Chapter 9

Theed Palace, Naboo

Helona Day 9, 19 BBY

( Vader's POV)

The brisk morning air fills my lungs as I jog with large strides with every breath I take on my run. My chest pounds with each beat of my organ. The crisp morning dew clasps beneath my feet. The sun streaks beyond the horizon as I keep my pace to one of relaxation. I needed to keep my calm today. The Emperor would be arriving in three hours. He would be investigating the death of Sache's handmaiden and inquiring of the wedding plans. He cannot know of the switch- nor of my plans. I have waited nine years to kill the old bastard and soon my time will come….. Soon I will be able to do what no one has done before- end the line of the damn Emperor.

Many emperors have come before him, but soon his reign will end and the galaxy will be put out of its misery. It is time for a new regime to alter the government's power back to where it belongs- the people. The republic must be restored for the good of everyone's sake, so the Jedi and Sith can put an end to their wars and live in true peace. It is time for good and evil to rise together and to come to an understanding. The truth of the matter is simple: this is a religious war. It has been for thousands of years.

The Jedi and Sith have fought over which "side" or beliefs of the force are true. The reality is both are wrong. The force is an entity which can be used to harness power of light and great darkness. It does not choose sides, only the force users that harness it. It is the Jedi and Sith's dogma which creates such a pester. If only we can live in peace without the hate and cruelness of the world. Both sides want power- without it neither side can persuade the people of the galaxy. It is with that said, I must make sure the galaxy is restored to a Republic- I wish Knight Naberrie could understand that much.

She believes I have every intention of creating my own Empire- Kriff no. I do not want such responsibility. It is in my better interest to endure this façade for now and then when the old man is dead-correct the mistakes of our past. Especially after my latest revelation as of late last night, I had never wanted to admit the truth before now and my obsession with a former dead Jedi, but the clues had been there the whole time and now I am faced with my reality. No memory of a time before, but a day of reckoning will soon arise against those who have crushed all of our realities.

My breathing is ragged as I travel back to the palace and come to a stop on the path leading into the gardens. The force calls out to me as someone's force presence looms over me. The presence looms in the shadows and I sigh and call out as I come to a walking pace, "I know you're there, so why don't you come on out."

The sunlight remains low in the sky as the shadow creeps from the darkness in the gardens; a cloak that of the Jedi is the color of the earth as his boots make soft footprints in the dirt appears. He stops three feet from my place and reveals his face. The face of the infamous Obi-wan Kenobi appears and his gray eyes are weary. He strokes his clean-shaved beard and proposes, " The Council needs an update on your mission, Vader. How is the agreement going with Senator Naberrie?"

I shrug and utter, "She won't be of any use to any of us anymore. Unfortunately, you can tell your precious Council a rebel took care of her."

Obi-wan's eyes widen and he inquires, "Why we were not notified earlier?"

I shrug and lean against the apple tree in the garden and state, "I had to cover my assets before explaining this little problem to the Council."

Obi-wan narrows his gaze and he states firmly, "Then your plan has failed. I will have to advise the Council to alternate our plans."

I shake my head and state, "There will be no need. No one knows of her untimely death. I have use of your little Jedi friend."

Obi-wan raises his eyebrow in curiosity, "I thought you stated you did not need the aid of a Jedi."

I smirk and pluck an apple from the tree reassuring, "It was simple really, Jedi Naberrie has agreed to take Sache's place at my side."

Obi-wan's gray eyes sizzle with surprise and fury. I know he thinks of his former padawan a daughter, but he had not been honest with her as well. He counters, " Padme' would never agree to this. What have you blackmailed her with?"

I shrug and utter, "A mother wants the safety of her child, no matter what species and I might add it was not hard to convince her after I told her the truth of the corruption in the galaxy and she might have stumbled upon data that your pathetic Council had an alliance with the rebels."

Obi-wan probes my mind and requests, "You're not speaking of everything. I can feel her conflict. There is something else that has her convinced of your plans. Tell me Vader. You know I can be trusted."

I roll my eyes at him in annoyance and state, "Yes- always the faithful dog, Obi-wan. You see I know of your complicated interference with her mission to Anton. I know your little pathetic padawan sacrificed himself because he knew that the Council wanted to be rid of Jedi Knight Naberrie. But the mission files were tampered with by no other than you. You knew your padawan had survived because of Count Dooku contacted you. Padme' is aware of this tampering."

Obi-wan's force presence is not shocked by this revelation. He knew there was only a matter of time. His eyes soften as he expresses, "I did not want her to bear the truth. It was easier for her to believe Anakin had died after she discovered of her pregnancy."

I laugh at his statement. Easier for her to bear?

His eyes are weary as I retort, "No, it wouldn't have been easy to explain how your padawan was tormented by Count Dooku and twisted into another persona."

Obi-wan's eyes fall heavily to the ground as reality sinks in. He will not lift his gaze as I utter firmly, "Did you believe I would never figure out the truth? Count Dooku may have tampered with my mind, but the clues fit perfectly together."

His eyes are somber as he expresses, "I couldn't change the Council's decision. If I could have changed their plans I would have stopped them, Anak-."

I cut him off abruptly as I state sharply, "Do not refer to me as Anakin Skywalker. Anakin has been dead since the birth of Lord Vader. We cannot dwell on the past Obi-wan. Our fates have been sealed and the Emperor will be arriving at any moment. I don't think your presence is necessary any longer. Tell your Council what you know and that is all."

I turn to leave as he whispers gently, "And what of the boy? Will you spare him through all of this?"

I halt my movements towards the palace and whirl around and utter, "The boy knows enough. He will not be aware of our relations if that is what you mean."

Obi-wan shakes his head and utters, "Vader- I am begging you to spare his life. I am not concerned of whether you explain your relationship to him or not. I am asking you to show compassion to the boy, not because he is of your blood, but for his mother's sake. There is no telling what Padme' would do to you if you harmed her son. I do not want her to slip into the darkness like you have."

I shrug and state, "At the moment the boy is useful to me. However Padme' has made it very clear of her intentions if I harm her son."

Obi-wan states firmly, "He is your son as well, Vader."

I shake my head and correct him, "No, his father is dead. That is the way it will stay."

I whirl around and head back to the palace. I do not need conflicting thoughts during these times. I need to have a clear agenda of the next few weeks and cannot allow my thoughts dwell on the newfound sired son.

Theed Palace, Naboo

Helona Day 9, 19 BBY

( Padme's POV)

The sunlight rays pour into my bedroom as I am just attempting to drift off into a slumber. The night's before antics have driven me from sleep. How can I sleep knowing the Emperor will be arriving in a few hours or less and that my son is being used for bait? Or the knowledge of Vader's true identity. I slip out of my warm bed and sigh. There is no use in fighting the day's events. I have no choice but to follow through with Vader's plans. He is out of his kriffing mind, but I have no alternate choices. He has opened my eyes to the truth of the galaxy and of the Jedi.

And as hard as it is to admit it… his plan is brilliant. The true motivation he has found is uncanny. I cannot stop an idealist when I see when, but I can keep him in check. I am no mere trophy woman after all. I do have the force behind me and knowledge of Vader's past, which for now will serve me a great deal as his future wife.

Those words make me shrill inside. As a Jedi I am bound by the code to never become attached to possessions let along people in any sort of way. Although I allowed myself the comfort of loving my son as a mother does. As I am bound to never marry, but this is a mission and a façade to stop the Emperor and for the greater good of the galaxy. I believe Master Yoda would approve, if I am not being selfish in any sort of way.

But am I not being selfish deep beneath my soul? I yearn to gain the trust of my former best friend and to bring him back from the darkness. It is a sad and tormenting ideal, but a portion of my heart cannot fathom allowing him to stay this monster. However Master Yoda has taught us that once someone goes down the dark path, they cannot recover or be saved. But Anakin was- no is the Chosen One. Perhaps he can bring balance to the force and return to the light. He has only falling into the darkness because of the twisted lies Count Dooku and the Emperor have fed him.

A sharp rap at the door sends chills down my spine. "Milady? Are you awake? I am here to prepare you for your day." The voice is that of a handmaiden and I roll my eyes. I do not understand the concept of someone dressing me.

I call back firmly, "I am in no need of your service this morning. I will dress myself."

The sharp gasp of her voice echoes through the door and she states, "Milady are you ill? Before our trip to Naboo, you requested that I care for your every whim and need of fashion advice so that you can win the affections of Lord Vader."

Now I want to gag. I sigh and utter, "Thank you for your consideration, but I already have something in mind to wear to win his affections."

I can sense through the force her determination and her flare of another disputing coming on so I probe her mind and place a suggestion in her little peabrain stating, " Handmaiden, I do not require your service any longer, go attend to the Emperor's chambers to be ready for his arrival."

She utters through her mind suggestion, "You do not require my service any longer. I will attend to the Emperor's chambers now."

Her footsteps can be heard down the left of the corridor as I step out of bed. I smirk with relief and attempt to go to Sache's closet to find something decent to wear.

I step into the closet and pull at the bottom of several exquisite gowns of hers; colors of violet, deep gold, navy's and greens pass before my eyes. The texture of the fabric is soft and silky on most of the gowns and fairly low neck lines as well. I pull at a few more and sigh. Who am I kidding? I am no good at choosing a gown to wear! I should have had that damn handmaiden choose one for me at the very least! My eyes wearily lift back onto the gowns and I find one that is gold but simple. The sheer sleeves are light for the weather and the pink and green flower pattern is stitched into the garment. It would have to do. I begin to pull at my nightdress when I feel a lingering presence in the room. The presence is dark and looms over the room, but I know that it is Vader. I know his force signature. It is too powerful to ignore. With expressing the annoyance in my voice I utter, "You know it is not polite to watch an unmarried woman undress. It is quite the scandal."

His blue eyes gleam with amusement as he approaches me and he states, "That is true, but that's only for another twenty-four hours milady."

I roll my brown eyes at him and state, "Cut the small talk Vader. Are you here to implore more insults and blackmail onto my life?"

He chuckles and continues to encroach on my space. His eyes roam over me with such intent which I do not need to probe his mind to know what is on his dirty mind. He stops three inches from my face and his mood turns in an alternate direction. His eyes shine with sincerity as he reassures, "No, I am here in regard to my behavior late last night. I believe I owe you an apology for my insistence of bringing Luke to the Emperor's view."

My eyes widen at his response. Lord Vader, dancer of torment and stubbornness is actually apologizing? My mouth is open with no reply he sighs and rubs his hair in awkwardness. He looks away and whispers, "I realized after I left, that this is no way to attempt to have you aid me, so if you would accept this as my apology and not repeat it to anyone for that matter."

My mouth is dry as I realize he is being sincere and as his eyes meet mine, I can see a glimmer of a boy once there. My mouth cannot fathom the words as flashes of a boy I long to see appear in those blue eyes of his. My hands are shaking as I whisper, "It's fine- Vader."

I choke on his name as I realize this is going to be more complicated than I thought. It was easier thinking Anakin is dead and gone. But now that I know he is standing in front of me- I cannot help noticing how much of a man he has become. My hands shake and I attempt to hide my change in the force. I do not need him sensing my alterations for him. He does not know of his true identity. It is better off this way.

He steps forward and grabs my hand out of concern. "Are you all right?"

His blue eyes search my brown ones with sincere weariness. His senses stretch out and he can feel my conflict. I attempt to back away, but I whisper, "No, Vader, I haven't slept in days and have to overcome many things right now."

His hand sneaks up onto my face, brushing back the curls from my face. My heart is in my throat. I have no intention of allowing him this close, let alone allowing my emotions cloud over my judgment. My breathing is labored as he whispers, "I can understand your conflict. You have lost a sister, and discovered the truth of your former friend's untimely death."

I breathe in his scent and state firmly, "No it is not, but what is it you want. You cannot simply be here to be sincere with an apology."

His smile returns, small but there. He utters, "I need to be sure you can deal with everything right now. I do not need a nutcase for a wife. I need you to be firm and strong now."

Then there it is. Vader. He returns to the obnoxious persona that has replaced the face of an ally. I shake out of my revere and state firmly, "Then don't apologize. It is not necessary; your insults outweigh your concern."

I back away from his hand as if I'm caught on fire and whirl around. I do not need to look him in the eyes right now. I'm unstable and might view him as a formable ally. Tears well in my eyes and I know I have not been able to deal with the truth. Anakin is alive and standing three inches from me. I never thought I would see his face again, let alone speak with him- touch him in any form. He has been dead in my mind for eleven years. The only time I allow myself to see his features is in our son. I choke back the tears so that I do not show my weakness to my enemy and that is what Vader is: an enemy. He may wear my best friend's face, but Anakin is not present. I grasp onto the dress I will wear for the day and keep my face turned away from the man behind me. I bite my lip as the tears droop from my eyelids. I have spent the night fighting my regret and grief. Vader cannot see me like this! I whisper, "Now that you've insulted me once more, would you leave me be?"

Vader's voice is coyly as he suggests, "Insulted you? I came to apologize!"

I breathe in and as strong as I can make my voice I state firmly, "Vader, your apologizes are pathetic. You do not know what it is like to lose someone close to you."

The tears are flooding out as he suggests, "I do understand that, especially now."

I shake and state through angry tears, "No, you have no idea what that feels like. Every soul twists when you lose someone and then come to find out they're alive all this time. So many questions run through your mind like why? Why did you put me through this?"

But I cut him off as I whirl around and shout angrily, "You had no right to put me through the torment! You have no idea how haunted I've felt for the past 11 years! I blamed myself!

His eyes widen as he notices the anger in my eyes and tears. I close my mouth as I clench my fists tightly on the dress. I want to tear it to shreds. I know Vader knows nothing of his past, but damnit! If he hadn't been stupid in the first place, we wouldn't be where we have landed! The release of my thoughts and feelings shake me to my core and I keep my wrath fully on the man in front of me, who deserves every word. I shout, "I have blamed myself every single day for that damn mission's failures. I have nightmares of those last few days and the what-ifs! You had no right to lie to me for 11 years! You have no idea the misery I've been put through without you!"

I'm shaking with fear, sadness and grief. Vader watches me and steps forward saying nothing.

My fury calms as I realize again whom I'm speaking with. I just yelled out my thoughts and truths to Vader who has no idea his true identity. Kriff!

He pulls me to his chest without me pulling away. I needed this. I needed to even for a split second remember my friend underneath the monster who is holding me. I shake in his arms and he rubs my hair. This situation is not one I wished for, but I need to forget he's Vader for a few moments and remember Anakin. Tears blink across my eyes and I wipe them away.

He whispers, "I had nothing to do with what they did to you Padme'. I'm sorry for what pain they've caused you and you can inflict your fury on the Jedi Council when the time comes."

I lift my head and whisper, "Vader, I'm nothing like you. I won't harm the Jedi Council, no matter what they've done to me." I wipe my tears angrily away and utter, "I'm sorry for taking up your time. Now if you'll excuse me I want to be ready for your precious Emperor."

I back away from his embrace and begin to whirl around when I hear him whisper, "He's not coming back Padme'. Anakin died on Anton."

Tears escape my eyes as I whirl around and stare at him in his blue eyes. I gaze into them for mere moments as I attempt to peer beyond his damn cocky act. My hand goes up to his cheek, he does not move for a mere moments as I say nothing and quickly decide to press my lips to his. His body moves to react moments later. His hands are in my hair as I press my lips firmly onto his softly. He presses me into his body sharply and I open my mouth to him. We stand in his hot embrace for moments that I allow myself to be lost in. His hands skim my nightgown and he grips my hips effectively. I moan into his mouth and then push him away as quick as the heat had come. His eyes are darkened by desire and lost. I wipe my wet lips and eye him stating simply, "No he's not."

His eyes search mine and he whispers, "What are you talking about?"

I pull him towards me and whisper right against his lips, "You will see."

His hands come up and cup my face as he whispers, " Kriff, I want to take you to bed."

My heart pounds in my chest as the words pop out of my mouth before I can think through my thoughts, "The bed is behind us."

He presses his lips to mine and lifts me into his arms and takes me to bed before I can change my mind.

To be Continued.