Evilly Ever After

Padmé turned away from Darth Vader. "I'm sorry, I can't," she said, her eyes welling up with tears. "It goes against everything I believe."

"The galaxy needs you, Padmé," the Dark Lord boomed. "That is why I kept you hidden from the Emperor, waiting for the perfect time to take action." Gently, Vader took Padmé by her shoulders and turned her around to face him. "Do you remember long ago when I told you the politicians need to be led by someone, someone wise?"

Wiping back her tears, Padmé nodded.

"I wasn't thinking about Palpatine...I was thinking about you. You are the only one who could end this destructive conflict and bring order to the galaxy. You are the only one who could bring our family together again. We have been charged with the universe's fate; our family is destined to rule. Do not deny it."

"What about the Emperor?"

"Leave that to me, my love."

Six months later

Vader and Padmé relaxed after a long day running the galaxy in the holo room of the Imperial Palace. Their children Luke and Leia were busy with their Sith studies, leaving the couple alone to enjoy each other's company.

"Deposing Palpatine in a coup was a great idea after all," Padmé said. "The war is over, the people are happy, and we're finally getting things done around here. You're right...a dictatorship isn't so bad if it works."

"I told you dear, democracy sucks."

"Who needs that worthless Senate or the bumbling Jedi anyway?" Padmé took another sip of her martini. "Besides, I like how 'Empress Padmé Amidala' sounds. It has a nice ring to it."

"Only you could look as beautiful in that corusca gem tiara." He gently took Padmé's small hand and pressed it to his helmet's mouthpiece, making an exaggerated "smooch" sound.

"You know, Ani, we're going to have to find the best plastic surgeon to restore you to the way you used to look. And with the Empire's treasury at our disposal, money's no object."

"Can I keep the mask to intimidate people?"

"Of course, my dear."

"I love you...'Empress.'"

"I love you, 'Official Consort and Enforcer.'"

The End!