A/N: I very much see this story in three parts. Part 1 being the events of the Hedsard ball, part 2 being Padme's pregnancy and all that followed and part 3... Well, from chapter 30 we begin part 3. The third and final act of Fatefully Yours will be the longest section and whew, if only you knew the drama coming... I can't wait to share it with you!

Until then, please enjoy!

The sparkling waters of Varykino danced beneath the warm kiss of sunshine with such grace that it soothed the small nerves twirling inside Padme's stomach. Just beyond, the lush greenery coating the mountain enveloped the villa procured for them this weekend in a protective embrace, shielding this precious day from the eyes of an excited galaxy. High above, birdsong filled the fresh, unpolluted air and she closed her eyes, leaning back into the warm cradle of Anakin's arms around her body, smiling when he dusted a kiss on her cheek as they stood on the pale stone balcony together.

When was the last time she felt so at peace? Certainly not any time recently. Nearly out of office, Padme wanted to enjoy this time. To enjoy being home… Home. Not just on Naboo but wherever Anakin was. Where their family was going to be. "Let's just stay here forever…" she murmured.

Anakin's gentle laughter rumbled in return. "I like the sound of that." His fingers squeezed hers where they lay entwined on the thick stone veranda. Warmth spread through Padme that had nothing to do with the sun. "The galaxy can go on wondering what ever happened to us."

"I'm sure it will make for a fascinating story," she tipped her head to the sky and sighed softly. Were anyone to come looking for them, they would not find a spacious, private villa reserved under the names Anakin Skywalker or Padme Amidala Naberrie, but rather, Set and Vere Lars to ensure the absolute secrecy of their stay. Of course, the Nubian owners of the villa were likely to understand the aliases for what they were, given the most beloved tragic legend of Set and Vere and their forbidden love. But the addition of Anakin's mother's maiden name would disguise any true connection to them. "I would enjoy a dramatic holo-vid about us and our disappearance."

Anakin groaned from deep in his throat as if the thought was as physically painful as any blow. "I don't know how you watch those things. It's drama for drama's sake."

She reigned in the urge to roll her eyes. He could protest all he wanted, but they both knew he got pulled into those holo-vids every bit as much as she did! But for today, since it was so special, Padme would spare his fragile male pride. "Well, I don't understand how you can sit on the sofa for hours binging pre-shows for the Boonta Eve podracing before the action even starts!" Gods, he was obsessed with those races! So much so, that she had spotted several event posters sneaking their way into her apartment recently. She loved him enough to allow it. For now… Some things had to be handled subtly, after all.

"That's different!" Anakin sputtered, "It's a sport! It's an event and there's a lot to talk about…" He went on and on, trying to prove his point with intricacies such as who was racing and which parts were being allowed to the racers this year. Padme stopped listening altogether and watched the easy ebb and flow of the water instead. She was too excited to be bored or exasperated with him. This evening, as the sun set behind the mountains, Anakin would be her husband and she was going to be his wife!

She couldn't believe they were really here! That this day had finally come and they were going to do things their way. So much of their lives had been controlled by obligations, rules and societal expectations, but finally, they were free. Excitement fluttered deep inside her stomach. In just a handful of hours their guests would arrive. Ahsoka, Rex, Cody and Sabe would whisk Anakin away while her mother, Sola and Dorme helped her get ready. Sabe had already confirmed the Pontifex's arrival last night. Only the royal aide could pull off convincing a high-ranking member of the Brotherhood of Cognizance to bless their union in absolute secrecy while ensuring the holy man at their public ceremony made no sound about it.

Sabe truly was a wonder.

Of course, Padme extended an invitation to Ahsoka to join her and her family for the more feminine aspects of the day, but as she suspected, her soon-to-be husband's apprentice politely declined, preferring to remain with Anakin and the others. Still, Ahsoka had come dress shopping yesterday and seemed to enjoy herself thoroughly as they found her something both appropriate for her age and within the levels of comfort she enjoyed. Ahsoka seemed very pleased by the time they were finished.

It was only a few moments later that Padme realised that Anakin stopped talking. She knew he was waiting for her response. For her to admit that his racing was indeed important and thrilling and yes she saw the light now. But instead of all that, she turned in his arms, wrapping her own around his neck and smiled. "I'm so excited to marry you, Anakin Skywalker. I love you so much."

And she did. After all the trouble and the pain they'd endured, more than enough to tear anyone else apart, Padme only felt more bonded to Anakin than ever and she wasn't going to let anything come between them ever again. "I love you too," Anakin whispered. And even if she hadn't already believed him, hadn't felt that love in her heart, in her very bones, the light in his bright blue eyes promised her sole possession of his heart. Tears burned her eyes and slipped freely before she could blink them away. That they had almost lost this… Unthinkable! Anakin leaned in and kissed her away those tears, one after another. "My one true love," he swore softly.

For a long moment, they only breathed in each other's air. They had made it. They survived everything fate and the galaxy threw to tear them apart and they were here. Mere hours away from the union that would bind them together until their very last day and beyond. Anakin kissed her brow then her temple and Padme struggled not to shudder. Finally, he bent at the neck and kissed her. Once. Twice. She lost count after that.

Most would claim that it was bad luck for a bride and groom to see each other the day of their wedding, much less spend the morning of the ceremony together. Jobal and Sola had said as much at length last night, but Padme wanted every second she could have with him. How could they face any worse than they'd already overcome? In the coming weeks, as the public ceremony drew closer, they were going to be separated more than they were together anyway… Who could deny them this?

As one wandering hand crept downwards, skimming the arch of her spine and the soft curve of her hip, Padme felt herself shudder. Desire began to awaken and throb between her legs, dampening her underwear in ways that were absolutely supposed to wait until after the wedding. "Anakin…" she sighed reluctantly, gods, did he have to kiss her neck so expertly? "Ani… we should… we shouldn't…"

" Yes, we should…" he smirked into her skin, kneading the flesh of her backside more firmly now. Hardly surprising. Anakin never did care about propriety – he would take her in the middle of the Senate if she allowed it. She shuddered again. That particular fantasy was something she'd like to revisit at a more appropriate time.

Her hand slid into his hair just as sharp teeth dragged across her pulse. "Don't… don't you want to wait until tonight?" She whimpered. To make the wedding night special, Padme knew women who insisted upon no intimacy for weeks before the big day. In hindsight, she wished she'd brought up the idea just to see him sweat.

"Angel, my intentions to ravish you tonight are unaffected by what happens right now. I promise you."

"Oh, you're going to ravish me, are you?" Padme laughed, raking her fingers through his sandy curls. She was shaking now – when did that start?

Nudging the tip of her nose with his own, Anakin had the nerve to smile sweetly. " Thoroughly."

That wicked, sinful promise heated her blood to boiling and she was lost to him. Padme moaned as he kissed her, claimed her, their tongues mating in a prelude to what was to come next. Her whole body sang for him. Ached for him. Padme pressed herself against Anakin's hard body and teased him with a slow grind of her core against him.

At once, his large hands gripped her backside tighter, urging her against him with more pressure as the low, wanting growl Anakin gave sent shudders of pure desire between her legs. Though they were still dressed in only light sleepwear even as morning flirted with afternoon, there were still far too many layers between them. She needed to be naked with him, every inch of them pressed against each other for as long as they could stand it.

Or for as long as time allowed.

Undoing the easy tie of his grey sleep-shirt, Padme guided the soft fabric off his muscled body and let it fall to the cool stone floor by his feet. Her loving hands eagerly explored every firm ridge and inch of him as Anakin carefully guided the thin, white straps of her nightgown over the curve of her shoulders, allowing it to slip down and down until it was a puddle of satin around her ankles.

The warm morning air kissed her breasts, stiffening her nipples into hard peaks just dying to be touched. Sensing this, Anakin dipped down, kissing fire along her skin until Padme's shallow breath caught in her throat as he drew one stiff nipple into his warm, suckling mouth. Her fingers gripped his hair brutally – who could blame her when his tongue swept over the tip again and again before tugging at it with sharp teeth.

More, her spine arched in a silent plea, more.

Freeing his hair, she used both hands to ease down the black trousers he wore, pushing them over the perfect swell of his backside and, unable to resist, grabbed playfully at him, urging him even closer. Releasing her nipple with a ragged breath, Anakin let Padme guide him backwards, trusting her without question as she led him toward a small green armchair meant for enjoying the view in a very different way than she intended.

Smirking, he fell into the chair upon her shove and spread his thighs smugly. Padme allowed her ravenous gaze to eat up every gorgeous inch of her him from head to toe. Scars decorated his tanned skin in various shades of white and pink from his father's cruelties and his time spent fighting more battles across the years than she wished to think about. She loved it. Loved him.

And gods, she was going to devour him.

"You're so beautiful, Ani," Padme whispered enjoying the surprised laughter her complement pulled from him. She didn't praise him enough, a mistake she was going to remedy going forward. "I mean it… You're the most handsome man I've ever known. I love every single thing about you and I'm the luckiest woman in the whole galaxy to be loved by you." It was the absolute truth. Who else could truly see her for who and what she was, understand her every talent and fault and love her even more because of them? Anakin knew her. He was her safety. Her home. They were made for each other and she couldn't wait to call him her husband.

As he opened his mouth, either to dispute what she said with a joke or to revere her with his own admiration, Padme silenced him, pressing a single finger to his soft, full lips and carefully climbed onto the armchair to straddle his body.

Large hands steadied her as she got situated, gripping her waist as she kissed him, reaching between their wanting bodies to align the hard head of him against her wetness and sink down. A small gasp tore out of Padme's lips as he filled her inch by glorious inch, stretching her until their hipbones pressed together, connecting them as deeply as two people ever could be.

"Padme…" Anakin's hands wandered up her sides and along her back, touching her with such reverence that small tremors rushed through her every nerve in response. No further intelligible words left his parted lips as her inner muscles clamped down around him. Finally, looping her arms around his neck, she lifted and then fell back down upon him, tearing moans and gasps from their lips again and again. Once again, his hands trailed downwards, palming her hips and ass, squeezing and urging her to move faster.

Taking his unsubtle hint, Padme sat up and rode him. They fit together as perfectly as ever and it was amazing. So wonderfully, amazing. Nothing could ever compare to this. No one could ever make her feel this way. Only him, her Ani, her husband, the father her children. They belonged together.

She moved faster, arching and circling her hips with practised expertise, panting and crying out half-moans of his name which Anakin swallowed with kiss after searing kiss. Her aching nipples dragged teasingly against his chest with every rise and fall of her body over his and the added sparks of extra pleasure left her panting.

Anakin brought his hand upwards just as Padme threw back her head and his thumb traced the shape of her bottom lip, rescuing it from the harshness of her teeth and she could not resist taking him into her mouth. Sliding her tongue around the digit, she applied gentle suction, lavishing it with the same attention she would give his cock whenever she took him in her mouth.

" Fuck," he cursed, eyes clamping shut as shallow, desperate pants racked his body. "Force, Padme… So good… feels so good…" The hand remaining on her hips sunk even more firmly into her flesh, dragging her wet core downwards on his throbbing cock harder, making her cry out with every descent. Releasing his thumb, she kissed and licked her way along his jaw, tugging his hair to gain better access while her busy hips took him again and again and again.

So focused on Anakin, Padme didn't notice his wandering fingers until they found her sensitive clit and began circling the bud exactly how she liked. The unexpected stimulation made her body rut toward him, begging his fingers to never stop as her pleasure burned hotter. Chasing her climax, she rocked her body, arching to take him deeper and moaned his name over and over.

Taking his face in her hands, she kissed him, desperate and hungry, loving the thrust of his tongue in her mouth and the tug of his teeth on her lip. " Ani…Oh! Ah! Oh, don't stop…" Padme gasped and pleaded as his hips began lifting to meet hers, creating a whole new rhythm of lovemaking that sent her teetering on the edge of absolute bliss. Spreading his legs for power, Anakin thrust brutally and dragged her all too willing body into every hard jab of his cock. It was perfect. It was bliss. This was exactly what she needed after everything, to be in his arms while he took her, claimed her as his for all the galaxy to know.

"I'm yours," Padme panted, swearing to the stars and above for all time. "Always – always yours…"

"Yes!" He hissed, eyes shut in concentration as they sweat and moaned and rode each other toward release. "Mine!"

" Oh…" As a silent scream tore its way out of her lips, she threw back her head and rode the pleasure as its intensity grew until she could barely stand it. "I'm going to cum," Padme cried, " oh gods, Ani, I'm… I'm… Yesss!"

"That's it, Angel," he panted in her year, his hands and hips taking full control of their lovemaking as her hips faltered and stuttered as the pressure made her seize and tense so it was all she could do to cling to him as he rode her through it. "Come for me… Let me feel you come all around me…" He hissed.

Those few moaned words threw Padme over the precipice so powerfully, a desperate cry burst from her gasping lips as her body fell head-first into an orgasm and stars burst before her closed eyes. Her stuttering hips lost all sense of rhythm and direction as the pleasure grew so wonderfully overwhelming and she felt her thighs trembling beneath the onslaught. Three deep, punishing thrusts later, Anakin roared to the mountains themselves as her clenching body wrenched his climax from him and she collapsed against his sweat-dampened chest as, at last, they stilled.

Heat rippled off her body and a whisper of the cool lake breeze was welcome against their flushed, sweaty skin as they lounged comfortably in the afterglow. Padme felt him softening inside her as she lazed in his arms and traced unseen lines along the curve of his shoulder. "Mm," she sighed contently, "I hope this is how every day starts for the rest of our lives."

Her body shook slightly with his gentle laughter. "If this is how the rest of our lives look, my love, I'll be the happiest man in the galaxy."

Cool waves rode the gentle twilight breeze as it guided the water toward the golden sand below the balcony. The lake was a reflective portrait of the warm light cast between the twin mountains before him, a rippling mirror of the natural beauty laid before the nervous Prince. A slightly larger wave crested and sighed as it met with the water's edge, spilling softly onto the beach. Lifting his awed gaze, Anakin faced the dying sun as brilliant, burnished oranges melded into vibrant pink and reds in a breathtaking marriage as old as time itself.

Behind him, the smattering of guests were bathed in the resplendent glow of the sun's final minutes, only furthering the magnificence of this quiet moment as his heart thundered within the constrictive cage of his chest. Beside him, Artoo stood proudly, beeping happily when Ahsoka patted his cool dome with sweet affection. It was a strange sight to see his apprentice changed from her comfortable, lightweight clothing to a one-shouldered, ankle-length dress of deep blue, the colour matching wonderfully with the stripes upon her lekku. The dress was simple and breathable, without grand patterns or multiple fluffy layers but it was pretty. She looked perfect.

Mere minutes ago, Jobal, Sola and Dorme had slipped excitedly onto the balcony, sharing enthusiastic giggles and whispered words not even the force would allow Anakin to overhear. Darred had slapped him on the back and grinned before joining his wife in the small crowd before him. Rex and Cody were respectfully quiet as they awaited the ceremony's beginning though the former would likely enjoy the coming celebrations after the vows were exchanged far more than the latter.

Though his excitement to marry his Angel was boundless, something pulled at Anakin uncomfortably, an inch he couldn't locate and scratch. It twisted in his belly and ate at his heart. This day had been perfect, it was everything they had wanted and yet something was missing. An indescribable longing filled the Prince no matter how badly he tried to force the feeling away. This was a day he would remember for the rest of his life, his wedding day… and Vader wasn't here.

This was his decision, his mind dismissed the foolishness of his heart at once. He tried to take her from me! He touched her!

And yet Anakin wished his brother were here more than he had ever expected. Vader's absence was an ache he couldn't ignore, a regret he would forever carry. Yes, he would be at the public ceremony but that was a show, it was a performance for the people. It wasn't real. He closed his eyes and tried to breathe away the anguish rising within him. This was a good day. This was a happy moment. The happiest moment of his life.

Perhaps… perhaps it might be easier to work toward forgiveness than Anakin had thought if it meant Vader's return to his life. Did that make him an idiot? Or weak? Most men would never be in the same room with the man who… but they weren't normal men. They were more. Their bond was beyond what most people could imagine. Padme had so tentatively brought up the prospect before, would she be willing to let the past remain behind them? Could one day the three of them come together again and share meals and laughter like they once had?

Whispers pulled the Prince from his thoughts as the Pontifex straightened his posture and smiled warmly before glancing over Anakin's shoulder. His stomach dropped as Artoo beeped long and slow and Ahsoka reached over the astromech to punch him on the shoulder, smiling brightly. Inhaling long and deep, he steeled himself to turn toward the doorway where Ruwee Naberrie stood in his finest blue suit. Proud tears glistened in the older man's eyes though his thin lips pressed together to hold back his overwhelming emotions as he stepped out onto the balcony with –

Force help him.

All thought fled his mind as he drank in every single inch of her. Draped in lace and pearls, Padme was breathtaking to behold. Anakin could not tear his widened eyes from her, not for one moment. In the pristine white of her lace-laden gown and the veil, which she had told him had been worn by her mother on her own wedding day, she truly was an angel. A small bouquet of blush-red Naboo blossoms were a brilliant contrast to the purity of her gown and he was breathless at the sight of her.

As Ruwee led his daughter along the makeshift aisle of guests, Padme shyly met his eye and smiled her beautiful, perfect smile and force, she was radiant. Through her force signature, he sensed the utter joy she felt and it only amplified his own. In just a few moments, she would be his wife and he her husband. They had survived every trial to share this moment and no prize could be better. Father and daughter reached him with just a few mere steps and Anakin eagerly shook Ruwee's offered hand, delighting in the fierce pride the man felt and joy in welcoming him to their wonderful family.

Alone with his beloved as her father joined her mother and sister, Anakin drank her in all over again. A gentle blush painted her soft cheeks and her smile was sunlight itself. Two long curls lay loose by either side of her face and the rest of her beautiful hair was obscured by her mother's fragile, incredibly ornate veil detailed with pearls and small, ornamental flowers sewn onto delicate, wonderfully preserved lace.

His smile could never be large enough to portray the absolute, overwhelming elation he felt. After today, at last, he would be a married man, forever bound to the woman he loved more than anything in the galaxy. Never again would anything come between them. Even now, standing before her in a dark suit bearing the Nubian emblem sewn subtly above his heart, something he would wear forevermore to declare her unchallenged claim, the Prince could hardly believe his luck. If he went back and told himself, that fateful night at the Hedsard ball this lay in his future, Anakin would have never thought it was possible.

And yet, his Angel stood before him, her warm fingers slipped into his and before he could search himself for some small scrap of self-control, tears filled his eyes because Padme desired him. Padme loved him. Padme, with the very galaxy laid at her feet in offering, chose him. I love you, he mouthed to his bride and she laughed, reaching upwards to dust away a tear as it spilled onto his cheek and despite their audience and the Holy man mere inches away, he turned his face to brush a kiss to his beloved's wrist.

Clearing his throat, the Pontifex smiled kindly as someone, likely Rex, whistled playfully but Anakin could not pull his eyes away from Padme long enough to glare at his friend. "It is truly a rare occasion to witness a celebration of such obvious and palpable love…" the Holy man declared, "we, the gathered, should be humbled by what we see this evening and feel grateful to partake in the union of Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala Naberrie…"

"… You may kiss the bride!" The Holy man smiled and the crowd roared their applause and congratulations as the holo-cams hovered around the throne room, capturing every inch of this day for the distant participation of people all around the galaxy. Padme found herself swept into her husband's arms for the second first kiss of their marriage and she smiled as if it truly were the first.

Her large, white gown sparkled beneath the lights, strapless and bearing almost invisible mesh-like material around her shoulders and arms to carry the long, curving line of a vivid green vine bearing flowers of the palest pink and white as it wound around her arms, diagonally across her chest and looping twice around her waist before it carried on downwards, into the wide, shimmering skirt.

This time, her husband was dressed in a royal suit of shining black and golden embroidery and she longed to trace her fingers across the emblem he wore over his heart just as she had their first wedding when she discovered the Nubian insignia meant to symbolise her unquestioned place within his heart. Only her wonderful, romantic, amazing husband would ever think of such details… Somehow, Padme's smile grew even wider.

As the cheering began to die down, distantly, somebody coughed dryly but neither husband nor wife paid attention to anything around them as Anakin led them through the decorated aisle and toward the vast, grand doorway and into the coming celebrations.

Married… She was married! Twice over, Padme had married the man she loved and the thrill had not faded yet. Would it ever? She liked to think they would live in this dizzying, joyous little bubble for the rest of their lives. And even if it did fade, sixty years from now, when they were old and grey surrounded by children and grandchildren, they would still love each other. They would still live for one another. They would still choose each other. Anakin was her great love and nobody could make her happier in his life or any other.

This was the beginning of their lives.