a fragile but, gorgeous- innocent creature," the menacing chuckle that followed paralyzed her. She couldn't listen to him any longer, nor allow him to direct the conversation without opposition.
"Before my first inauguration as Queen, you shaped this to be my future," she glowered, changing the trajectory of their discussion. "You already knew who he would select. My question is why do you wish for him to know that?" She demanded, turning towards him with fiery eyes.
A Cheshire smile tugged at the emperor's cracked lips, his reaction insulting – even more so when he chuckled. "I did know. Many years before he decided, I knew you were the only weakness in him that remained."
"We didn't even know one another-"
"Being no more than a pawn, it is quite alright for you to not understand reasons too far above your head," he quipped cutting her off sharply. "The bear was only but a reminder for him – nothing can alter what I have already set in motion." A swallow pressed down her throat as he distinguished the main reason for her query. He drew closer, so close that it was a reflex to inch back – her spine touching the pillar as he became her cage. "You are so ignorant," he mused, "It's almost charming how much you do not know – mind still so feisty and hopeful." Feeling his nails drag down her cheekbone, her eyes adverted themselves as she scrambled to prevent tears. "A beautiful dove caught in a cage, yearning for an escape that will never reach fruition."
"The future has yet to happen- never is it certain," Padmé retorted, the assertion in her voice unwavering. Palpatine smiled, brushing away the stray hair that had tumbled onto her face.
"Your fate is mine to control, that is a certainty." After a moment, an indolent sigh left him as his nail skimmed down her neck towards her décolletage, anxiety leaving her frozen as his gaze traced after.
Her heart was hammering in the confines of her chest, it's pace sprinting – the adrenaline mirror that of a vulnerable gazelle in the narrow vision of a bloodthirsty predator. However, unlike fleeing prey – she was locked in place, she could not escape the encounter. Padmé could no longer save face as panic punched through her composure when his mouth ghosted under her ear.
"How many times has my apprentice shattered your dignity?" He quietly crooned, his teeth millimeters above her skin. "How many times has he claimed you when he has no authority to make that assertion..." Padmé could feel herself sinking, iridescent beads tumbled down her cheek and she had no energy to stop them. "It would be simple for me to take you from him. I give the order and it is done. That is true power, my dear." When he backed away, air flew into her lungs – her eyes immediately upon him as his wicked grin formed. "I hate to end our reunion little dove, but I must make my usual rounds. Do give him that reminder for me, my Lady. Have a wonderful birthday," he grinned sauntering away.
Back crashing against stone, air drew in and out of her lungs slowly as she attempted to collect herself - fingers quivered as she held them close. A chill in the air trembled down her skin, goosebumps forming as another presence drew close. Padmé had no words for him as she stepped closer to the balustrade, her attention falling on the joyful festivities in the city square. She wished to be a part of them, but knew it was futile. Not even glancing as Vader joined her side, her desolate gaze remained fixed on the unwavering smiles of the people – watching them laugh, dance, live. If what Palpatine said was true, her destiny was already certain… she could only imagine two possibilities for her future. Death or imprisonment. No in between she could see. No one was coming to save her. With the rebellion devastated and the remaining Jedi no doubt fleeing back into hiding, she was alone… left to the discretion of others. She was a fool for believing her situation had changed – not even Vader could save her from his Master.
"You will not be returning to Coruscant," the young Lord announced beside her, "After your time here, we will travel to Mygeeto."
"Okay," she whispered numbly. Even if she didn't want to think about politics, she knew the purpose of the visit. The rift between the vital system and the Empire had grown since its formation. It was evident to any who paid attention that new terms had to be negotiated and scribed to keep the peace.
"You said it yourself, the future is never certain. It is always subject to change."
Brows furrowing, Padmé shifted towards him – knowing he'd changed the topic. "He knew you'd find that bear in my room a decade ago… He knew before either of us hit the age of twelve that we were to marry. W-We hadn't even known the other existed."
"You said something to me once," he murmured, his golden eyes star systems away as he gazed at the stars, "you'd said 'there are countless outcomes for every event measured.' I now understand why that vexed me… Visions, the ability of foresight may be contrived from alternate circumstances. The mask, your imprisonment, the rivers of lava and fire I see in my dreams. Neither of us know the reason or location of those events, however, I'm sure if we alter our behavior in anticipation of them… they will undoubtably come to pass."
For a moment, she was at a loss for words as his analysis became a beacon of possibility and hope. Padmé realized then that they would need to work together, no matter how much she hated the idea. There was no denying that both of them were in the same boat. Their lives and future in someone else's control. She needed to trust him. Trust herself and worry about the repercussions of all her choices when Palpatine was gone. "What do you suggest then?" She whispered, eyes flashing to him briefly.
"Focus on what is before us now. There is no reason to concern ourselves with what may or may not be… He will not approach you again during his time here. We should enjoy the rest of the evening with your family."
It was remarkable how quickly her disposition changed as she took in a deep breath. Vader was right, she couldn't allow Palpatine destroy their evening, like he'd done everything else. There was no sense concerning herself about the future at the expense of the moment. Within the next few weeks there would come a time where she would have to leave this place again with no assurance that she would actually return. This planet was once again her home, Vader had made that clear to her the previous night. No longer would they spend idle time on Coruscant – only visiting the world if it was necessary. However, the illusion of stability was evident between Vader and his master… There was no telling when the decisive struggle between them would occur.
A warm hand pressed against the base of her spine, ushering her along back towards her family as she lightened her thoughts. Though as she watched Ryoo and Pooja scurry towards their mother, her heart lurched as a forlorn smile crossed her features. The innocent always paid the ultimate price… Padmé would have to remind herself of that later on, there was no doubt Palpatine would continue to use her family as a means of extortion. A nose nudged her temple gently, lips pressed against her cheek as a voice murmured in her mind.
'Try not to worry about that right now,' Vader sighed in her thoughts as his hand tightened around her waist. She nodded, pressing into him before drawing away as they approached her family.
Padmé finally relinquished the future and lived in the moment as the night passed on. She found herself laughing, carefree as she danced with her nieces and gossiped with her sister and mother. Even her father was chuckling from their dialogue. It was rare that she allowed her mind such a reprieve, one that it desperately needed. When the lantern lighting began, it started out small… Her family's blessing flickering above the cliffs as they ascended into the night's sky. Soon after, the speckles of auburn dotted the plaza, the courtyard pulsing as the tiny flames glimmered. It was a heartbeat, watching thousands of beats combine into one until they were released – ascending into the sky as if releasing stars. Tears pricked her eyes, seeing only a few metamorphose into something greater. It permitted her mind to remember. It only took the hope and desire of a few to grow into something more. As long as hope for a better life remained in the galaxy, oppression would never last. It stumped her then as she sharply swallowed. This demonstration was for her. A lump formed in her throat as she slowly reeled back from the balustrade.
I don't deserve this, Padmé told herself – tears welling as her hands fidgeted. Even if she had unified those who live above and below the waters of the world, what she had done since was not something to celebrate. She had been naïve, not recognizing until it was too late that one of her most trusted allies conspired against her from the beginning. She took one more step back, yet a pair of arms collapsed around her before she could flee. Vader didn't say a word as he just held her softly, his cheek resting atop her head as she nestled herself deeper – thankful for the comfort. He was the only one who knew the truth. How she felt about her mistakes, how she hated herself for them. She knew he could sense her distress, hear it in her thoughts. Though he didn't utter a word in her mind nor aloud, his embrace more than enough assurance…
A/N: I wish I could respond to reviews more easily, so I will just put an author's note here. I have kept the dynamic between Eryx and Padmé very cryptic/bewildering for a reason that will eventually reveal itself towards the latter chapters of this story. Patience is key! It will all make sense eventually ;)!