The grand throne room of Theed Royal Palace gleamed under the soft rainbow hues of towering stained-glass windows, casting the idyllic space in a tapestry of light. Vader admired the elegant pillars rising into the high-arching ceilings, recognising his father's homeworld influence in certain areas of his own palace. At the far end of the chamber, King Thule awaited at the foot of his throne, not daring to sit while he approached. Thule, unlike his wife, rarely dressed in the splendour Naboo was known for, preferring simple robes and cloaks. Today, the man had opted for a simple blue tunic and dark trousers – hardly befitting royalty.

Not that Thule was truly a royal. Not in Vader's mind anyway.

Glancing down at his own attire, he took in the sleek, black leather tunic, its smooth surface bearing the unmistakable sigil of Skywalker across his chest – a symbol of enduring power, of heritage and destiny. The burgundy cloak draped across his right shoulder was selected to add a layer of regality, fastened by a metallic clasp that glimmered in the light. Unlike Thule, every element of Vader's clothing was carefully chosen, not merely for fashion but as a statement – as proof of his wealth, his influence and the unending legacy of his House and his family. Every thread, every piece of metal, even the lightsaber hanging from his hip reminded anyone who looked upon him of who Vader Skywalker was.

No sign of any of his advisors, Thule was alone in the cavernous throne room, not even a guard lingered inside. It seemed the Naboo King truly wished this matter to remain private. Good, that suited him perfectly. The man's face was calm but his eyes betrayed a sliver of unease – exactly the way he wished it to be. His force signature reeked of nervous energy and a potent dread to get this meeting over and done with. For once they agreed. There were other places he would rather be. "Majesty," Thule dipped into a polite bow. "Welcome to Theed Royal Palace. I do believe it is your first time here?"

"Indeed," Vader nodded, "Naboo truly is a jewel within the crown of the Empire."

A muscle feathered in Thule's jaw. "Yes, my homeworld is a splendour of peace and tranquillity. Let us hope she remains so."

"Force willing," he smiled. "Now, enough with the formalities… I'm here for several reasons," Vader lowered himself into one of the chairs set up for the Naboo Royal Council and gestured for the 'King' to follow his lead. "The Empire seeks to strengthen its position in the Mid Rim and Naboo holds a unique place in that. Your planet's resources, its artisans and its strategic value now Anakin has constructed our new base here, makes it… essential."

Thule perched himself uncomfortably in the small council seat, glancing sidelong at his large sprawling throne. Maybe Vader should have sat in it… just to make a point. Just to see the man sweat. "Naboo has long thrived on trade alliances, but I must ensure that any agreements benefit my people first and foremost."

"Did my new base not create thousands of employment opportunities?" Vader lifted an eyebrow, "Has it not given a boost to local economies? Trade opportunities are only the beginning. Naboo can flourish under my protection… or find itself in an uncertain position. Many worlds who refuse to embrace the Empire exist in chaos and their people suffer for it." His thoughts drifted for a moment to Mandalore and its infuriating desire for independence. If only Satine would come to him… Vader would be all too happy to crush the warriors plaguing her rule beneath his boot.

Shame.

A heavy pause lingered between them. Thule's eyes narrowed slightly, though his expression remained diplomatic. "Naboo has always valued its sovereignty. We believe in cooperation, not subjugation."

Vader's lips curled upwards. "I do feel a fondness for this planet. Someone I care for deeply hails from here. My beloved niece was born here. I understand Naboo's value more than most in the galaxy. But I will not tolerate any defiance, Thule."

The other man met his gaze, utterly unflinching. "Then perhaps that apparent fondness will allow you to remember Naboo's principles. We never have been and never will be bullied into submission. If we enter into a new trade agreement, it will be on terms that ensure my people prosper. Freely."

Vader's jaw tightened, though he did not outwardly react to the subtle challenge Thule threw at his feet. "You speak with courage… I admire that. But courage alone will not protect Naboo from the future I am building."

Thule set his shoulders. "Nor will fear bind us to your will, Majesty. Naboo's strength lies in its unity and my people will not bend to tyranny. We bow to the Empire, but we are not enslaved to it."

"In the coming days, I will be sending an emissary here to begin discussions on the terms of our new trade agreements. But remember this – if Naboo does not align itself with the Empire fully, it will not remain an independent sovereignty for long."

Thule's lips curved up into a polite smile. "I am sure we can come to an agreement that benefits us both. Just as your father and I once did."

His father, for whatever reason was always soft with Naboo, setting his sights on other, more powerful worlds to strip and plunder. Had Thule and the Senate perceived that as weakness or foolishly believed it was their own strength which protected them? Vader almost chuckled. If only they knew what he was doing. What he was building for them all…

He rose from his seat, his cloak sweeping across the gleaming marble floor as he began to walk toward the yawning doorway but as the doors hissed apart, the Emperor laid a hand on the edge, feeling the cool metal beneath his skin. "Ah, before I forget… There is the matter of our last discussion?"

He sensed the resentment pouring from the older man in thrashing waves. Vader embraced each as they battered against him like an age-old rock on the shoreline. If Thule was this frustrated, it meant he had done something correctly. "I have done as you asked. The offer has been made but is as yet unaccepted. I expect the promised repayment."

Turning to lean his shoulder on the doorway, Vader folded his arms and chuckled. Pathetic, he thought, Thule made Naboo weak, vulnerable and ripe for his picking.

"Taking Padme onto your Council should be payment enough. You know how capable she is as well as I do. But as agreed, five hundred thousand credits shall be transferred into your private account. Do with it as you will." No true King could be so easily bought… but then again, Thule was just a man pretending at Vader's pleasure. He could take all of this away with a snap of his fingers. Perhaps Thule required a reminder of this? And not just him, the galaxy as a whole…

Pushing off the doorway, Vader turned to leave once more. "You should use the credits to find ways to make your Queen happier, Thule," he laughed darkly over his shoulder, "No one enjoys the funeral of a drunk."

He sensed every curse and threat the man roared within his mind as the doors slid shut behind him.


Knock! Knock! Knock!

Padme looked up from the datapad in her hands with a start. The moment she spoke with King Thule about accepting his offer, she was forwarded weeks worth of work which had to be completed before the next meeting in three days. It was stressful and far too time-consuming and gods, she had missed this! The thrill of frantically writing and editing legislative bills, creating arguments for and against topics to be discussed by her peers, crafting budgetary suggestions… This was what she was made for.

When Anakin came home, she was going to kiss him senselessly for pushing her into this.

And, if the gods and goddesses had any mercy, make feverish, passionate love to him until neither could move for hours.

"Oh my, I don't believe we are expecting any visitors?" Threepio padded past the sofa she lounged on at a frantic pace, "Whoever would be rude enough to simply arrive uninvited?" She smiled at her beloved droid's fretting. Only her Ani could create a droid and accidentally program him with crippling anxiety. Most would likely find his quirks irritating and difficult to manage but Padme only loved him more for it.

Beside her, Leia blissfully slept through all the fuss in her bassinet. The sight of her daughter's little arms stretched upwards in sleep brought a smile to her face and she could not resist stroking a fingertip along the baby's soft little cheek as they waited to hear who had come to visit. After a few moments, her gleaming protocol droid returned, seemingly in a far calmer state. "Ah, Mistress Padme, it seems the Lady Sola Naberrie and your mother have come – and bearing tea no less! How very polite, I must say."

Visits from her family whenever she and Anakin came to their house here were frequent and wonderful. She had always wanted to settle down where they could all be close together to share lunches and dinners and family days out, but with the hecticness of her and Anakin's schedules, their time was split between Naboo and Coruscant more than she liked.

"Ah, darling, how are you?" Jobal appeared from behind Threepio and rushed to kiss both Padme's cheeks, "No, no don't you get up! If my grandchild is sleeping, you should be resting with her."

"I am tired," she laughed, grimacing at the truth of the exhaustion weighing down her body. Everybody warned about the lack of sleep new parents endured but gods, Padme hadn't realised just how tiring it was going to be! "Leia likes to be up all night and sleep all day. We're not sure how to break her out of it."

"That's certainly one aspect of parenting I'm not looking forward to when the time comes," Sola settled on the sofa beside the baby and smiled at her sleeping niece, "Look at this little sweetheart! Goddesses, Padme, she really does look just like you, doesn't she?"

"She has Anakin's nose," she reached down to readjust one of the small, woollen socks the baby had accidentally kicked off in her sleep. "But she does favour me more, physically at least, which is funny because I wanted a boy just like Ani. I guess he won out in the end."

"Perhaps the next one will be your boy?" Jobal smiled kindly, "I've brought you some of my energising tea leaves, darling, you could certainly use a cup. I'll go get a pot brewed."

All her life, Padme wanted a big family of her own, she had imagined a loving husband and enough children to fill a whole house. They were always gleefully happy in her fantasies, full of light and energy and everything was perfect. Now she actually had a baby, the very thought of trying for another right now was enough to make her recoil. She couldn't even find the time to sleep with her husband with one child never mind making a sibling!

"How's Darred?" She turned to Sola as Jobal left the room, "And the business, is everything well?"

"Houses are selling well but then again, everybody needs a house, don't they?" Sola muttered. Her sister did not lift her eyes from Leia as she traced her fingers through the baby's growing hair gently. "We had another appointment with our fertility specialist today… He gave us the names of adoption clinics. Can you believe that? Well, if he doesn't want to help us, other doctors can. It's a big galaxy."

Padme opened and then closed her mouth, pausing to consider her words very carefully. The troubles Sola and Darred were experiencing were a very sore subject for her sister, saying the wrong thing would easily lead to great offence. "Would… I think it might be very rewarding to open your home to a child without a family. Perhaps it is something to consider?"

At last, her sister's widening gaze snapped upwards to meet her own. "Don't start, Padme. I've heard enough about all that today already. I want a family of my making, my own baby. I want to conceive and carry it like any other woman gets to – is that really too much to ask? I mean, you're a mother! You must know you would feel differently about a child you brought into the house than you do about Leia."

Oh… Where was their mother with that tea?

"Well, I don't… Anakin took in Ahsoka and though she certainly isn't our child, we love her very dearly. She has become a very important part of our family." Perhaps her lack of experience had made her naive, but Padme firmly believed motherhood was motherhood regardless of the circumstances. "I think if Ani and I took in a child we would love them every part as much as we do Leia… but if it's not a path you and Darred want to explore, I understand."

Sola huffed and returned her focus to Leia, watching with rapturous focus as she slumbered, completely unaware of her mother and aunt's conversation. What peaceful innocence… Padme almost wished she could join her. Mercifully, Jobal finally returned carrying one of her serving trays and set it down on the table with a smile. "Here we are! This will help you get through tonight with our little Princess!" Her mother giggled, "It's still so strange to say! My grandchild, an Imperial Princess. Heir to the throne… And to think I once worried about you, child!"

Oh, she remembered all too well the hours of humiliated frustration coming home often entailed as her mother and father interrogated her about her lack of social and love life. Their brutal encouragement to simply, 'get out there!' and attempts to set her up with sons of friends had been enough to keep her in Coruscant for longer periods than strictly necessary. How different her life was now, happily married with a child of her own. The woman she used to be could never have imagined what awaited for her in just a few short years.

"I doubt Leia will be the sole heir for too long," she carefully picked up the mug and breathed in the scented steam wafting from her tea. "Vader wants children of his own to succeed him one day. And Ani and I want Leia to have as normal a childhood as we can give her anyway. She doesn't need to think about thrones and successions until she's old enough to understand what any of it means."

Anakin had grown up in a loveless palace all too aware of the burden his bloodline laid upon him and Vader. He had been honest and passionate about shielding Leia from that sort of life. Of course, there would inevitably come a time when she was older and more difficult to hide from the public but that was something to worry about later. They wanted to simply enjoy their baby for as long as they could.

"Of course," Jobal nodded and sipped her tea. "You and Anakin are making the best choices for her. I'm proud of you, my dear. Speaking of which, where is my son-in-law? It's been far too long since I've seen his handsome face in person."

"Mother!" Padme laughed and glanced at Sola who merely shook her head in exasperation. "Ani is on a mission in Utapau with one of his battalions and Ahsoka. He's scheduled to be home in a few days. You and dad should come over for dinner, I'm sure he'll be relieved I'm not cooking alone."

"Yes, your skills in the kitchen always were lacking," Sola sniggered, "Remember the time you almost set the house on fire re-heating some bantha strew? I thought dad was going to kill you there and then!"

Yes, she remembered all too vividly her father's absolute fury and the hours-long scolding which followed. Just the memory was enough to make Padme shudder as a grown woman years later…

"Well, I'm just happy Leia has you here to tend to her, Padme," Jobal smiled over the porcelain rim of her teacup, "It was long past time you grew up and settled into the role of a mother. No more of those long days tucked away in the Senate, voicing opinions which make people angry enough to send those awful bounty hunters after you… I thank the Goddesses every night for finally leading you away from such a life."

The further her mother rambled such praise, the lower Padme's stomach began to sink. Anakin's departure and her induction into the Naboo royal council had happened so quickly beside each other, there hadn't been a moment to inform her family about the new change in her life. Jobal had never expressed anything more than worry and great pride concerning her previous position, where did this shift come from?

"Well, mom, I actually have some news…" Bracing herself, she sipped some tea for bravery and set her shoulders. "King Thule has offered me a seat on his Council as one of his advisors. I've decided to take the position."

Jobal slammed her teacup onto the table with a resounding thunk. The widening of her mother's eyes awoke a childish quiver of fear Padme had not felt in many years. "Excuse me? This is a joke, isn't it?"

Looking to Sola who merely shrugged her confusion, she shook her head, "Of course, it isn't. Mother, you know who I am, I was never going to permanently stay home. I need to work to stay sane, you should know this by now."

Jobal was aghast as she glared at Padme as if she had sprouted a new head and began speaking in vile tongues. "And your child? You can't expect to leave her at home all day with the droid! What are you thinking?"

"Of course not, mother!" If only to preserve what little sanity and peace of mind poor Threepio had, Leia would never be left in his care alone. The pressure would fry his straining circuits beyond repair! "Anakin and I haven't talked through all of the details yet, but we'll probably hire a nanny to care for Leia while we're working. Many people do it, my child won't be any less loved because I work."

It was easy to forget from time to time just how traditional the beliefs held by her parents could be. Born and raised in a small village near the mountains, old-fashioned culture and customs were of great importance to Jobal and Ruwee. Sola had chosen the conventional path of homemaking but Padme had always been different. They all knew this, why was it suddenly a shock now?

"A nanny? For goodness sake, Padme, what are you thinking? Paying another woman to mother your child while you're locked away in some office is the quickest way to find your marriage at an end and your child resenting you!"

Jobal's words were enough to force a flinch to twitch across her face. How could she say such things? "I don't like what you're implying, mother. You should give my husband a measure of respect – he was the one who encouraged me to accept the position in the first place. Anakin knows I'm going crazy without a purpose, he can see how it affects me. Why can't you?"

"Besides, mother," Sola found her voice at last, "Darred and I will happily take Leia whenever Padme and Anakin need a babysitter. I don't see what's so unreasonable about her returning to her work, you know how driven she is."

"I think it would be for the best that you focussed on growing your own family, not tending to your sister's, Sola." Jobal rolled her eyes and picked up her cooling tea once more, glaring into the liquid. From where she sat, Padme watched her sister's lip quiver as she battled against the burn of tears filling her eyes. After the doctor's recommendations today, such comments were salt thrown into an already searing wound.

"Mother, that's enough," Padme said firmly, "Sola's offer is much appreciated and Leia loves her aunt and uncle. Her spending time with them will be nothing but wonderful for her."

Huffing, Jobal rolled her eyes. "I'm sorry, Sola, I should not have said that… but… well, I find it very hard to pretend it isn't frustrating that the daughter who knows her duty seemingly cannot conceive and yet you, Padme, who seems so uninterested in mothering has a child in her first year of marriage. It just doesn't make sense to me."

Fury bled into every tensing inch of Padme's body. How could she say something like that? The temptation to scream at Jobal for sharing such awful thoughts meant only to hurt both of her daughters was nearly irresistible. Only Leia's continuing slumber tempered her rage. "Not interested in mothering…?" She grit out between clenched teeth. "Look at her! Leia is happy and healthy – she's beloved! What more can I possibly do?"

"Truly, Padme, I never thought your father and I raised you to be so selfish." Jobal shook her head, "I had thought you marrying Anakin and stepping down from office would be the making of you and yet here you are choosing a career over your own baby. This child should be your entire job. Your every waking thought should be of how to care for her. I'm sorry but you cannot be a part-time mother as much as you may wish to pretend otherwise."

Despite her best efforts tears pooled in Padme's eyes as she stared, appalled, at her mother. Did she really believe that her choice to return to work meant that Leia would ever come second in her life? It wasn't possible! She… maybe she wouldn't be home as often but she was a good mother, she knew she was! "I don't need to give up the things that make me who I am to be a good mother to my child." She shook her head, "Leia is going to grow up and see that she has options, mother, endless choices in what she wishes to do with her life. I wish I'd had that! I wish you could understand that some people live their lives differently to you and that's valid!"

"No, no that's not true at all." Jobal sighed, "The simple truth of this mess is that you're trying to shirk your duty onto somebody else, some stranger you'll abandon your child with. I'm just… well, I'm so disappointed in you. Your sister would happily raise a child of her own the proper way and yet… well, here we are." Shaking her head, Padme could only watch as her mother stood, gathering her things. "I should get home to your father. We should end this here before it escalates. Sola?"

Grimacing, her sister reluctantly rose and followed their mother toward the door. 'I'm sorry', she mouthed across the room but Padme couldn't summon the energy to even acknowledge the silent apology. The moment she was alone, nothing could stop the tears which had been waiting to spill. As Leia slept, she curled up on the sofa and began to cry.


"Take the prisoner to the hold." Anakin shoved the Mon Calamarian male into the waiting arms of Fives as they disembarked the landing ramp whilst it lowered down onto the docking bay. Behind his back, the captive's webbed hands were locked in the tight confines of stun cuffs to prevent any desperate acts of terrorism in his cell throughout the flight. "Let him stew in there for a couple of hours. I'll interrogate him in the morning."

Beside him, Ahsoka hurried to match the Prince's pace as he marched off his ship. "Do you think he'll reveal anything about the people he works with? He's been pretty tight-lipped since we bust into that base."

At first, finding only volunteer Rebel soldiers and the Mon Calamarian in the base had been a crushing blow. The disappointment of yet another failure to secure the identities of the Alliance leaders had surfaced a deep rage within Anakin doused only by the dying screams of the traitors he cut through until the bunker fell silent. Only his apprentice's skilful work uncovering his prisoner's true name and status had saved his life.

"I'm sure he's very proud of the false prestige of the position of Admiral his leaders have given him," he said, "Raddus will do everything in his power to protect the people who gave him such a promotion. He believes they are the heroes of this story, Ahsoka, not us, which means it won't be easy to bleed the truth out of him."

"Who would have thought terrorism inspired such loyalty?" The girl shook her head, "There were unhappy people under your father's reign, I get that, but Vader is different! Can't they see things are changing for the better?"

Folding his arms as they strode into Naboo's military base, Anakin sighed. "It's not about change, Little One, it's a battle for dominance and control over the galaxy. These traitors want nothing more than to exert their will regardless of the damage they inflict along the way."

"I never realised this war against the Rebellion was so political…" Ahsoka said, "It must be frustrating for your brother, knowing there are people out there willing to do anything to tear down anything he tries to build."

"More than you know," he nodded. "Do you want to come back to the house or spend the night here, Snips?"

"I'll stay," Ahsoka paused before him, "Someone should be here in case he tries anything during the night. Go home, Master, tell Padme and Leia I said hi." The girl took off toward the bunkers to hunt down a bed for the night. Sometimes, he thought his apprentice was never more comfortable than when she was around a base full of soldiers. Anakin was the same once, years before Padme came into his life…

Speaking of his Angel, the Prince turned around to the small astromech at his heels and smiled. "Let's go home, buddy." Despite the shortness of his absence, only two days apart, the ache for a reunion with his beloved and his daughter was a physical wound he couldn't bear. By the mercy of his wife's Nubian Goddesses and the force itself, their house was only a short flight from here. It wouldn't be long before he was with his family once more.

Twenty standard minutes later, Anakin crept through the darkness of his home like a ghost. The very last thing he wanted to do was cause some disturbance and wake his child from the peace of her slumber. Force help me, let her sleep for a few more hours at least… Despite his plea, the Prince couldn't resist slipping into the nursery as Artoo rolled off to recharge for the night to look over the baby. Fast asleep with her arms stretched above her head, Leia was the light of his existence. Just barely resisting the overwhelming urge to touch her sweet little face, he swept her blanket upwards a few inches with the force instead.

How had there been a time when he hadn't wanted her? The naivety and trauma of his life before had twisted his mind until Anakin saw nothing good to be found in a family of his own. The black tendrils of his father's cruelty still existed within him, shrunken now, weaker and loosening with each day without Sidious' darkness poisoning his life. Leia was everything good in the galaxy. Their hope, their future, the promise of a new tomorrow. She, unlike her father and uncle, would pave a life for herself built upon nothing but absolute love and joy, he would make sure of it.

For his daughter, he would find and exterminate every treacherous member of the Alliance until there were none brave enough to raise such a threat against his family ever again. A galaxy where his child faced any threat was unacceptable! Anakin would not allow it so long as there was breath in his body. Still, for this moment and this night, he smiled softly at his little girl, dismissing such thoughts for now. "Sleep well, sweetheart," he whispered and slowly turned from the cradle leaving Leia to her dreams.

In his bedroom, Anakin found his wife fast asleep and two datapads by her side, evidently having dozed whilst working her way through whatever King Thule and the council required of her. He knew she would take the position even if she hesitated about it. Padme was the most talented, driven, quick-minded person he had ever met. Allowing her gifts to go to waste was unthinkable. He knew how spiritless she had felt since her Senatorial resignation, it was one of the reasons he had tried to keep them apart years ago, and if this new opportunity returned that spark into her gorgeous eyes, then he would be overjoyed for her.

With a small gesture of his hand, the datapads carefully lifted into the air and glided across the darkened bedroom to the dresser against the wall, landing atop one another with a gentle thump. As quietly as he could, Anakin shed his armour and unders until he wore nothing but his underwear and climbed into the bed. The weight shift drew a small sound from his beloved and she rolled over, yawning awake just as he settled beside her. "Ani…?" Blinking, as if to be sure this wasn't a dream, Padme sat up. "You're back?"

"I'm back, Angel," he moved to kiss her but paused when their closeness revealed what the darkness of the bedroom had previously disguised. Reddened swelling beneath her eyes and dried streaks upon her cheeks where tears had wet her skin. Why was she crying? The Supreme Commander's stomach dropped as worry began to set in. "What's happened? Is everything okay?" Emphasizing his point, he stroked the pad of his thumb across the dried smear though Padme only winced and turned from him.

"Nothing, Ani… Really, it's nothing. Now, never mind me, you must be exhausted! Come lay down with me."

Every inch of his body wept for rest but no part of him could ever settle knowing something had upset her enough to cry herself to sleep all alone. What kind of husband could sleep without an answer? "Padme," his voice was firm, "talk to me. If something's wrong, I have to know about it." Was working with Thule that terrible already? Or was something more sinister at work? Force, what if she was sick with some terrible, incurable disease? What if Leia was sick?

Just as his growing panic began to wake a tremble within his hands, Padme shook her head tiredly, "It's just… My mother and Sola came to visit and it wasn't the most pleasant afternoon."

Frowning even as sweet, breathless relief rushed through his body, Anakin struggled to imagine what a familial visit could have done to upset her so badly. Jobal was one of the kindest, warmest souls he had ever known. The elder woman took fierce pride in her family and loved with her whole heart, she had always been so kind and eager to welcome him into her life. "You fought with them?" He asked softly, lifting a hand to stroke through her glorious curls.

"No, I… Well, kind of." She sighed, "I told them about joining the King's council and my mother was less than supportive. She all but said I was a bad mother for wanting to leave Leia so much of the time." Tears began pooling in her eyes and Anakin's heart broke to see their sheen glistening. "She said I don't appreciate what I have and Sola would be a better mother."

His mind reeled. Did Jobal forget who the daughter she had raised and loved was? Nothing but blind ignorance could create such a belief that of all people in the galaxy, Padme Amidala Skywalker could ever settle happily into something even close to a mundane existence without enacting change and making a difference. "Angel, I'm so sorry," he whispered, leaning to kiss her forehead softly, "Know that nothing she may have said is true. Your drive to make the galaxy a better place for our daughter is what makes you a wonderful mother. Leia is lucky to have you as am I. Neither of us would change one single thing about you."

"But what if – "

"No," Anakin cupped her cheek, shaking his head. He would not hear of her doubting herself, not for one moment. "Your brilliance is what makes you the woman I married, Padme. Never question it or yourself as a mother again. Leia will not suffer for having two parents who contribute to the galaxy, not for one moment. The work you do now paves a path for her future, if your mother can't see that then I'm disappointed she fails to appreciate the woman she raised."

Another tear slipped downward to paint his wife's soft cheek but this time he did not sense any new swell of sadness, only the sweetness of the absolution he gave her. "You always know just what to say to make me feel better," Padme smiled, turning her face to lay a tender kiss against his wrist. "Thank you for understanding."

Through her force signature, Anakin sensed the fading of the dark cloud her mother had inspired and smiled to know he had done his job. "I know my wife," he said simply, "and I don't want her to change."

At last, the radiance of her smile lit up her beautiful face as she shifted to kiss him, soft and slow and at last he was home. Within moments, any thought of tiredness dissipated as Padme straddled his lap, throwing her arms around his neck and deepening their kiss. At once, Anakin was far more awake. His hands wandered up and down her sides through the softness of her lilac nightgown, enjoying the cool satin against his palms. "I've missed you so much, Anakin," his wife whispered against his lips, sliding her fingers through his hair, creating delicious little shudders racing through his whole body. "Not just these past few days, I mean I truly miss you."

Force, he knew exactly what she meant! It had been months since he was inside her, months since he had heard her gasping his name through the blissful heights of climax… Since before Leia was even born! Anakin craved her every second of the day. His body, starved of her for so long, ached desperately for even the slightest touch from his beloved. Sliding his hand upwards and into her bushy curls, he held her ever closer, sliding his nose against hers, "Me too," he nodded, "I need you so badly, Padme…"

"Yes!" She moaned and claimed his mouth in a breathtakingly passionate kiss which awoke a fury of lust he could scarcely remember to breathe through in every inch of his starved body. Their tongues twisted and mated inside her mouth and his cock began to throb with bitter envy. The small taste of her he'd gotten before leaving for Utapau could never be enough! He needed more! Needed her more than his next breath.

His hands practically quivered in excitement as they slipped beneath her nightdress to relish in the smoothness of her thighs as they spread over his lap, squeezing at the soft flesh as Padme ground her hips against him, pulling a deep groan from the very pit of Anakin's throat. Under the nightgown she wore nothing, only the thin material of his underwear stood between them and the physical connection they longed for.

His sanity began to fade as deep-seated male instincts roared to take what was his so hard she could do nothing but scream for more. The sweet, floral scent of her and the utter deliciousness of her neck against his lips sent all rational thought into the darkest, most ignored parts of Anakin's brain. He wanted to plunder her, ravish her, take her so thoroughly that neither of them would be able to move afterwards…

His hands led the pearl straps of her nightgown downward, slipping the smooth scrap of material down her gorgeous body inch by glorious inch to his feasting eyes. Unable to resist even a moment, Anakin bent his neck to draw a hard nipple into his mouth, circling the peak with the tip of his tongue and tugging so gently with his teeth. Every action tore a gasping, breathless little moan from her mouth and her fingers tightened in his hair, holding him against her in a silent plea for more.

Releasing her, he kissed a wet trail across her chest to lavish her breast's twin with the very same treatment until Padme writhed above him. Her urgent arousal only amplified his own, feeding it and doubling the absolute need he felt until the Prince shook with lust. "Oh, Ani, yes…" she whispered, "I need you inside me! It's been too long…"

Force, he needed exactly that too. The mere thought of her tight, wet heat stretching around him was almost enough to drive him straight into madness "Fuck, yes!" He moaned, filling his eager palms with the firm swell of her backside to guide her teasing grind over his hard cock in a rhythm that left them both panting for more. After a few moments of such sweet torture, Padme lifted off his body, making him groan almost painfully, only to slide fully out of her nightgown and slipping her eager fingers into the waistband of his underwear, tugging them off his hips as he lifted to aid her –

A small yet utterly piercing cry tore through the desperate lust in the room, shattering the sensual romance coating the heady bedroom air like glass around their ears. A surge of helpless frustration roared to life within Padme, revealing itself in a long, groaning cry as she threw herself onto the bed beside him. Every single time they tried to be intimate, it was as if Leia was somehow able to sense it despite not awakening such abilities. Force, Anakin loved his daughter with his whole heart but sometimes her antics were infuriating.

"Force damn it…" he groaned, quickly adjusting himself back into his underwear and climbing off the bed. From across the bedroom, his short, black sleep robe danced through the air and into his waiting hand. "She's not hungry, just unsettled," he sighed sensing what Leia needed to feel better, shrugging the thin material over his shoulders as he trudged toward the door, "I'll soothe her, you try to get some sleep." Despite his tiredness, he knew his wife had been tending to the baby all alone for days. It was only fair she got some rest now.

Maybe one day, when Leia was older and moved out, he might get to touch his wife again.


"And what of our mighty Admiral Raddus?" Vader lounged casually on the armchair opposite Anakin's, nursing the mug of caff Threepio had kindly brought along. He remembered a time, not so long ago, when their talks consisted of very different kinds of beverages and less mature conversation. Anakin's drink sat on the small table between them, steam dancing up into the air before evaporating into nothingness. His busy hands tinkered with the ignition point on his lightsaber, twisting a minuscule screw into place again.

"Still silent but I can't see him holding out for long once I invoke more… persuasive measures…" So far the traitor was keeping his secrets closely guarded, but false bravery never held out for long. It would be easy to march into Raddus' cell and twist his mind apart piece by piece with some force manipulations, Anakin could get exactly what he wanted after only a handful of hours… but the man would be a husk afterwards. Wrung out and emptied. No more than a traitor deserved, but he would prefer a more civilised approach if he could help it. "When I'm finished with him, I'll have Rex and the others escort him to you for trial."

"Good…" Vader drawled, the sound startling Anakin to his very core as his twin's voice morphed into the cackling inflection of their father's. His whole body froze as deeply rooted fear burst to life inside him for a fraction of a second, as if Sidious was sitting before him instead of his own brother. "His ending shall be swift and punishing. It's long past time we made a show of what happens to those who attempt to drag down all we have built."

Try as he might, Anakin couldn't shake the alarm which settled upon him. He felt breathless and cold, gooseflesh spreading across his arms. "Perhaps…" The quiver of his voice forced him to feign a small cough to disguise the sound. "Perhaps this could be an opportunity for mercy? If you show yourself to be the monster they claim you are, even in death, they win, Vader."

The Emperor tipped his head, considering. Anakin paused, taking a moment to observe his brother's appearance while he was distracted. Vader, as always, was impeccably groomed, always having put more effort into his looks and clothes than he ever had. His brother's black hair, once only slightly shorter than his own, had been cut even shorter recently, neatly styled back and swept to the side. The sides were trimmed close, while the top retained enough length for a smooth, side-swept finish. Gone were any hint of the curls they once shared. With Vader's dark hair and golden eyes, Anakin found himself seeing less of his own reflection than he ever had in his twin.

"Thank you for your counsel. I'll consider it," Vader drank from his mug again. "But enough business for now. I've rather enjoyed these past few days on Naboo, even if Sabe has kept my schedule so full of charitable and educational visits… I've created enough content to last her a year, I feel."

Anakin chuckled. "You know Sabe, she's the worst dictator the galaxy has ever seen when it comes to scheduling."

"Mmhm, but I can see why you hide away here as often as you do," Vader glanced around the living room, "There is a peaceful beauty here that can't be found on Coruscant. It has been nice to experience it for myself, even so briefly."

I'm not hiding… Naboo is our home now, Anakin wanted to say. He held his tongue, forcing a small laugh as he set aside his lightsaber for now. "It truly is peaceful here. The air is clean, the waters are pure and it's private. Being here is what's best for Leia, I think. I want her to enjoy the simplicities of childhood. Swimming, playing in the sand, a garden full of toys and distractions… I want her to have everything we never did, Vader." Being here was better for Padme too, though he kept that to himself. His wife was happier living in her homeworld again. She had her family close by, purposeful employment to throw herself into and the much-beloved culture she wanted to immerse their child within. After a moment, he added, "Besides, is it beneath his Imperial Majesty to visit his brother every now and then? When it doesn't involve work?"

Vader chuckled, glancing down at his lap, appropriately chastised and Anakin's relief was instantaneous as the shadow of Sidious finally faded. For a moment, his brother looked lighter, carefree and like his old self again. "Fair point," he nodded, "How are Padme and Leia? Is everybody setting into the new way of things?"

"Padme's tired," Anakin just barely stifled a yawn of his own. "Balancing Leia and her new job in Thule's Royal Council isn't going to be easy, not to mention my beloved child seems to have developed a passion for denying us sleep and alone time." He sagged deeply into the chair as more than slight frustration pulsed in his blood. It wasn't supposed to be this difficult to find time for themselves after having a baby… was it? Or was this a struggle all new parents were forced to endure?

"I can't say that I envy you," Vader shook his head through a laugh, "Demanding careers and infants aren't famous for blending well with one another. Doesn't Padme's family live close by? Surely they must offer to help now and then?"

"The Naberrie's are wonderful," he rubbed a hand over his face tiredly. At least they were when they weren't making disparaging remarks toward his wife. "They do try to visit and help us whenever they can. Things will be better once we find a suitable nanny, but until then, we don't want to be any trouble. Padme's sister and her husband are having problems trying for a baby… Padme's afraid that having Leia for more than a few hours might be salt in an already painful wound."

"I can see how that might be uncomfortable," Vader nodded, "Are things strained between you? Leia is nearly four months old, surely things have fallen into something of a routine by now?"

Ha! Easy for the man without a kid to say! One day, when Vader had a family of his own, Anakin was going to enjoy returning such sentiments to his exhausted brother very much. "We aren't strained, we're happy! Every day with Leia is…" A small, breathless laugh tumbled from his mouth. "Vader, she's amazing. Sometimes, I just watch her kick her legs or throw her arms above her head and I can hardly believe she's mine. Force, she's just starting to laugh and there's nothing like it in the galaxy… But…it's just…" Anakin shifted uncomfortably, Despite him forgiving the past, there was something… uncomfortable about sharing intimate details of his life with Vader. Was that ridiculous? Those dark days were so long behind them… Yes, he was being stupid. They were brothers! They could trust each other with their lives, so why couldn't they confide in each other? "I haven't been with my wife in nearly six months and I think I'm losing my mind."

Truly, Anakin could barely think through the fog of desperate lust which had settled over his mind, He could hardly eat or sleep without absolute longing aching through his whole body. The longest he and Padme ever went without each other's touch before was maybe two or three weeks before, but now scraping out a moment alone with his wife had proven nearly impossible.

Vader gave a low, wincing whistle. "Six months… That's a long time to go without." Something sly and smug lit up the Emperor's face as he drank his caff. "I personally never go more than four days before – "

"Have a kid and then we'll talk," Anakin tossed one of his spare screws across the table, smacking his brother squarely in the chest. This only made Vader laugh harder at his expense.

"Don't take your frustration out on me!" He sniggered, "Or my armies for that matter. I don't need my military receiving subpar training because the Supreme Commander is more pent up than a teenage boy."

"I can't wait until you go back to Coruscant," he muttered.


Such silence was bliss.

With her first royal council meeting lasting over three hours, Padme's mind felt deliciously spent in a way it hadn't in far too long. Sipping from her thoroughly well-earned glass of wine, she lounged behind her desk. Threepio had checked in on Leia for her not twenty minutes ago and assured her of her daughter's continuing slumber.

If only Anakin was home… She thought bitterly. Maybe they might have the chance to enjoy some time together again. Sadly, her husband was trapped in a military budgetary meeting with a handful of core-world Senators and several members of Vader's council. She could only imagine how bored he was suffering through debates and monologing as each party made their points. For once, Padme didn't envy anyone's position in such a meeting. Tonight, she was going to savour a long, hot bath, perhaps indulge in another glass of wine and an easy, amusing holo-vid before her husband came home since loathed to endure romantic, non-violent plots in entertainment.

Sipping the dark liquid once again, she allowed her heavy eyes to shut lazily as the rare euphoria of peace washed over her. When was the last time she felt so relaxed? Certainly not since her beloved daughter came into the galaxy… Her poor Ani was going to be so jealous when he came home and heard about this. Leia was usually much too excited to be around her father to ever rest so peacefully when he was home – the joys of raising a daddy's girl indeed!

A deep warmth spread through every inch of Padme's serene body, flushing her skin and heating her blood. She blinked, frowning, as she eyed her glass warily… Surely it hadn't been so long since she indulged in wine that a few sips could have such an effect on her? Or had she just forgotten what actual relaxation felt like? Suddenly, her breath caught in her throat as the sensation of fingers stroking downwards on her cheek came to life against her startled flesh.

The phantom caress slipped lower, tracing the curve of her shoulder through the deep purple robes she wore, as the heat began to form an ache between her legs. What the hell was going on? Every inch of Padme's body began to tingle as her mind raced. What was this? Whatever hallucination had overcome her senses grew more effective in its touch as invisible lips began to kiss fire against her neck, suckling her pulse until a fragmented gasp slipped through her unprepared mouth.

It was physical. Palpable. The unseen hands squeezed her waist as the worship of her neck only grew in fervency and passion… If Padme closed her eyes, it was as if Anakin was right behind her, the illusion was so real… But this was madness! Of course, she missed her husband and their intimacy, but so much that her mind was producing such realistic fantasies? How could this be possible?

The invisible caress slipped around her bewildered body to knead the cheeks of her backside in time with the descent of whatever ethereal lips plagued her flesh to close around a nipple despite being fully dressed. Padme's eyes snapped open at once, gasping through the sudden pleasure. None of this made any sense! How could it be possible to imagine something so potently?

It wasn't possible… It couldn't be possible… and yet the undeniable sensation of hands parting her thighs tingled against her skin, inspiring gooseflesh in its wake. One momentary puff of warm breath against her core was all the warning Padme was given before her invisible lover's tongue teased her clit as though her underwear wasn't there at all.

"Ah!" She gasped, writhing in her seat as pleasure sang through her every nerve. Gods, this was everything she had wanted and had been denied for months… but, she had wanted it with Anakin, not whatever this insanity was! So tightly wound, the assault on her body worked her furiously toward the impossible. Already, after just a few minutes, Padme felt herself begin to tense as the pressure burned hotter and hotter, so intense that she could hardly manage to gasp at all.

A small cry burst through her parted lips as her pleasure peaked and rushed throughout every inch of her body. Gripping the arm of her chair so tightly her knuckles grew white, Padme panted through the aftermath and sagged as the sensations began to ease off, just barely managing to drop her glass on the desk without tipping it over. How was that possible? Everything had felt so real! Just like someone was right here making love to her body with their hands and mouth! Was she going crazy? Maybe she should –

"Anakin told me things were… tense around here," from the shadows concealing the doorway of her office, a husky, familiar voice tore through the silence and swept Padme's breath away in a haze of panic. "I thought I'd lend a helping hand." Wide-eyed, she watched as Vader stepped into the light wearing a pleased smirk all too smug for a man who had no business being inside her house at all.

"You…" Padme almost choked on her words, still panting, "That was you? What the hell is wrong with you?" A powerful spark of indignation warred with abject humiliation as her mind pieced together the bitter truth of what had just happened. "What are you even doing here, Vader?" Standing on wobbling legs, the Councillor slammed her palms against the desk and grit her teeth. This messiness had been firmly placed behind them, why was he now trying to relight that blaze?

"What? Can't a man visit family?" He shrugged, moving to lean his hands on the twin chairs opposite her own, mirroring her posture. "And, truly, I meant no offence, Padme… I only sought to remind you how good it was between us." Waving a dismissive hand, as though his actions were a non-issue, Vader smiled, "Everything you felt... its potency comes from my own desire. My fantasies of you… and your memories of that day."

Despite the fabricated climax she had received, Padme's desperate, traitorous body ached for more. Suddenly, she felt slick with new him! Against her will, she began to flush beneath Vader's bright golden eyes. "I thought I'd made myself clear… and you made a promise not to lay a hand on me unless I asked."

Such amusement painted the Emperor's handsome face, Padme almost wanted to throw one of her datapads at him. "I do believe my hands kept to themselves." His smile only grew, enjoying the infuriation he roused within her. "Nobody said anything about my power."

"I don't like these games you play, Vader," Padme shook her head, rising on unsteady legs to march around her desk. "It's not fair."

"Not fair?" His eyebrows rose with a scoff, as if she were the one creating trouble. "Not fair? What's unfair is living my life captivated by you! Of knowing, despite your denials, some part of you desires me in return and yet you cut me off! You go out of your way to avoid me, staying here for months at a time. You refuse what burns between us and it's infuriating." She watched his forearms tense as his grip on the arched, cushioned backing of the chairs tightened precariously. Despite herself, Padme's breath caught in her throat. Even now? After she married his brother and had a child, he still desired her so desperately? She had assumed his attentions had moved on to someone else more available and amenable to his affections. Had Vader truly carried all of this in silence for over a year?

She leaned back against her desk, burning, hating him even as a fragment of truth haunted his words. Padme loved her husband. Anakin was her best friend and undoubtedly her soulmate… but this dark part of her clung to the desire Vader inspired within her. Her breath caught in her throat as he inched closer, so close now that she could feel the warmth radiating from his body. For once he wasn't dressed formally, just dark robes draped over his powerful frame.

"Vader…" her voice came out firmer than she felt, "I'm married. To your brother… This isn't right."

His lips twisted into a knowing smirk, as if what she said meant nothing to him at all. His gloved hand came up to gently brush a stray curl from her face, tucking it behind her ear. "You say that," he whispered, his warm breath ghosting her skin, "but I can sense your desire Padme. I can feel how much you want me."

Her heart raced as his hand trailed down, those gloved fingers lightly grazing her jaw and lingering there. She wanted to deny it, wanted to shove him away but her body betrayed her. The truth of it tore at her, tearing her mind in two. She loved Anakin with her whole heart and wanted to spend the rest of her life with him… but she couldn't make herself move. "This is wrong," she whispered, her voice shaking as Vader's body pressed against hers, backing her up against the desk. Her trembling hands gripped the edge, knuckles paling to white as she tried to steady herself.

"You keep saying that," Vader said softly, "but your body says otherwise."

Padme swallowed hard, unable to tear her eyes free of his. His presence was overwhelming, consuming. Every fibre of her being howled at her to resist, to push him away, but she remained frozen, caught between love and desire. Arousal throbbed between her legs, begging for relief and she couldn't stand it… Couldn't stand denying herself…

Her breath hitched as Vader dragged the tip of his nose along the length of her own, teasing, tormenting and suddenly his lips were less than a breath away from her own. "Stop this…" she breathed, though the words lacked any conviction. His hand rested on her waist, pulling her slightly closer, igniting something deep inside her she'd tried painstakingly to bury as she felt him, hard against her.

"You stop," he murmured, his voice a low growl against her flushing skin. "Stop lying to yourself. You've always wanted this… You've always wanted me."

She gasped softly as his hand traced down the curve of her spine, sending a shudder racing through her. Padme's world spun as her mind screamed to stop, to walk away before it was too late but her body arched against him, seeking more. This wasn't appropriate… This wasn't right. But the heat aching inside her was undeniable. "Vader…" she whispered, something close to a plea. To stop or to go further, she wasn't sure. "I love my husband…"

"I know," he breathed. For a moment, there was only silence between them, heavy and charged. The simple, accepting truth in his words struck deep, unravelling her from the inside out. He knew where her heart belonged but it didn't temper the desire he felt – how could he live like that?

The moment stretched on and before she could speak, Vader's lips claimed hers. It was fierce, passionate and gods help her it was everything she needed. Her hands, which had been gripping the desk for stability, found their way to his broad chest, pushing at him weakly at first… but then they stayed. Padme was torn, confused and so damned turned on. His kiss was hungry and she responded in kind, opening her mouth to grant his demanding tongue entrance.

When they tore apart, breathless and panting, Padme heard the slight buzzing of Threepio's joints as he made his way down the hallway towards them. What the hell was she doing? What the hell was he doing? They'd put all this behind them! Summoning the strength, Padme shoved Vader back, covering her mouth with her palm as he growled. "We can't do this… I can't believe I… This can never happen again, Vader!"

Pure blazing frustration shone in his golden eyes. His chest heaved as it struggled to pull in enough air to satisfy his lungs. "I know you desire me," he declared, a possessive edge to his voice, "and one day you'll stop fighting it."

"Get out of my house," she said, "I mean it. I don't want you to be here when I get back."

Storming out of the room, Padme didn't wait to hear what he had to say. She marched into the living room, nearly colliding into Threepio, and found Dorme typing something into a datapad, her white dress spread across the sofa. "Padme," she said, concern bright within her gaze, "I heard raised voices. Is everything alright?"

If her friend suspected what had just happened, Dorme did a very good job disguising it and Padme loved her for it. "I'm going to meet Anakin at the base. Will you and Rabe take care of Leia for me? And ensure the Emperor finds his way out."

"Of course, my Lady," she nodded.


From where she lingered against her husband's bright yellow starship, Padme waited in aroused impatience for his arrival. The armoured clone trooper she had spoken to several minutes ago had promised the Supreme Commander was on his way toward the hanger bay this very moment having escaped his meeting in one piece. Exactly what she was going to do when he got here was a mystery beyond her knowing but she couldn't stand to be in that house with Vader one more moment.

A few more minutes passed before he appeared, walking in step with Captain Rex and Artoo rolling by his side. Whatever they were discussing, Anakin shook his head as the Clone trooper shrugged. When they drew close enough, their quiet words drifted through the empty expanse. "I'll give it another day or two before arranging transportation. Try as he might, the Admiral is no match for my persuasions… though I'm beginning to worry his intel isn't as exhaustive as we initially thought."

It had to be about the Rebel prisoner they captured in Utapau, Padme frowned. Poor man… she knew she shouldn't feel much sympathy for someone declared a traitor, but Raddus had always seemed like a kind man in their few meetings. The Mon Calamarian was a good friend of Bail and Mon and often attended their gatherings over the last few years. She could only imagine what was going to become of him now…

"I'll think about it and get back to you," Anakin sighed, "at least this way there's hope that…" he drifted off, glancing over his shoulder with a narrowing, suspicious gaze. Forgetting her thoughts, Padme smiled to imagine the confusion he had to be feeling sensing her force presence in his military base. He had been expecting to come home to her and Leia at the end of the day, not find her lurking in the shadows of the hanger bay. Their eyes met and she watched as confusion brightened into joyous surprise on her husband's handsome face. She smiled wider, biting down into the soft pillow of her lip as a new shudder of desire tore through her trembling body as salacious fantasies toyed with her all too teased mind.

"Artoo, go find Snips and tell her I'm heading out for the night. She can stay if she wishes." His eyes returned to the soldier beside him, "We'll speak further on this tomorrow."

"Aye, sir," Rex nodded, "Enjoy your night."

As man and droid headed for the hanger bay entrance together, Anakin wasted no time waiting for their departure and privacy before rushing to her, crossing the great divide between them as quickly as his long legs could carry him. The very moment he was close enough, Padme was swept into her husband's strong arms as if they had been apart a lifetime and not a mere handful of hours. His strength carried her in a small circle while she clung to him desperately, laughing as the hot sting of guilt melted away.

"What are you doing out here?" Anakin murmured, setting her steadily on her feet again, "Is everything alright? Where's Leia?" As worry began making its way into his expression, Padme stroked his cheeks and shook her head to soothe away any such concerns from his head and her own. Though the thoughts plaguing her mind were a different kind of worrying…

"Everything is fine, my love," Padme smiled again, "I just wanted to see you, that's all!"

Caging her all too willing body in his arms, Anakin dusted gentle kisses against her forehead and cheeks. "Where's Leia? I hope you haven't left her alone with Threepio, Angel," he gave a gentle laugh, "my programming is strong but I don't know if he can handle the stress all by himself."

"Oh no," she laughed, "He would fry a circuit I think."

"Several!"

Laying her palms upon his muscled chest, Padme tried to empty her overworked mind of anything but him. "Dorme and Rabe are looking after her for a while," avoiding mentioning Vader's visit was the narrowest escape from the unwanted effects he had inspired within her body. "I wanted to see you."

How easily she lied to him… Padme abhorred dishonesty in every form and distrusted anyone who spun untruths as effortlessly as drawing breath and yet, somehow, she had become a hypocrite. When had she become so deceitful? Desiring a man who was not her husband and lying about Vader? Who was she becoming?

No, Padme decided, no, she wasn't going to agonise over this. Vader didn't get to throw himself into their lives and sour everything on his whim. She loved Anakin. He was her husband and the father of her child! What could ever compare? Certainly not sporadic flames of unwanted desire. Why should she let the uninvited presence of the Emperor cast a shadow over one single moment she spent with Anakin?

She stroked his cheeks and smiled, "I'm glad Dorme and Rabe were willing to babysit for a while. It means I can have you all to myself. The other woman in your life has been quite demanding lately."

Laughing breathily, Anakin's eager hands wandered around to fill with the flesh of her backside, kneading her cheekily. His warm breath heated her skin as he bent at the neck to lavish attention to where her neck met her shoulder. "Mmm," he hummed, "What a bad husband I've been."

"Indeed," Padme raked trembling fingers through his golden curls as he suckled firmly at that sweet spot of her neck. Pleasurable shudders tingled throughout her body, reawakening the heat she had lost just minutes ago. "But I've been just as bad I think… Allow me to make amends, husband."

Instantaneously, everything outside of this moment was forgotten as Padme lost herself in the decadence of Anakin's soft lips. She couldn't help but moan against his mouth, grabbing furiously at the soft, sunshine curls of his hair and delighting in the stinging little hiss he breathed. His arms held her so tight and secure it felt impossible to ever know where he ended and she began.

Concealed behind the vastness of the imperial military ships, she panted for breath against Anakin's warm neck, kissing in a downward trail of fire until her teeth clamped down on a small, particularly sensitive spot she knew made her husband's knees weak. He groaned at once, huffing a mangled, foreign curse which only fanned the flame of her searing desire. Lashing the small wound with the wet tip of her tongue, Padme couldn't help but smile to remember how she affected this man of hers.

"Hey… hey…" Anakin panted, unbearably pulling himself away to glance worriedly over his shoulder, "Not here, Angel…"

"Yes here…" she chased his lips at once, sucking upon his mouth sensually until the call for breath became too great to ignore. "I want you, Anakin…" Padme gasped, lifting a leg to wrap around his hard body. At once, a gloved hand stroked her thigh as it pinned her to him. "I need you inside me right now." Gods, how badly she needed to feel the fires of their passion again! Six long months without the touch of the man she loved was unbearable. Padme needed to purge Vader from her mind for good. She wanted to blaze in the wild, uncontrolled flame of Anakin's devotion to her so that nothing could ever come between them again. Finally, she would feel what she hadn't in long, passionless months… Alive.

"Damn it, Padme!" Anakin hissed, unable to deny her anything she asked of him. He too had gone too long without the pleasure they both craved so badly. Its offering was impossible to resist even here in the middle of the filthy hanger bay where any of his men could stumble upon their Supreme Commander claiming his wife against his starship… The danger only fuelled the hunger she so desperately felt. Furious lust guided gloved hands as they tore an irreparable slash through the thick skirt of her purple dress and threw the remains up high on her thighs.

A long, trembling gasp of air fled Padme's lips as her husband frantically undid the buckle of his belt dropped his trousers to his ankles. At once, his thick, hard cock stood proudly before her, promising the pleasure she had missed so much and her inner muscles clenched in anticipation. The lustful madness glaring within his eyes told her she was going to be taken hard until they had both sated their long-standing hunger thoroughly.

Denying them what they both so badly needed no longer, Anakin reached around her waist and eased her up against his ship, groaning when she wrapped her other leg around his body for steadiness and finally, finally, the hard tip of him stroked her weeping folds, teasing entry so closely that Padme could not gather her breath. As she whined needily, her husband smirked and angled his hips so his hard length slipped within her at last.

Inch by glorious inch, Anakin fed Padme his hardness until their hips met once more. "Fuck," he cursed into her neck, "Oh, fuck I needed this…" She could only gasp her agreement as his hands filled with the flesh of her backside to hold her steady against the cool plating of the ship while his hips began a slow, deep rhythm as her quaking body adjusted to his length again after so long without him.

Every thrust tore a shamelessly loud grunt from her lips until Anakin silenced her with a palm held firmly over her mouth as he began to move faster, taking her harder as his need for release overtook any attempts at gentle lovemaking. The pressure across her panting mouth muffled every throaty cry as he moved faster losing himself utterly in the heat of their sex, grunting his pleasure into the warmth of her neck.

Dropping her head back against the cool durasteel of his ship, Padme arched her hips into Anakin's thrust for thrust. It was perfect. He felt so good inside of her, claiming her forever as his own. This was everything she needed – everything she had missed so terribly since they became parents. Her eyes clamped shut of their own accord as the frantic sensations tearing through her trembling body became too much all too quickly.

In the darkness behind her eyelids, everything seemed to change. The pressure of the hands on her body shifted, morphing into softer, less calloused palms and fingers which had not known battle nearly as often as her husband's. Familiar, panted groans of pleasure bled into the voice of another. In her mind's eye, reality shifted and bent before lighting up once more to reveal Vader in Anakin's place, taking her, claiming her… his lips sealed to her neck, lavishing Padme's skin with such rapturous attention, her already dizzy mind spun further… no… no… Why was this happening? This couldn't be happening! She didn't love Vader! She had to stop this! She had to open her eyes and stop this before –

The Emperor's burning yellow gaze found hers and his knowing lips curved upwards teasingly…

Into the hand clamped tightly over her mouth, Padme screamed as pleasure crashed through her unprepared body with such harsh intensity, that her mind shrunk to nothing, utterly silent for once as she panted and writhed and clung desperately to the man taking her. Deep inside her, she felt her lover stiffened and throbbed furiously, cursing and roaring through the heights of his climax into her neck.

Trapped between the pleasing pressure of the man whose arms she lingered within and the cold, hard plating of the ship behind her, Padme trembled as the truth of what she just experienced settled upon her in all its devastating weight. She loved her husband. Anakin was her soulmate… but in the heat of lovemaking, she had imagined his brother in his place. Part of her, however small, had wished it to be true.

What the hell was she supposed to do now?