298A/N: So I have 35 chapters of this story written and ready to post, so I thought I would start publishing it now. Look out for updates every Wednesday! This is going to be a long story so strap yourselves in for some serious drama!
Tonight. The much anticipated, galactically renowned celebration had finally come upon the galaxy after months of speculation and glamourous preparation. Senator Hedsard's grand ball invited only the richest, most famous and elite throughout the galaxy. People sought after invitations with fervent desperation, begging, pleading and exchanging favours of every kind to secure a place among the glorious estate for just one night. Those who could not attend watched the holo-net's intense coverage throughout the days prior, during and after the ball, gasping and awing at the splendour of the evening from afar.
Perhaps it was a little pathetic that Padme's own excitement for such a wonderful event was its mark as her first truly work-free day in three long months. Though the party was a prime opportunity for meshing amongst her peers and the famed aristocracy of the galaxy, speaking her thoughts and garnering support for pressing issues upcoming within the Senate, she intended to try enjoying herself for once instead. Time away from her desk or home office was extraordinary fleeting and often cancelled, after all. Despite her mother's constant and affectionate nagging, the Senator understood what her family refused to concede – if she did not type bills and proposals all day, who would? The Emperor had already stripped the Senate of almost all its authoritative powers and what little remained had to be handled with great care. How else could she stand for those who were unable to speak for themselves?
"How is your sister doing?" A gentle voice pulled Padme from her thoughts as her handmaiden, Dorme, carefully slid a soft-bristled brush through the Senator's long, freshly straightened hair so that her curls were smoothed down, shiny and sleek, revealing the true length of her hair. Usually, she liked to wear her hair in elaborate up-dos adorned in Nubian crescents and headdresses which reflected her rank and professionalism, but this was a special night and it was nice to try something new now and again. Besides, vain as it was, Gods only knew how many paparazzi-droids would be milling about to capture thousands of images of the evening to be covered in various holo-net news commentators in the morning. The last thing she needed was to be dragged for poor styling choices.
Setting aside her thoughts with a gentle sigh, Padme shook her head as she thought of Dorme's question. "She's handling the news as well as anyone can. It's not easy to be told having a baby will be difficult." Married for four years, Sola and her husband Darred had been trying for a child since the very beginning of their marriage without success. Watching her sister grow increasingly more heartbroken every month without the much-longed-for child they desired was agony. "I've offered to fund any treatments they may need or a private adoption but they're determined to do it the natural way, so there's not much I can do to help."
"What a shame," her handmaid shook her head, "I can only imagine how it must feel for her." Setting aside the brush, Dorme pushed away the unhappy conversation with a smile, running her fingers through Padme's smooth hair. "There, all done… though, I have to wonder, how it's possible we share the same complexion and hair colour yet while I don't suit any shade of blue, it looks incredible on you, my lady? It doesn't seem very fair to me."
She laughed and tugged at the satin of her dress. Padme had never worn anything like this before… Deliciously decadent silk in the palest of shimmering blue was cool and smooth beneath her touch. Two thick straps raced downward to meet beneath her breasts, leaving the pale valley between them uncovered and on display, hinting teasingly at the swell of her bosom beneath each glittering patch of fabric. A ribbon of matching silk lined her waist, emphasizing the tight fit and then the slight flare of the skirt. It swished whenever she moved, unquestionably feminine and so unlike the refined, stiff and heavily decorated gowns and robes she wore in the Senate, part of her couldn't help but feel slightly nervous at walking out of the hotel room like this. It wasn't like her to show her body so brazenly! She would definitely be hearing from her mother about it tomorrow, that was for sure.
Never mind that, Padme thought as she looked back at herself in the mirror. Her reflection smiled and set her shoulders as she braced herself for the hours ahead. This was to be one night of absolute, decadent, fun. No work, no meetings, nothing. Just sheer enjoyment. Though if she ran into certain people and certain subjects happen to come up then – no! She needed this time away from her career. Mentally, physically and in every other way, she needed to detach and let a little loose.
"Don't be ridiculous," she smiled at Dorme through the mirror, catching her friend's warm gaze, "you are beautiful in every single thing you wear. And you can have this after tonight if you like," her fingers smoothed their way down the shimmering material for the hundredth time. "I don't want to imagine what people would say if I wore it twice."
Dorme switched off the straightening device and clicked her tongue. Her fingers sifted through Padme's cooling hair once, twice, three more times before announcing its absolute perfection. "How very kind of you, Milady. If only people knew the real charity work you do behind closed doors!" She laughed, "And what did I tell you?" The handmaid boldly reached over Padme's shoulder and tugged down the neckline of her dress a few inches further so that it plunged just enough to offer a more generous tease of her less than ample cleavage. "Stop pulling this up! You're constantly buried beneath layers of cloaks and gowns! The galaxy should know what you're hiding under there."
Padme could only chuckle, despite the slight heat which built behind her cheeks. It was certainly freeing to wear something so figure-hugging for once. She had expected to feel more uncomfortable about it but, instead, she felt light and graceful. Behind her, Dorme had chosen a flattering emerald slip gown which hugged her enviable curves in a way that made the Senator ache with friendly envy. The gown had a risqué slit which reached dangerously close to the handmaiden's thighs and straps of fine pearls which hung on each side of her slim shoulders. Her own dark hair had been pulled up in an expertly pinned updo which framed her friend's beautiful face. It would never be appropriate for a day in the Senate but, when in Corellia…
"Tell me," Dome twirled playfully enjoying the gentle swoosh of her dress for a moment, "have you decided how you will enter the ball in a way which is both attention-grabbing yet subtle and elegant in a way which makes him ache for you?"
"Stop it," Padme twisted in her seat to fix her friend with a firm glare, "that's inappropriate."
"Oh, come on!" Dorme rolled her eyes, "Think about it! It'll be just like all the most romantic holo-vids… I can see it now… you'll descend the stairs, glowing in the expertly dimmed lighting as he stares on in complete wonder at the vision of you. You'll share a glance. A moment! And after a generous sampling of Senator Hedsard's famously expensive wine collection, he'll work up the courage to ask you to dance… and then…" Dorme shrugged daintily, "well, l suppose the two of you will gracefully excuse yourselves from the party to the nearest bedroom – or storage cupboard – and finally get all the tension out of your systems… It's perfect." She made a satisfied gesture.
"Enough," Padme shook her head sternly. "Prince Anakin is royalty and the secondary heir to the throne; you shouldn't talk about him that way. Besides, he's probably not allowed to have relationships like that – he and Prince Vader will likely marry former royals from strong systems to boost the Empire's stability and power. The Emperor is conniving enough to have it all planned out, I'm sure."
Beneath her glare, Dorme deflated with a heavy sigh. "Yes, yes, that's likely true but it hasn't stopped you from falling head over heels in love with your golden Prince, has it? It hasn't stopped him from finding any reason in the galaxy to schedule meetings with you and stop by your office at every opportunity. Not to mention," a small, mischievous snigger escaped her curving lips. "You know the royal family have that power, what do they call it again? The Force… I'd love to know how they incorporate that into – "
"Stop it!" Padme shrieked, her face burning in utter mortification. "Dorme! I'll never be able to look him in the eye again!" Despite her words, she shook with restrained laughter, her stomach aching from the effort of it. A long time ago, before she was a Senator and before Dorme was her handmaiden, they had been girls together in school. They'd huddled with other girls their age and gleefully watched footage of the royal family on the holo-net news. There had been a vote amongst them on which Imperial heir was more handsome despite the Princes being almost identical. If she remembered correctly, Prince Vader had won on account of his tall, dark handsomeness. But Padme and Dorme had thought the light, golden Prince was more attractive.
"Listen, I'm not trying to embarrass you or make you nervous, my lady," Dorme's smile grew kind and gentle as her laughter faded, "but facts are facts. Whether it's allowed or not, whether you'd be interested in pursuing something or not, men are simple creatures. They melt for a beautiful woman in a pretty dress – even unattainable men have desires. Try not to think so much and truly enjoy yourself tonight - who says every relationship must be galaxy-shifting?"
Sighing, Padme couldn't hold back a slight smile as it fought to stretch her lips upwards against her fading will. "He is very handsome, isn't he?" For one single, selfish moment, she allowed herself to imagine a moment of descending the grand staircase leading into the beautifully garnished ballroom where Anakin waited at the foot, gazing up at her in shock and awe. The image was fleeting and silly. Although it was nice to pretend, she couldn't delude herself into believing the Prince returned her longing feelings despite Dorme's teasing. Their relationship was strictly professional, but just once, for only one small moment, to see the famously brooding Prince's composure slip on her account… well, she would forever treasure such a memory for the rest of her life.
Gods, she was pathetic!
"You're overthinking it again," Dorme rolled her eyes, shoulders slumping, "I can see it on your face. If you could shut that amazing mind of yours off every now and again, you'd be married with a house full of children by now. Listen to me, if you're afraid to take a chance, I will gladly take that pressure onto myself for the night. I'd love to sleep with him and I can admit it too!"
"Seriously?" Padme could only shake her head at her friend's brazen snark. It was easy to forget that Dorme was her employee from time to time, the other woman was so presumptuous. "You would never last one day in the employment of another Senator or anyone of rank for that matter, you know."
"Oh, I know," she giggled, "why do you think I have remained by your side through so many years? Certainly not from any affection or loyalty, my lady, the truth is no one else would have me."
"Well, I'm glad you're aware." The Senator picked up and hurled a soft-bristled make-up brush at the other woman which she battled away with a playful squeal. They shared another laugh as Dorme bent to pluck the tool up from the plush carpet and replaced it on the vanity.
"As much fun as this violence has been, I'm going to head to check in with Typho and make sure your security detail is prepared for the evening. Would you like me to wait for you by the stairs or outside by the private shuttles?" Dorme said as she made her way toward the doorway of Padme's suite. It slid open as she approached, revealing two of her security detail standing at their post where they were scheduled to remain all night to ensure her absolute safety even while the room was unattended.
"I'll find you by the shuttles," she smiled as her friend nodded and flounced out of the door. Alone, Padme stood and watched the hem of her skirt swish as she moved around the room. It was not very often she felt so confident and so – so, well, sensually secure in her own attractiveness and womanhood… Maybe Dorme was right, maybe it was time to open up and put herself out there… her work took up so much of her days and nights. It felt impossible to meet anyone even amongst her fellow Senators, even if her mother refused to believe this was true. Of course, Prince Anakin simply wasn't an option but, pathetic as it may be, there were still her quiet, secretive fantasies to soothe that particular disappointment.
Tonight, she was staying in the most lavish hotel the planet of Corellia had to offer along with many of the high-society persons attending tonight's festivities. She knew Bail was here and Mon and the two Imperial Princes had two floors just to themselves at the very top of the towering building. Outside, the paparazzi-droids had gathered hours ago to see guests as they made their way into the private shuttles Senator Hedsard had arranged for transportation. She was sure if she looked out of the window, she would see the flashes of their cams as people made their way out, enjoying the spotlight. It was not very often that Padme embraced the public aspect of her career, but this night was different.
Well, it was time to go… The Senator stole one last glance in the mirror and readied herself for the night ahead. What was the worst which could happen? She was going to drink specialised and rare wines, chat with her friends and colleagues and it would be lovely – there was nothing to worry about. Perhaps there might even be a dance or two before the night reached its conclusion?
She smiled politely at her guards as she passed them and made her way through the hallway and to the waiting elevators. For how high her room had been placed, the journey was quick and Padme found herself by the stairs leading into the lobby in mere minutes. Celebrities whose faces she recognised from holo-movies and holo-mags loitered around, chatting and posing for pictures with one another. Galactic social media would be ablaze for days after tonight. Serving droids whizzed by, offering sparking wines and champagnes on gleaming silver platters as she began the walk down the long staircase. Three steps down and all the whispers died at once. Smiles grew and eyes widened as Prince Vader glided confidently into the room, sharing smiles with the those brave enough to meet his eye as they rose from their bows and curtseys.
He wore a well-tailored dark suit, with a long and thick golden embellished design which spread over the shoulders of his jacket and down to his mid-chest. Simple and clean but beautifully made, the Prince's outfit radiated wealth and power. Despite its simple nature, Vader stood out amongst the sea of colour and bold patterns. He towered above most men but greeted everyone attentively, seemingly taking the time to smile at everyone he passed, handing out handshakes and polite hushed words with practised ease.
Slowly, his bright golden eyes lifted to Padme as she stood frozen mid-stair, dragging his gaze up the length of her body inch by slow, glorious inch and despite herself, the Senator thrilled beneath his stare. A quiver of excitement she didn't expect lit up low in her belly as the Prince's eyes found hers with an impressed lift of his brow. His gaze only lingered for a moment before his attention was stolen away but it left her breathless all the same. Despite his status as heir apparent, the chosen successor of the Emperor, she rarely ever saw Vader in the Senate, only Anakin. She had forgotten just how different the subtle contrasts in the sons of Skywalker were. Anakin's vibrant blue irises were an ocean storm while Vader's were as golden as the sun. The dark-haired brother's resemblance favoured the twins' late mother, Empress Shmi, while Anakin reflected the Emperor in appearance. They were identical save for their hair and eyes and Gods, what a difference those made.
A moment later, the quiet murmurings of the room began once more as Anakin appeared by the doorway of the private elevation shuttle leading to the reserved floors for the Princes. Like his twin, he had dressed in a simpler suit of deep navy which bore the Empire's military insignia sewn in a golden thread over his heart. Both heirs had been granted honorary titles within the military as part of their royal rank, but only Anakin had truly taken to his, earning legitimate accolades for bravery and the hearts of his father's subjects throughout his exploits. Vader's role had remained ceremonial for the most part, though both brothers were sent to manage foes the Emperor deemed threatening enough for attention from time to time.
Padme felt her heart pick up a little as she watched the younger prince move through the room to greet his brother with an easy smile. They truly were a handsome duo, with tanned skin, black and golden curls, and startling eyes of blue and yellow, together they were quite a sight. She couldn't help but smile as Anakin laughed warmly while he approached the foot of the stairs. He reminded her of sunshine in Naboo. A warm, golden light… He was always so kind and willing to help people who needed it She knew there were several bills she had created or sponsored which had only come into legislation due to the Prince's influence. She only hoped that Vader, the actual heir, would follow his brother's lead one day.
Stop thinking about work! Dorme's voice filled the Senator's head suddenly. This is your chance! Have a little fun while you can.
She placed her hand on the smooth marble bannister and restarted her descent of the stairway. Typho and Dorme had to be wondering what was keeping her by now and – her thoughts died into nothing suddenly as the Prince began to turn, his deep blue gaze sweeping up her body and lingering upon her face as Padme reached the final step. At once, she fell into a deep curtsey and dared to peer up at him through her lashes. "Good evening, your majesty," she murmured. Anakin gave a small smile, flicking his eyes to the floor, to Padme and then to the doorway leading to the shuttles.
His hand found hers, gently tugging her back to her full height though he still towered over her. Holding her gaze, Prince Anakin brought her knuckles to his lips briefly and the slight pressure of his polite kiss sent a shuddering thrill rippling through the Senator's body that stole her breath away. "You're radiant, as always, my Lady."
Her heart thundered so powerfully she could almost feel it in her throat. Anakin was always complimentary of her work but he'd never gone as far as to praise her appearance before! Despite herself, her cheeks burned and her smile grew wide as her unsettled mind raced to find an appropriate response. "Thank you, your Grace. That's very kind of you to say." Where was Dorme? She would know exactly what to say right now… damn it. "You look very dashing – your suit I mean."
Gods help her…
Anakin laughed and released her hand though it tingled in his wake. "Thank you, Padme. Though I'd take my armour over this any day – I wasn't made for parties like this, though Vader loves them," he gave a small, affectionate roll of his eyes in his brother's direction. "I would much prefer a night in, if we're being honest with one another."
"On that, we can agree," she chuckled. A silver protocol droid padded by, carrying yet another dish of likely eye-wateringly expensive drinks in a silent offer to everyone lingering around the lobby. As Anakin's eyes flicked to it, Padme's own gaze followed just in time to catch a pair of crystal glasses jiggle slightly before lifting off the droid's tray and dancing their way effortlessly through the air until they met the Prince's waiting hands.
"Did you see that?" Someone around them whispered.
"I've heard the stories, but I didn't think it was true!" Another gasped.
"Well, I'll be damned… The Force is real! Who wudda thought?"
Padme knew her eyes were embarrassingly wide and that her mouth was gaping, she did, but her brain couldn't summon the power to make them stop. She had never seen anything like that before! Everyone knew the royal family boasted of such powers but there were so few people who had actually witnessed it before – and Anakin just… he lifted those drinks like… her mind struggled to make sense of it.
"W – wow, I, oh, thank you," she mumbled breathlessly as the Prince offered her one of the two glasses. "I think you just impressed a lot of people."
Anakin laughed graciously and stole a sip of his champagne, though his searing gaze never left hers. Something deep inside of the Senator quivered as a low heat bloomed to life within her beneath his stare. "I hope they aren't the only ones impressed, my lady."
"Well, I – "
"Ah, your Grace!" Another protocol droid waddled across the carpeted lobby, "Prince Vader has already boarded your private shuttle, and has requested your presence." As the droid spoke, Padme snuck a sip or two out of her glass, praying it would soothe her nerves. How much more of a fool could she possibly make of herself? Her career depended upon her making long speeches to millions of beings at once to sway them toward her opinions and yet all of a sudden, she stumbled and stuttered like someone who only recently had found her voice! What was wrong with her?
"Alright, thank you," Anakin groaned, giving Padme an exasperated glance. "I'm coming. Force forbid a party full of strangers celebrating nothing not continue without my presence… My lady," the Prince reached for Padme's free hand and once more brought it to his full lips. Just as before, the small gesture sent a quaking, thrilling rush all the way through her body. She'd never felt anything like it before in all her life! Goddesses, she hoped her neck wasn't as red as her cheeks probably were… "I hope I'll see you in there."
With a final smile and a grimace at the protocol droid, the Prince made his way out of the hotel to intense flashes of cams and shouts of droid voices calling thoughtless questions whose answers might land them front-page specials on holo-mags and large sums of credits.
Padme turned and downed the remainder of her drink.
Vader's laughter filled the private cruiser, loud and booming and working expertly to sour Anakin's mood beyond what even their father's poisonous presence ever could. He slumped further into the comfortable seats as his brother's laughter finally began to cease. He glared out of the window at the passing buildings and the bright lights as they rushed by and folded his arms over his chest.
"For Force's sake, brother! Just take the woman out for a drink or meal!" Vader sniggered, "You've been panting over her longer than I care to remember. Get it over with for my sake if nothing else."
Rolling his eyes, Anakin dragged his gaze back to his sibling across the spacious cruiser. Of course, Vader wouldn't know her name or who she was – he went through women faster than Anakin could count. "She's the Senator of Naboo, Vader. You're going to be Emperor one day, you should know her name." In fairness to his twin, Padme was just about the only Senator he cared to know about. The others spent their days vying for power and attention, squabbling over the scraps of power his father had allowed them to keep like hungry nexus in a pit. But she was different… he saw how hard she worked to help the people of the Empire, to stop the slavery running rampant through the Outer-Rim systems and better fund education across poorer systems, things his father and Vader should concern themselves about but never had.
More beautiful than the angels on the moons of Iago, Padme Amidala Naberrie was a miracle of the Force. A goddess. He had been captivated by her since their very first meeting years ago. Anakin had spent hours listening to her talking about issues which needed royal input and truthfully he hadn't ever really heard a word. Only her voice and her passion. She was unlike any being he'd ever met in all his life.
And yet, his pathetic infatuation did not change the unfortunate facts of his life.
"Nothing can ever happen between us," Anakin grumbled, "she would be forced to resign from her post as Senator, and it's not as if I'll be making her an Empress one day in return – not that I could marry her while father hangs on anyway, you know the rules, Vader. Even if he died tomorrow and it did work out between us, I don't think Padme is the type of woman who could happily walk away from her career." No, she was exceptional and it would be selfish to ask her to waste her talents and drive on the performative tasks people within their family were given to appease the media. Things might have been different if he were the heir but fate and choice had placed Vader before him. Anakin was happy in his position as Supreme Commander of the Imperial forces, it was his calling and he belonged on the field with his men, though it meant there was no possibility to explore his feelings.
Instead, he would satisfy himself with small conversations with her. Meetings on issues he pretended to care about just to be near her. It could be enough, or at least Anakin had always told himself it would be, until tonight. Until she showed up wearing that dress with the scandalously plunging neckline that stole his breath more powerfully than he had ever thought possible.
As she glided down those stairs, he had caught a glimpse of her, smiling and angelic as she drew closer, and Force help him, it had almost been too much. Suddenly, his every fantasy of her grew pale in comparison to the reality of her body, of her smile, of her sweet, floral scent. All he wanted, over anything in the entire galaxy, was to rush up those stairs and meet her halfway and finally – finally – taste those sweet, full lips he'd dreamed of so often as they stumbled backwards and through the nearest door, tearing at each other's clothes until… until… Force, Anakin didn't dare let his mind follow that train of thought outside the safety of his own rooms.
All this meant that he would spend the night watching Padme dance, drink and attract the attention of men who weren't him. He couldn't have her even if there was a possibility they could agree on something casual and fleeting. One night wouldn't be enough. One week, one month, one year would never be enough. He had always had trouble cutting his attachments, something their father had worked very hard to rectify in his boyhood to no avail. He still had the lightning scars to prove it.
No, he wasn't going to force his uncontrollable, unstable emotions onto Padme and make life difficult for her. It wasn't fair. But how was he supposed to stand in the shadows and watch another man charm her? Touch her? Love her? Rage boiled in his stomach at the mere thought. Anakin closed his eyes as his stomach churned with the very thought of it. He had always been too quick to anger and nothing seemed to change it, not even despising sharing such a trait with his father. It was one of his burdens to carry in this life until the ethereal Force saw fit to return his soul to its peace.
"Come now," Vader leant forward, bracing his elbows on his knees, "stop brooding about it. Who says it has to be so serious? I can sense the sulking you're doing in your head so loudly, that you may as well be speaking. Maybe Padme would be willing to step down from office if she thought there was something between you? I mean, Force, she's gorgeous enough to risk it all and hell, it would only be for as long as the old bastard hangs on. I'll likely be Emperor before the year is out and I can change the rules – I will change the rules. And until I find an Empress of my own, I'll need someone to shoulder those responsibilities in the meantime. Have a little faith, brother, everything can come together exactly how we desire."
It was a tempting image, offering him everything he wanted so easily… though all of that was one large if. Part of him was convinced their father was grasping at the last dregs of his life out of sheer spite. Sidious had been hooked onto machines for five long years and it had been up to he and Vader to keep it hidden. If either of them made any significant changes to laws or the Imperial household while machines pumped air into their father's rotting body, his serpent of an advisor, Amedda, would have the Senate strip their claim to the throne, as was the law. They were trapped in a seemingly endless purgatory. They had everything and yet nothing. Unable to begin their lives or have any measure of control until Sidious died.
Sometimes, Anakin wished he could take his lightsaber and slash every one of those machines until there was nothing but scraps and singed metal, damn the consequences. At least then, Vader would be Emperor and the waiting would be over even if he would spend the rest of his days imprisoned for regicide and parricide.
To free his brother, it might be worth it…
"I'll think about it, alright?" He said and Vader merely shrugged and sat back, enjoying the drink he'd brought for the ride. It didn't take long to reach the Hedsard estate and Anakin took a deep breath as the transport came to a stop. Now they had to smile and wave and answer question after question about their father's whereabouts, ignore dating rumours, and make nice with the right people. It would be fine. He had been doing this for five years since the sickness brought the mighty Sidious Skywalker to his knees. This would be like any other night. He would take some drinks, agree to sponsor a couple of charities when Senators and representatives approached, then dance with a few important ladies and wait for it to be over.
Perhaps if he was lucky, he might be able to steal a few more moments with Padme throughout the night.
Stepping out of the transport and into the fray of shouts and cam flashes, Anakin steeled himself for the night ahead.
Let's get this over with.