A/N:Look at me posting on time? Who is she?
In the last chapter, I made a mistake with spelling the name Jinn as Ginn, that wasn't a clue or hint, just me being daft lol!
Someone in my tumblr DM's mentioned that "Labour" by Paris Paloma is Arievel's song and wow is that CORRECT! Especially in future chapters, believe me.
Arievel stepped into the palace gardens, her fingers lightly tracing the soft curve of her belly, the swell of the baby only recently starting to show properly. The child was strong, that's what the doctors said – all twelve of them that Vader hired especially for her care. She couldn't wait to find out what they were having – a little Prince or Princess! Her mother had already sent over enough soft, woollen clothes to last a year! This little one was going to be spoiled beyond belief!
The afternoon air was warm, filled with the scent of flowers and the gentle hum of fluttering insects drifting lazily from bloom to bloom. Sunlight poured down, dappled and golden, and for once, the galaxy felt peaceful around her.
Ahead, under the shade of a blossoming tree, she saw them – Padme and Anakin, lounging on a large picnic blanket while little Leia played with her doll just a few feet away. They were laughing, their faces softened with joy, a rare lightness in their eyes as they shared a moment free of worries and duty. "Arievel!" Padme called, her face brightening with a welcoming smile. "Good! Do me a favour and tell this man that even Vader takes a week off now and again to spend time with his family!"
Anakin chuckled, reaching over to squeeze Padme's hand. He looked over at Arievel, an easy grin spreading across his face. "Arievel, tell my wife my brother doesn't have a real job. The council does everything for him."
She felt herself laughing, a warmth spreading through her as she shook her head in feigned exasperation, her hands resting protectively over her belly. This was an argument she was not about to take sides on and get herself into trouble! But then there was the crunch of footsteps on the gravelly path, someone approaching from behind. Arievel turned to find Vader himself strolling toward them.
"What was that, Anakin?" He lifted his brow, his voice carrying an edge of playful authority. "If you have complaints about my efforts ruling the galaxy, at least say them to my face, brother."
In a tender, uncharacteristic gesture, he reached out and gently rested a hand on Arievel's belly, a soft brush of his hand as he leaned in to place a chaste kiss on her cheek. She felt her cheeks flush, her heart swelling with a happiness she hadn't believed she might get to feel. The four of them laughed, together and whole, as the sunlight danced around them and Vader helped her ease down onto the blanket.
But then the scene dissolved, fading away like mist in the morning sun. Arievel blinked awake, her chest tight, the echo of that laughter lost in the quiet darkness of her bedroom. She lay still, her pillow damp beneath her cheek and realized she was crying.
The beauty of the dream settled heavily on her heart, leaving her feeling more alone than she had in years. She pressed a hand to her belly, the memory of Vader's touch already slipping away like sand through her fingers as she looked at the empty side of the bed. He'd only ever spent a handful of nights sleeping by her side. Mostly he was with Satine or whoever else caught his attention.
And Arievel was here alone with the ache and a longing for a life she desperately wanted to be hers.
"So…" Anakin's voice gently broke the comfortable silence between them. Seated opposite each other at an intimately set table in the heart of Theed Palace, Padme was enjoying a short lunch break with her husband. It wasn't often their schedules aligned for these kinds of things but she loved it when they did. Still in his military uniform, he was out of place in the vast, elegant palace full of rich robes and gleaming jewels, but she'd never have him any other way. "Have you given it any thought?" He asked, fiddling with a forkful of food.
Padme knew this question was coming sooner than later. She didn't need his force-powers to sense the longing for another baby he felt whenever he was around Leia. It was potent and really very sweet. Once, the prospect of a big family was something she wanted, but she had dismissed those desires a long time ago. First, she'd thought Leia would be her only child, unwilling to force Anakin into more than he could take. Now things had changed – she was the one dragging her heels on expanding their family.
He'd been so patient while she thought about the idea, not bringing the issue up for several weeks, and she appreciated the space he gave her more than she could say. It was just… so confusing. Bringing another child into their family would be galaxy-shifting. She was making strides and finding her voice on Thule's council, was she ready to step back?
It also meant her body changing and healing all over again. It had taken Padme so long to truly feel like herself again after having Leia, she'd worked so hard to get to a place where she felt good about herself. Having another baby meant all that went away again. And what if she and Anakin struggled to make time for each other again? What if a brother or sister made Leia start acting out and it was impossible to have any privacy?
Months of longing and frustration lured her mind and body toward temptation she'd come dangerously close to giving into before. She couldn't reopen those wounds and put herself through all that again. It was unfair to her and Vader.
Not to mention… her dream. She'd had that damn dream three times this week! Every time the same thing, the strange green convor, the shadows and those voices talking about 'Jinn'. What did any of it mean? Maybe she was just going crazy. Things were a little stressful at work right now, the latest Senator was clueless at best and wasn't doing Naboo any favours in the Senate. Despite all that, Padme just couldn't stop thinking about the dream. It felt so real. Even now, she could practically feel the cool wind on her face and hear the thunder rumbling around her.
No, she was being ridiculous! The dream kept coming back because she was fixating on it!
Anakin winced at her silence, "I'm sorry if I'm bringing this up too soon," his gentle voice tugged Padme back to reality and she blinked her gaze back into focus. "It's only that it's been on my mind a lot lately. I just keep thinking about how much you wanted to have a boy… This could be our chance – not that I would mind another girl!" He laughed softly, "Quite the opposite, but I just have this feeling about a boy…"
"A boy…" Padme muttered, frowning. Her heart began to race inside her chest. "A boy called Jinn?"
"Jinn?" He raised his brow, "Where did you hear that name?"
This caught her attention. "I don't know… I just heard it somewhere and it stuck… Why? Does it mean something to you?"
His expression softened. "Qui-Gon Jinn," he murmured, a bittersweet smile crossing his beautiful face as a glint of nostalgia appeared in his eyes. "I haven't thought about him in years." Padme leaned in, sensing that he was about to open up. Anakin rarely spoke of his and Vader's childhood and when he did, it was often shadowed by incredibly painful memories. But this time, there was something different – a flicker of warmth, something almost reverent shone in his eyes as he spoke of this man from his past. "Vader and I must have been around ten years old when Qui-Gon was assigned to teach us," he began. "He wasn't like the others our father picked. He was warm, kind, even… understanding. He had a way of seeing right through us, of knowing exactly what we needed to hear – whether it was encouragement, advice, or our asses kicked for stepping out of line now and again."
A faint smile crept onto his lips as he spoke, his eyes distant, lost in the memories. "He wasn't afraid to knock us down a peg if we got too cocky or disrespectful. And we did – more than once." He chuckled softly, almost to himself. "He taught us how to control our anger, how to channel it through meditation. Made us sit for hours sometimes, just… breathing, focusing. I was never any good at it but Vader excelled. It felt useless then, but now I see how much it helped."
Padme listened, her heart aching with sweetness and sadness as she imagined her husband and Vader as little boys sitting with their teacher, learning to find peace and patience within themselves. This was a side of his childhood she'd never heard about before.
"I respected him deeply," Anakin continued, his voice tinged with regret. "And I know Vader did too, in his own way. Qui-Gon was the first person we both looked up to, the closest thing to a real father we'd ever known." He paused, his face shadowing. "For a while, I think I even let myself believe that's what he was."
His expression hardened, the light in his eyes dimming and Padme felt her heart growing heavy. "Our father hated him. He thought Qui-Gon was making us 'weak.' He was always so obsessed with strength, with power, and he saw compassion as a weakness." Anakin's jaw tightened and he looked down, his hand clenching around his glass. "The last time ever I saw Qui-Gon was…" He swallowed uncomfortably. "Sidious summoned him to the throne room. He called Qui-Gon a traitor, said he was no longer fit to teach us."
Padme's breath caught, sensing the heaviness of what he was about to say.
"Before we knew what was happening, my father shot lightning at him. Qui-Gon tried to defend himself, but…" He exhaled, his eyes clouded with the pain of the memory. "The guards pulled Vader and me out of the throne room before we could do anything." He shook his head, his voice strained with repressed grief, haunted by the pain of the past. "I assume he's dead. But I always wished… that I could've had more time with him. Even just a few more years. I like to think I've become a man he would have been proud of."
Tears prickled her eyes. Padme felt her heart breaking for the boy Anakin had been, for the loss he'd endured. It was easy to forget just how brutal his childhood had been – how much he and Vader had suffered at their own father's hands. Wherever Sidious had ended up, she hoped he was burning. Reaching out, her hand found his and squeezed gently. "Oh, Anakin…" she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I'm so sorry that happened to you. But for what it's worth, I'm sure Qui-Gon would have been incredibly proud of you. I know I am."
He looked up at her, his hardened expression softening again, and he gave her hand a small, grateful squeeze. "Thank you, my love."
Padme hesitated, then offered a small, tentative smile. Something inside of her raged against it, but the words pushed past her lips anyway. "Would you… would you ever want to name a son after him? If we decide to have another." It would be a lovely tribute to someone who obviously meant so much to him a long time ago… and yet she felt her heart race nervously at the thought. Why was such a silly dream affecting her this way?
But she couldn't help but wonder… Why was she dreaming of that name? Why that name?
Anakin shook his head, his expression firm. "No," he replied, his voice carrying a quiet finality. "Besides, we have a theme with our children's names. I think it would be nice to continue it, don't you?" Padme tilted her head, considering. What was he talking about? They only had one child, how could there be a theme? Sensing her confusion, he smiled gently, squeezing her hand again. "Luis," their lost son's name was still a dagger in her heart. She swallowed the sudden spike of agony and grasped his hand even tighter. "Luis and Leia both begin with the same letter… I don't know, I guess I thought we could keep the tradition going if we have another," he said sheepishly.
Padme's breath caught tight in her throat, choking all semblance of words for a moment as her eyes stung. How did she never think of this? It was so glaringly obvious! For a moment she let herself imagine what their first boy might have been like, how he might have played with Leia, what kind of big brother would he have been… She liked to think he would be more of a mix of their features together, the perfect combination of the parents who loved him so much. Maybe Anakin's sandy curls? Maybe her eyes?
Another name beginning with the same letter was a wonderful way to honour the missing piece of their family and to start a beautiful tradition of their own. Something deep inside sighed in relief. "I love it," Padme smiled tearfully as she nodded. "I think that's a beautiful idea, Ani."
Through the gleam of an expansive, rectangular window, an endless bounty of stars and uninhabited moons lay as far as any eyes could see. Far beyond even the furthest points of the Outer-Rim systems, there were no witnesses to this experiment except for the few whose own blood, sweat and tears had been poured into the Death Star's construction. The absolute blackness surrounding them promised no threat to any life. No one could know what they were doing, not until Vader was ready.
His sharp gaze roamed over the skeletal form of the Death Star, admiring the intricacies of the massive, nearly complete structure. Its outer shell, soon to be finished, was merely aesthetic. The true power lay within, contained and waiting to demonstrate its unrivalled power. This weapon would secure his reign and his legacy as the most formidable Emperor in history. Who would dare challenge him when he wielded the ability to silence millions with a single command?
"We will launch whenever Your Majesty is ready…" Tarkin's voice interrupted his thoughts, drawing Vader's attention to the slim, composed man standing nearby. Staunch and ruthlessly efficient, Grand Moff Tarkin was precisely the type of leader needed to manage the Death Star's final stages and its strategic deployment.
"Very good, Tarkin," Vader acknowledged, nodding. "Ensure the cams are operational at full capacity. I want footage from every conceivable angle of the blast." He intended to display the weapon's power widely – an unmistakable declaration of his supremacy and the futility of resistance. Soon, everyone would understand where they stood. The time of false Kings and Queens was over. The Senate too would finally fall in line, abandoning their ceaseless pleas for autonomy and power. Order would be established, under him alone.
And the Rebels… soon, even they wouldn't dare act against him ever again.
People ran to be sure his orders were followed as Vader's eyes returned to the Death Star. Beside him, Anakin folded his arms across the dark armour strapped protectively onto his body. There was quiet throughout the bridge as everyone awaited the order to fire, but he waited, breathing in the anticipation buzzing throughout the room.
"I am entrusting you with a very great secret," Vader clasped his hands behind his back and turned to where Anakin's young apprentice stood quietly in a similar stance. He didn't want the girl here. Someone who'd once been in the hands of Rebels was never going to gain his full trust. Tano had already been given far too much access to his family and the inner workings of his Empire. No matter how long she clung to Anakin, she would never be one of them.
"I understand, your Majesty," Ahsoka stepped forward, her large eyes so eager and full of life, as if her youth and spirit alone could change his mind, "You have nothing to fear from me. My loyalties are with the Empire, Anakin and with you."
"As your Emperor, should I not rank first on that list?" He narrowed his eyes as the girl swallowed and glanced over his shoulder where Anakin remained. He sensed the irritation spark in his twin's force presence but pressed on regardless. "You have my brother before me… Are your loyalties to him stronger than to your Emperor?"
"Vader, that's enough!" Anakin's firm grip grasped at his shoulder, turning his attention to his brother's annoyed expression, "You're picking at nothing and you know it. Leave her alone."
Maybe that was true, but the girl's presence was an annoyance he wished Anakin would stop trying to force on him. Vader glared first at the apprentice and then his brother, shrugging his gloved hand off his shoulder as their eyes held. "Perhaps you should spend time in some of your lessons to teach the girl some decorum," he lifted his hands and sharply tugged his robes down, readjusting their positioning. "She should know how to speak to her betters."
Anakin's eyes widened and Vader sensed the burst of outrage from deep within his twin as clearly as he watched the storm brewing inside his bright eyes. Behind them, the togruta girl seemed to wilt silently. Why Anakin was so protective over this girl would forever astound Vader. He had a daughter of his own to focus his love on, it wasn't as if there was a void in his life the girl filled. It made no sense.
"Perhaps we should focus our attentions on the matter at hand?" Tarkin's calm voice ripped through the rising tension just as Anakin's mouth opened to voice his anger. Vader glanced at the slim man sidelong and nodded. He was correct. There were more important matters at hand than bickering over a girl who didn't belong here.
Nodding, Vader cleared his throat and cast his brother a silencing glance. Anakin could be angry with him all he liked, but he understood when personal slights had to be swallowed down for the sake of professionalism. The Supreme Commander couldn't be petty, after all. "Yes, you're right," he nodded, "Tarkin, prepare to launch."
Engineers sprinted to their stations, calibrating instruments to track reactions and monitor the surge of radiation as the bridge crew within the Death Star received the final order. The alarms blared and the destroyer's shields activated, wrapping the vessel in a cocoon of energy to shield it from the impending shockwave. Vader, from his vantage point, noted Tarkin lifting a comm to his thin lips, his expression grim and unchanging as he uttered, "You may fire when ready…"
For an instant, silence gripped the room – tense, absolute, piercing. No one dared breathe.
Then, a brilliant green light ignited in the heart of the super-laser. The beam flickered before eight concentrated streams shot forth from the outer points of the sphere, converging into a single blinding line that tore through space. The beam surged forward, stretching across the stars, and collided with an unassuming, distant moon.
Upon impact, the moon disintegrated in an instant. Fragments scattered outward, millions of shards spiralling into the void, faster than Vader's watchful eyes could follow. A tremendous shockwave struck the destroyer, the sheer force rattling the vessel as it braced against the violent push. Despite the shields, the ship rocked, sending everyone on board swaying as debris and clouds of dust assaulted the barriers, an unrelenting storm of remnants that hammered against the mighty defences.
The raw power was undeniable and in the aftermath of that shattering display, a stunned silence fell once more.
"By the force…" Anakin breathed once the destroyer righted itself, gaping wide-eyed at the sea of destruction the blast had left in its wake. The remnants had taken the form of a small asteroid field before their eyes, spread around the great space it had once occupied as one whole being.
It worked… Force, it worked! Granted, a planet would be fairly more complex than a lifeless moon and the ramifications far more brutal, but it was a start! A glorious beginning to the new phase of his reign. No one would dare come against him again once the galaxy learned what Vader just achieved!
All around them, a mix of horror and wonder filled the bridge as people hovered between pride and fear in what they had accomplished. Some powers were too great for small minds to wrap themselves around, he didn't blame them for their fear.
"Congratulations to you all!" Vader proclaimed, turning to face the assembled engineers and officers with a broad grin. "Today, you have strengthened the Empire and secured the safety of everyone within it. Your loved ones will never know the treachery of the Rebel Alliance or suffer under their threats again, thanks to the work we have accomplished here." He paused, his gaze sweeping the room, allowing his words to sink in. "I thank each of you for your dedication. Together, we have created a defence so powerful, it will be a silent strength that negates the need for offence, ensuring peace for generations to come!"
The weight of his words filled the room, a resonant promise of unchallenged power and ultimate security.
And then, at once, the bridge was filled with the fury of a hundred voices roaring together victoriously.
A rare day off felt oddly empty without Anakin or Leia by her side, but her husband was away on a secretive mission he refused to discuss, despite Padme's gentle but persistent questions. Usually, Anakin was open about his assignments, even with classified details, so his silence felt strange. All she managed to learn was that the mission wasn't dangerous and Ahsoka would be with him.
With no plans of her own, Padme was pleasantly surprised by an invitation to lunch from Arievel. Since the wedding, she hadn't spent much time with her sister-in-law, they'd shared only brief, polite conversations when around Anakin and Vader, never truly bonding. It struck her, as Captain Typho expertly manoeuvred her private cruiser through the bustling sky traffic toward the Imperial Palace, that she hadn't made much of an effort to build a friendship with Arievel. After all, they were family now, weren't they? But between her work, raising Leia, and considering the possibility of another child, she'd had little energy left to think about Vader's wife.
She wondered if Arievel was lonely here on Coruscant? Vader seemed to all his free time with Satine. What did his Empress do with all her free time?
As Padme walked through the vast corridors of the palace, a growing sense of guilt tugged at her. She realized she had rarely thought about Arievel, who was left mostly on her own here without close friends or her numerous siblings. It wasn't like her to be so inattentive – why hadn't she reached out before?
A silver protocol droid, bearing the same polished efficiency as Threepio but lacking his endearing anxiety, guided Padme through the halls to Arievel and Vader's private quarters. Inside, Arievel sat alone at a small circular table by one of the tall windows Vader seemed to favour in his personal spaces. The Empress looked radiant, standing to greet her with a warm, welcoming smile.
"Padme, there you are! Welcome!" Arievel grinned, brushing a light kiss on her cheek. "Thank you for coming! Vader tells me often how busy you are and how exceptional your work is. You're a great source of pride and inspiration for him." Her smile was polite, but Padme saw a flicker of sadness in her eyes.
Her heart ached but she tried to keep her expression bright to maintain their comfortable pretence. "It's wonderful to see how well you've settled in. I keep hearing such positive things about you on the holo-net!" Arievel's swift rise in popularity had been a welcome surprise to Sabe, making her role much easier – especially when Anakin and Vader did their best to undo all the aide's hard work so often.
"Thank you," Arievel replied, sitting down with such practised grace that Padme felt a bit self-conscious as she took her own seat. How could someone be so perfect all of the time? She felt a little inelegant next to the Empress and quickly sat straighter. "And how is little Leia? I haven't seen her in so long! I hope she liked the gift I sent?"
Padme and Anakin had felt terribly guilty when the exquisitely wrapped doll from Arievel arrived for Leia's birthday. With Vader bringing Satine as his guest, neither of them had thought to invite Arievel, never realizing she might have wanted to be part of the celebration. Smiling, Padme recalled how much Leia adored the doll, her little girl had been thoroughly spoiled by everyone around her.
"She loved it, thank you so much," Padme said warmly, reaching for the pot of caff in the centre of the table. "How have you been? I'm sorry I'm not around more – between Leia and my work, I hardly have a moment to myself. And Anakin is constantly hinting about another baby! I'm not sure where he thinks we'll find the time for this hypothetical child he's so desperate for!" She laughed lightly, hoping to share the humour, but Arievel's expression only darkened, her shoulders slumping as she looked away.
Padme's own smile faltered. Dorme had mentioned hearing rumours of trouble between the Vader and his wife, but Padme hadn't given it much thought. She knew well that these things didn't always happen quickly – it took time, and sometimes, it took a lot of patience. "I'm sorry," she murmured, her expression turning apologetic. She knew how difficult it could be to struggle with such hopes unfulfilled. She'd seen the toll it took on Sola. She wished she had put more effort into connecting with Arievel sooner. "Maybe it's because he's unwell?" She offered gently. "Once the doctors learn more about virothrax, they'll be able to treat him properly. And once he's healthier, everything else might just fall into place."
Arievel's head shook slowly, silencing Padme's gentle attempt to rationalize. Her gaze drifted far off, lost in thought a thousand worlds away. "He's having more affairs," she murmured, finally meeting Padme's widened eyes. "It isn't just Satine. There are others he turns to whenever he's disappointed in us both, which seems to happen more often than not these days." Her voice wavered, her face tightening as she struggled to keep her emotions in check. "If he could keep it private, maybe I could ignore it… pretend it wasn't happening. But he flaunts her and stays away from me – then questions why I'm not pregnant."
Padme felt her heart sink as she took in the painful reality of Arievel's life as Vader's Empress, a life of luxury and solitude, filled with public smiles and private despair. She struggled to reconcile the image of the Vader she knew – the passionate, kind man she knew he was – with the husband who could hurt his wife in this way. Was it his illness driving him to seek happiness elsewhere? Or was it something deeper? She just didn't understand.
"I want us to be friends, Arievel," Padme said gently, reaching across the table to clasp her sister-in-law's slender fingers in her own. Their eyes met and she smiled softly, hoping Arievel could feel the sincerity in her words. "If you ever need anything, I'll be here for you. We're family now – it's time we start acting like it."
Arievel's lips curved into a small, tentative smile as she intertwined her fingers with Padme's. Tears shimmered in her eyes as she whispered, "Thank you, Padme… that means a great deal to me."
The evening's twilight cast a warm glow across the sky, filtering through the tall windows and illuminating the polished wood of the table where Padme and Anakin sat, sharing a quiet dinner while Leia played on the floor just a few feet away. She cherished the peacefulness of it – the soft clinking of silverware, the occasional laughter that passed between them and the quiet contentment of their daughter.
Their conversation a few days ago about his teacher, Qui-Gon had been replaying in her mind. Something just didn't feel right. Of all the names in the galaxy, why would she dream of that one? She'd had no idea about his connection to it, how could she? So why was it haunting her sleep? The dream had come again last night, plaguing her, she didn't know what it meant, but it left a strange, hollow feeling in her chest.
"Anakin," she began quietly, taking a moment to watch him as he took a sip of his drink. His blue eyes flickered up to meet hers, always so attentive, as if he could sense the shift in her tone. "Do you believe dreams can be… signs of things to come?"
He tilted his head slightly, setting his glass down, his gaze sharpening as he considered her question. "For most people, dreams are just… dreams," he said carefully. "But for force users, yes. Visions, premonitions – those things can sometimes come through in dreams. Why do you ask?"
"Oh, I was just curious," she replied, trying to keep her tone light, though her mind continued to replay the dream. She reached for her fork, pushing a bite of her salad around her plate. There was so much about the mysterious powers his family wielded that she didn't understand. Maybe Anakin would have an answer to set her mind at ease? "Do you think you've ever… had one? A vision, I mean?"
He paused, his face thoughtful, and she wondered if he was searching through his memories. "Sometimes," he admitted slowly, his gaze becoming distant, as if he were seeing something she couldn't. "They come to me… but they're always clouded, fragmented. It's like looking at something through a mist. I've had visions before, but they rarely make sense, at least not right away. Sometimes it's like I'm watching memories from another life… Watching myself say and do things I don't remember… but it feels so familiar…" He shook his head slightly, clearing away those thoughts. "Why are you asking about this all of a sudden?"
Padme felt a twinge of nervousness pang in her stomach. Her curiosity raced, begging to ask every scorching question his answer stirred inside her. What did his visions look like? What did he see? How could a person dream of memories they didn't have? But Anakin's eyes narrowed and she decided not to bother him with the subject any further. She was being ridiculous anyway. She wasn't a force user – she couldn't have visions. Reaching across the table, she took his hand in her own, tangling their fingers together. "I was just curious," she said softly, her thumb brushing over his knuckles. "That's all."
Anakin's expression softened as he looked down at their joined hands, the suspicion in his bright eyes fading. She knew he could probably sense there was more she wasn't saying, but he didn't press her for answers. Instead, he offered her a small smile, a warmth in his gaze that reassured her, easing her nerves in ways she couldn't quite explain.
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment and Padme decided not to dwell on the strange dream anymore, choosing instead to focus on this moment with him and Leia without any further interruption.
One month later.
"Once again, my wife and I are extremely honoured by your majesties' generosity," King Thule of Naboo beamed with excitement where he sat across the table. Beside the Nubian King slumped the ever-graceful Queen Falynn whose dulled eyes were lost in the bottom of the crystal champagne flute in her slim fingers. No 'royal' had ever experienced the honour of an invitation to a dinner with the Emperor in perhaps decades, so being the first to grace Vader's table was a momentous occasion, he was sure.
Queen Falynn dressed in traditional Nubian fashion for the evening, clothed in thick, sea-blue robes of satin and velvets adorned with fine, delicate pearls and embroidered detailing across her shoulders. Upon her blonde head sat a wide, fanned headdress with four long, tassels hanging downwards beyond her white-painted face, reaching below the table's edge. Vader never understood how the Naboo Queens managed in their extravagantly ornamental clothing, there were always more layers and pieces than he could count. Dressing and undressing had to take an age.
Maybe that was why Thule and Falynn seemed to avoid so much as glancing at one another…
Thule looked far more comfortable beside his wife in a tunic of deep navy with a broad sash bearing the golden emblem of Naboo proudly across his chest. On the curve of the man's left shoulder, a similarly shaded cloak hung heavily – it was as richly as Vader had ever seen Thule dress. The King of Naboo often allowed his wife's wardrobe to display their wealth and status while he looked like little more than a Senator. An ageing Senator, the Emperor noted the man's greying hair with a small smirk.
Eyeing his wife, Thule gave Falynn a subtle jab of his elbow as the Queen held up her glass for her fourth refill of the night. Vader, Anakin, Arievel and Thule were each on their second. The blonde Queen just barely swallowed down the intense spike of irritation he sensed within her force signature as she placed down her glass and painted a pretty smile on her painted lips. As usual, she wore her upper lip in a deep swipe of red with only a stripe upon the bottom, a curious tradition. He'd always meant to ask Padme about it. "Yes," Falynn's eyes lingered on Arievel, "I am so pleased to spend some time with our new Empress."
"You are both most welcome," Arievel smiled eagerly, the clever little diplomat, "I think that we shall all find this evening very… remarkable." Her bright eyes turned to Vader who could not resist a small, proud smile. Revealing the truth about this night to his wife felt like a risk, she was unpractised at such bold political moves, but so far his Empress was handling herself wonderfully. It was almost… nice to not hide his business from the woman by his side for once.
"Will my advisor not be joining us tonight?" Thule lifted a curious eyebrow toward Anakin where he sat on Vader's left side. "Where is your lovely wife, your highness?"
"My daughter has been unwell, we thought it would be best if one of us remained at home to take care of her," Anakin lied easily, though Vader sensed the pang of guilt within his brother for what was about to happen. Facing Padme tonight was going to be… He shuddered. For the first time, the Emperor did not envy Anakin's marriage. He suspected the coming days weren't going to be easy ones.
"Poor Princess," Falynn sighed sympathetically, "it's never easy to see your little one suffer. I will keep the child in my thoughts."
"Thank you," Anakin tipped his head gratefully.
After five fine courses of the best his chef-droids could offer, all five royals sat comfortably over a final round of drinks to conclude the evening… or so the Wesseri's believed. Vader cleared his throat as he stood to his feet, drawing all eyes around the table to him. It was time. Excitement vibrated deep inside him as, finally, his long-imagined plans were about to come to life.
"To the Empire," Vader raised his glass in a toast, his gaze sweeping over the table as the others lifted their glasses in unison. "To the future… To innovation…" He caught a fleeting, knowing glance exchanged between Anakin and Arievel as they mirrored his gesture. Across from him, Thule and Falynn shared a look of polite puzzlement, not quite understanding his intent, though they raised their drinks all the same. As a thrill of anticipation surged within him, Vader pressed a small, rounded button concealed in his pocket. A blue-tinged holo-projector in the centre of the table flickered to life, casting a soft glow over the gathering. "I have something to show you," he announced, voice steady but laced with excitement. "This footage was recorded last month during the first trial of the Empire's latest weapon. The most powerful weapon in existence."
The projection displayed a meticulously edited sequence, capturing the immense scale of the Death Star from various imposing angles. The tension around the table thickened as the scene shifted, showing the buildup of the station's devastating power just before it fired. Vader, watching intently, felt the escalating unease emanating from Thule and Falynn as the rays concentrated and unleashed their fury, obliterating the moon before it in a single, blinding blast.
Falynn's expression shifted to one of abject horror as she turned, speechless, to her husband. Thule, however, kept his gaze locked on the projection, transfixed by the chaotic aftermath of the destruction – the fragments of moon scattering in vain, their remnants colliding with the shields of his ship as if in a final, desperate retaliation.
"What…" Thule whispered, swallowing tightly as his fear squeezed at his bobbing throat, "What is this?"
"The future of the galaxy," Anakin answered, leaning back comfortably in his seat. Despite his brother's earlier trepidation, the Supreme Commander appeared calm and confident to the naked eye. Only Vader sensed the deep dread coiling within him, disguised behind a perfectly crafted mask. "What you saw was the absolute destruction of a moon just slightly larger than Naboo itself."
"I don't understand," Falynn shook her head, her monotone voice slipping into a heightened pitch as her fear began to display upon her painted face, "Why are you showing this to us? What use is there for such a weapon?"
Settling back into his chair, Vader finally allowed himself a smile, the restrained triumph he'd held back all evening. Beside him, Arievel sipped her wine with careful detachment, eyes lowered as though oblivious to the others' glances. That was fine, she had already played her role perfectly this evening.
"I call it… the Death Star," he said, his voice resonating with fierce pride. "Created by the finest engineering minds in the galaxy, it's a true marvel, wouldn't you say?" When Thule and Falynn remained silent, visibly shaken, Vader tsked softly. "With a blast of the same magnitude, the Death Star could destroy an entire planet in the blink of an eye," he continued, his tone unwavering. "Or, it can be adjusted for a more… specific purpose. A single city can be obliterated with precision. In mere moments, with a single command, all life in a place like Theed, for instance, could vanish. What would remain," he added, with a hint of satisfaction, "would be beyond repair. The only disadvantage we've encountered thus far is the residual radiation – it leaves the area completely uninhabitable."
The chilling vision of destruction hung in the room, silencing any lingering questions or doubts.
"This is…" Thule shook his head, his mouth hanging open for several moments, "this is beginning to sound like a threat – "
"No, no," Vader shook his head, "Not a threat, Thule, but simply a revision to the way of things. Henceforth, Naboo is stripped of its monarchy and will submit solely to the Imperial throne. To me. You will, of course, retain a Senator to represent you within the Senate, but there will be no need for you or your council any longer. Any important decisions regarding Naboo and its future shall be made by me alone. Such things will require a transition, I believe six months should be enough?"
Both Wesseri's appeared pale and distraught.
"Should you resist," Vader continued, "you and Naboo will face the full force of the Imperial army against you and should I feel inclined, the wrath of the Death Star as a warning to others who may follow your lead. But don't worry, I'm a generous man, there will be a considerate sum of credits paid to you to ensure a plentiful retirement and I will allow you to keep all royal jewels and possessions of the crown… except Theed palace, of course, that will become the property of the Empire."
"You… you bastard!" Thule snarled, slamming his clenched fist upon the table with such force that the glasses trembled, "You won't get away with this! You can't! The Senate will never stand for it!"
"The Senate?" Vader couldn't hold back his smirk. The older man's outrage was poignant and decadent and he feasted on it with a deep inhale. "I am the Senate," he hissed.
"How can you do this?!" Falynn began to weep, smearing the white paint on her cheeks, "We have never caused you any trouble! Naboo has been loyal to the Empire – we allowed you to build your base within our planet despite our pledge of peace! We had a deal!"
"The deal has been altered," Anakin's level voice came before Vader could speak, "Pray it is not altered further."
Thule gave a dry, humourless laugh as he shook his head, narrowing his furious gaze at Anakin alone now. "Tell me, did Padme know about this? How long ago did she betray her homeworld?"
The very insinuation was enough to spark fury inside his brother, but Anakin's face remained impassive as he took in the former King and Queen. "Our marriage and professional duties are firmly separated."
"If Naboo is truly in her heart, she will never forgive you for this!" Falynn hissed, "Either of you!"
At last, a flicker of emotion displayed itself upon Anakin's face, a momentary flash of fear as he suspected or perhaps even knew, that her woman's words were likely true. Vader didn't expect Padme to accept the coming changes easily at all. He could only hope one day, she could find it in her heart to forgive them both.
Every bone and muscle in his body felt weary. Heavy. Anakin struggled not to lean against the door of their apartment as he lingered outside, bracing for what was about to happen. The peaceful tranquillity of his life was over. He had to go inside and tell Padme everything, what Vader had done, what he had built, and how they'd used that power tonight. It wasn't going to be an easy conversation, but force, if he could just make her see… Everything was going to be better this way.
The galaxy needed to be united under Vader's rule. One guiding voice to lead the way.
The Senate was a mess at the best of times, with too many voices muddying the waters and fighting only for their own ambitions above all else. Systems bowing to independent sovereigns only made things worse. Everything needed to be remoulded into something better. Something stronger that would keep them safe forever.
There was darkness ahead, Anakin sensed it. There was going to be pushback from all sides until people understood the new way of things. He was afraid the Rebels might try for one last desperate act to save their cause. But how could they match the might of the Death Star? What could they do to weaken his family now?
Sighing, he allowed the apartment door to slide open with a quiet hiss. He wanted to crawl inside the refresher and wash this day off his body. He'd give anything for one full night's sleep before facing the inevitable. But a chill that went beyond the night's cool air swept through him. His muscles tensed beneath his skin as he made his way through the silent halls. No sign of any staff or droids, which was expected at this time, but something felt… off.
The lights were dim, casting long shadows across the polished floors, and Anakin sensed his wife's presence immediately. He followed the call of her force signature, finding her waiting for him in the living room. Perched on the very edge of the long, yellow sofa, in a soft, purple robe and silver headband, he was almost knocked over by the assault of Padme's emotions. Her storming feelings were radiating from her – how didn't he sense them before? Fierce and raw, like an exposed wound.
He was breathless – choking… There was such anger… such betrayal.
Suddenly, Anakin felt hollow as their eyes met. Something cracked in his chest as he noticed the heartbroken tears glistening in her beautiful eyes.
She knew.
He should have known Thule would reach out to her – hoping to reveal the secrets Anakin kept for Vader before he could tell her himself in his own gentle way. Bastard, he cursed, curling his fists for a moment. He had a good mind to… No, he shoved away his anger. Right now, he had to focus on Padme, on finding a way to calm her down and make her see why he'd done what he did. A soft breath escaped his lips as he braced himself.
"Padme – " he began softly, but she cut him off with a single, cold look.
"Don't you dare," she spat, her voice laced with enough venom to make Anakin flinch. "Don't you dare try to explain this to me like I'm some fool who can't see what you've done."
His jaw tightened, the regret settling heavily on his shoulders. He'd wanted to tell her himself, in his own words, not like this. "I was going to tell you! Whatever he said – Just give me a few minutes and you'll understand, Padme – this is for Naboo's protection and the Empire's strength!"
But her answering laughter was bitter, cutting through Anakin like a blade. "Protection? Is that what you call stripping my people of their freedom? Of their independence?" Her hands were trembling as she struggled to maintain her composure. "It's almost funny, you know, I've already lost one career because of you – because of your titles. Now this?"
"That isn't fair," A ripple of guilt panged through his body. He never wanted her to have to walk away from doing what she loved but it was out of his hands… "I know this is hard, Padme. But I need you to believe me, I did this for you, for us," he insisted, daring to take a step toward her. "I wanted to ensure Naboo's safety. The galaxy's stability means a stronger Empire to protect our family!"
"No!" She shot to her feet, furious colour rising in her cheeks, and hissed, "You did this for yourself! And for Vader, not me! Don't make this worse and claim this was done for any other reason than to feed his need for control, for power." Anakin didn't know how to handle how deeply the hurt in her eyes went. And seeing her face crumple as tears began sliding down her cheeks… Force, it was agony. He wanted to hold her, to fall to his knees and beg her to see how much he loved her, how he truly believed this was the right path, but when he took another step toward her, his heart began to bleed as Padme held up a hand to stop him. "You've taken everything away from me," she whimpered.
How could she say something like that? They had everything anyone could ever dream of having. Their child was healthy and thriving! Anakin understood Padme's passions were wrapped up in her work, as they always had been, but her career wasn't everything – it couldn't be. His jaw grew tight in frustration. Why couldn't she see that this was going to make things better "That's not true," he shook his head. "I am trying to secure a future for us! For our family! You know how unstable the galaxy has become, Padme. You're too smart to side with Thule and risk – "
She interrupted him with a thunderous glare. "Risk what, Anakin?" Her voice rose, trembling with the weight of her anger. "You know how much my work meant to me – Thule trusted me, my people respected me. And you've ruined it! People will believe I was part of this, that I helped make it happen. Being with you makes me as guilty as you are! No one will ever see me the same way again… "
Anakin closed his eyes, the harsh truth of her words like salt in a wound. The last thing he ever wanted was to hurt her, he loved Padme more than anything. He wanted to tell her again that he was only trying to protect her and Leia, that his intentions were noble, but he knew she wasn't ready to believe him. Especially not tonight while everything was still so raw.
Her gaze pierced through him, dark and unyielding. "You say you did this for us, for our family, but this," her hand gestured at him, "This isn't the man I married. The man I married would never keep secrets from me to indulge Vader's ambition. He fought for what was good and right, not to funnel power into the Empire." He watched her struggle to swallow down her tears, her rage and grief. Watched fresh tears replace the ones she wiped off her face. "I… I don't know you anymore," Padme shook her head, "You're breaking my heart!"
Anakin tried to swallow down the guilt her lashing unleashed, tried to remind himself why all this was for the best… But for a moment, he couldn't. It was cataclysmic. His knees buckled beneath its force. He'd hurt her. Force, all that hurt she felt was because of him – it was unbearable. That his wife, his soulmate felt he was a stranger before her eyes was gutting. Those words and the truth he sensed in them hit him harder than any physical blow. "Padme, I love you," his voice strained and suddenly his own eyes began to burn, "Everything I do – everything I've done – is for our future."
"What's the point?" She gave a shallow, empty shrug. "You've already taken away our present, Anakin." His heart shattered as more tears wet her pale cheeks. "If… If you think I'll ever forgive you for this… You're wrong." She turned from him just as his flapping mouth tried desperately to form words, to say something, anything to make her understand how much he loved her, how much he wanted to make things right between them. Not sparing him a backward glance, she said, "Don't follow me. Stay out of our room – you're not welcome in there."
"You can be as angry as you need to be," he called after her, voice cracking with the weight of his own regret. "I'll be here waiting when you're ready to come back."
She didn't look back. She didn't pause or hesitate before marching through the doors toward their bedroom.
Anakin leaned his weight on the sofa, sagging as silence fell over the apartment. Without Padme or Leia here with him… it was empty. Running a hand through his hair, he muttered softly, "I miss you already," his voice fading into the emptiness, hoping that, somehow, she would hear.