Notes: For those of you that still read my stories, yes I am not dead. I have just been working waaaay to much. I have not given up writing, not this story or more. I have just quit my second job (does a happy dance) so hopefully soon I will have more time to write:) I read all your reviews and I am so grateful for them. I hope to move this story along soon. To be honest in some parts I think its a bit to slow going. But I haven't had the time to dedicated myself to it. I thank you for your patience.

Lost in thought, Padme sat by the dressing table, absently stroking the exposed skin on her wrist, when Asha tugged a little too hard on a stubborn curl. Startled from her reverie she glanced up into the large mirror in front of her. Asha clutching the hairbrush was staring over at Alden, who was pacing agitatedly behind them.

"If I had known!" he began for the tenth time that hour, stopping his agitated pacing only to stare miserably over at his wife, and Padme's heart ached for him. As if it wasn't aching enough already. "I would have done something… I would have!"

Asha unnaturally calm, waved the hairbrush at him in the mirror. "Stop it you, we both know who is truly to blame for all of this."

Alden visibly slumped, rubbing a hand through his tousled blond hair. "My father," he replied bitterly.

"Exactly," Asha exclaimed, running the brush through Padme's curls again, tugging just a little too hard. Padme tried hard not to wince." I know he is your father, but I would pay– "The hairbrush tugged again, and this time she did wince, but Asha continued on, oblivious to her discomfort, "to watch Lord Vader cut him in to tiny little bits with that fancy sword of his. Just like he did the rest of them."

Padme froze letting go of her wrist, as an ugly feeling began crawling up her spine. Vader had admitted casualties true, but this was starting to sound a lot worse. Far worse. "What do you mean the rest?" she asked cautiously.

Asha eyes met Padme's in the mirror, behind her Alden was shaking his head frantically in warning.

"The slavers of course, "Asha replied with a non-comital shrug, ignoring her husband beseeching look, she waved the brush through the air like a weapon. "He made quick work of them. It was too bad he stopped. It was marvellous. He killed every single one of those bastards. I wish they were alive, so he could kill them again. Had I not been so terrified I would have clapped."

Feeling a little sick, Padme looked down at the shimmering fabric of her deep blue dress. "Maybe I should have picked red instead," she muttered to herself, "Blood red. Enough has been spilt in my name after all."

Asha stopped brandishing the hair brush, shaking her head, eyes cold, she gave Padme a stern look in the mirror." Not your consent. Not your act! And those monsters don't deserve your sympathy my lady. They deserve no one's sympathy! "

At that she deflated, feeling suddenly guilty she turned around and took Asha's hand in her own. She could feel the twi'leks knuckles clutched tightly around the hairbrush. Padme had only just met the woman, but she felt a sudden kinship with her either way. Perhaps it was their worry for their children. Their shared loss. Their fear.

"I am sorry," she said giving Asha's hand a soft comforting squeeze. "That was thoughtless of me."

Avoiding her direct gaze, Asha only gave a small shrug. "I was one of the lucky ones," she said quietly, "I was only in that place for a short while." Asha squeezed her hand back. "And you're not the one that has to be sorry." Abruptly she cleared her throat. "But enough of that, lets finish you up."

With a nod Padme sat patiently as Asha pinned up her hair with surprising efficiency, before finishing it all off with an intricate silver headdress. Then with a gentle tug she pulled Padme to her feet and led her to the wall length mirror. Padme didn't know what Alden had told his wife, but Padme saw the sympathy hidden in her gaze.

"You look beautiful," she said, clearly feigning cheerfulness for Padme's sake, and perhaps her own. Padme new pretense when she saw it, she was an expert. With a sigh she lifted her head and blinked at her own reflection. Beautiful? She didn't feel beautiful. Her eyes looked hollow and sunken, appearing to large in her now to thin face. Her skin pallid. In truth she looked haggard.

Though the dress itself was quite beautiful, the deep blue fabric shimmering in the soft light. But she felt no joy in it. She looked like an ornament, just a pretty ornament. To be flung on Vader's arm to validate the empires hold no doubt. If someone like her would stand with them, then maybe they were not as bad after all.

Still, unable to help herself she swirled a little, letting the dress brush lightly up against her skin. It had been years since she had worn anything so extravagant. And she knew the color, though not to bright, would stand out again the dull color scheme of the Empire. Briefly she had thought about going for white, or something demurer, grey, and dull. Something that screamed, that she didn't want to be there. That she was a prisoner. That's she had no more choice than any of them, that had to stand there and bow and scrape before that monster.

But in the end, she had decided against it. For he would have like that, wouldn't he? The Emperor. To watch her squirm. But she would not squirm before him. She grimaced at herself in the mirror. No, she would smile politely into his ugly face, until her face ached from the strain. She might even bow. After all they both came from a courtly planet, and she had not forgotten her manners. But that didn't mean that she was broken, however. Or that she would submit. Never.

Behind her she could see Asha ruffling Alden's hair, smiling up at him. It was standing on end after he had pulled on it so much, but there was joy in his eyes, a tenderness when he looked down at his wife.

Swallowing hard Padme looked away, gently touching the chain at her throat. Though the cuffs were gone, she very much feared the snippet was her real chain, binding her to him, even now. Yet…– her heart swelled in her stomach, and she felt lighter– for he had removed them. And not because she had asked him to, but because some part of him, though deeply buried, had known it was wrong. Making her mind up, she pulled the snippet out from beneath her dress, shortening the chain until it came to rest against the bare skin by her collarbone.

Having managed to rip his attention away from his wife, Alden came over and lay a thick blue cloak across her shoulders. He was no longer smiling his expression grave. She forced a smile. "I'll be alright Captain."

He gave a curt but not entirely convincing nod. "The shuttle is waiting to take us the palace. Lord Vader is awaiting us there."

They flew across the city in silence, landing on one of the upper hangars of the temple. Padme rose stiffly from her seat just a soon as the ramp lowered.

Vader was already there, waiting for her at the bottom of the ramp. Tall and dark his cloak wrapped all around him, he looked as deadly as ever. Though initially dreading to set foot inside the temple again, she descended without hesitation, halting just above him, so they were eye to eye. She hadn't seen him since he had stormed of last night and now faced with him again, with the confusion raging inside herself, she found herself at a loss for words.

"My lord," she said at last with a faint bow of her head. A squad of Stormtroopers flanked them on either side. And she knew he would disapprove of her using his real name in public. But it was his name. And she would make him see that, even if she had to beat it into him. She lifted her eyes holding his hidden gaze in pure challenge.

"My lady, "he replied, the tone in his voice unreadable. Taking a step onto the ramp, his hands found the large hood of her cloak, and he pulled it gently over her head. His hand cupped her cheek briefly. Her breath caught as she stared up at him. So, close she felt it the moment he spotted the necklace. He went completely still. Bending his head, his fingers a soft pressure on her skin. Then slowly, painfully slowly his fingers slid from her cheek to trail across the snippet, the leather brushing her skin. Letting out a breath she shivered. At that his head snapped up, and instantly he let go abruptly taking a step back.

"We are expected." Was all he said before he turned from her.

She had to lengthen her stride to keep pace with him as he headed into the palace interior. Heart pounding, she looked up towards the vaulted ceiling and the curved archways high above them. What she saw made her heart sink in her stomach. Long banners decorated what had once been bare walls. Proudly displaying the symbol of the Empire, the symbol of conquest, of destruction. Of her husband's fall. The atrocities he had committed within these very walls.

Lowering her head, she shuddered, suddenly grateful for the protection of her heavy cloak. Vader was walking beside her in grim silence. Except for the sound his constant breathing. Rhythmic. Repetitive. Behind them came the sound of marching feet, echoing of the ancient stone walls. Captain Alden and a legion of Stormtroopers making up their dismal procession. In felt odd to walk the halls of what had once been the Jedi Temple. Once a bastion of peace, now a symbol of tyranny. Of conquest.

She shivered. For a moment she could almost feel the ghosts of the temple press up against her. The ghosts of what had happened her. What little she knew about the temple purge, was the few words she had managed to drag from a quiet and reluctant Obi Wan. But it had been terrible. Her curiosity to know, she knew, pure self-torment. The death of the innocent and the defenceless, what haunted her the most.

But Vader said nothing as he walked beside her. If any of these memories played on his mind, or if he even cared was impossible to say. With confident long strides he led her past the towering pillars, down a narrow corridor to a hidden door. The door opened on to a back room, separated from one of the grand halls of the temple only by a heavy curtain. She could hear the murmuring crowd on the other side. By a small gap in the curtain, standing as unmoving and quiet as statues, two of the Emperors royal guard stood watch, covered from head to toe in their familiar red robes.

Padme stiffened when she saw them. Though her rational mind knew the Emperor was far too clever to kill her, not yet anyway, standing this close it was hard not to feel a little unsettled. As if sensing her discomfort, Vader lifted his hand, and a squad of Stormtrooper appeared from the shadows flanking them on either side.

"My men will keep you safe Padme. And I will not be far from you. Have no fear."

She cast a dubious glance up his tall frame. Have no fear? These days she had nothing but fear. And she wasn't certain the idea of him hovering over her brought her any comfort. Still, she gave him a reluctant nod.

Seeming to notice her continued unease however, he leaned down close and spoke again. Lowering his voice to a dark whispered that tickled her ear, making the hair at the nape of her neck stand on end. "They would not dare to harm you Padme. Because if they did, I would turn this entire celebration into a blood bath. And the Emperor knows that."

Padme recoiled. "Don't talk like that. I don't want to hear it."

The eye sockets focused on her, but he said noting more, before turning to Alden. "When it's done, stay with her Captain, at all times."

Alden bowed his head. "Of course, my lord."

Vader nodded, the with a swirl of his black cape he turned from her. Padme could only stare after him, as he walked through a gap in the curtain, and stepped onto the tall dais to stand in front of the Emperor's throne. She could only see the back of the tall chair, and not Palpatine himself from where she stood hidden, but she heard him. Even through the curtain, the rasping voice sent a shiver down her spine, as he called out to Vader, who obediently kneeled in front of him. Padme clenched her teeth at the scene. In her entire existence, she had never known a hate so raw as what she felt in this moment. Hadn't thought herself capable of it. Yet seeing Palaptine now, it burned through her like wildfire. Furious and barely contained. She hated him. Hated him for what he had done. And herself for being too stupid to see it.

Clutching the folds of her skirt in one hand, she strode across the room to get a better look, all the while doing her best to ignore the royal guard at her side. She could barely make out the crowd. Dressed in the dull greys of the Empire, only a few dressed in more colourful attires, they all waited in anticipation. All here for the same reason, gathered to celebrate the Empire's glory, no doubt. She scoffed in disgust, her eyes moving from the back of the Emperors throne, towards Vader, who had moved, and was now standing vigil at the Emperors right side.

The Emperor rose to his feet, and she caught her first glimpse of him as he lifted his hands. All at once a hush went around the room and, and the chattering ended. The silence made Vader's eerie breathing even more noticeable. Yet it didn't fill her with as much horror now, as it once had. He was standing completely still, making no move to look back in her direction. But she was aware of his silent attention focused on her even from across the room. It lingered like a soft tickle on her prickled skin.

"I thank you all for coming, to this celebration of the birth of our great Empire," the Emperor began, but then paused for effect. As Padme expected, a round of applause quickly followed.

She could not help but wonder, how much of it was truly genuine. She wasn't naïve enough to think none of it was. Even from her poor vantage point, she recognized a few of the faces applauding most enthusiastically. In the past, it was a crowd she had avoided as best she could, often her adversaries in the senate. Corrupt and selfish. The people that heralded the empire now, were those most responsible for the republic's downfall. Except for her that was, she thought bitterly, eyes flickering back to Vader. Her and Anakin.

The Emperor droned on. "But as you all know. The birth of our Empire was a hard one. One that left many casualties in its wake." The crowd nodded solemnly in agreement.

Padme sucked in an angry breath. How dare he? He who had orchestrated most of those casualties himself and made puppets of the rest.

"Yet today I am happy to announce, that one of those once thought lost to us, has against all odds returned home."

The gathering went silent again. A few of the faces turned to look at each other curiously. Vader tilted his head to watch the Emperor, exposing his profile to her. But there was no face, nothing that would allow her to gauge what he was truly thinking behind the mask.

"This one is especially dear to my own heart, as she was once a protégé of mine," the Emperor continued.

Padme clenched her teeth. She didn't know what made her angrier, that he dared speak of her like that, or that in fact it was all true. He had used her from the very beginning. Half her life she had been a pawn in one of his twisted games. A plaything for him to move around as he wished. Then in the end, used for the final blow. The one that had help destroy not only the republic, but also Anakin and her own fractured spirit. But those days were gone. Forever.

"To my great personal delight…" the Emperor paused, summoning Vader closer to his side, without as much as uttering a word. "And to my friend Lord Vader here," he indicated Vader's imposing form with one pale wrinkled hand. "She is here with us tonight."

One of the royal guards at her side put a hand on her shoulder as if to push her through the curtain. She straightened and shrugged it off with a glare. Alden was by her side in moments, though they both knew he would not have been able to stop them, if they had intended more than a nudge. Giving Alden a brave smile, she didn't at all feel, she shrugged off her cloak, handing it to him. "Don't worry Captain," she told him. "I think it's about time I rose from the dead."

Not waiting for a reply, she turned. She had just passed through the gap in the curtain on her own accord, when they slid open exposing her to the awaiting mob.

As gasp went through the crowd the moment, they spotted her. She blinked in the sharp light, from the lamps hanging high in the vaulted ceiling, while she waited for her eyes to adjust. The Emperor turned to look at her, his golden eyes narrowed beneath his hood. They met hers, a small smile tugging at the corners of his thin lips. If you could even call it a smile. Whatever it was, it made her skin crawl. Seeing him now, made her wonder how she had never noticed how cruel it was. This imitation of mirth, this fake illusion of humanity.

Head held high she stepped up to the dais, realising only belatedly there were no stairs on this side of the elevated platform. She wondered briefly if Palpatine had done it deliberately. Made the step just a little too high, so that she in a dress would have a hard time ascending. Gracefully at least. Still she did not regret wearing it, clothes were the only armour she had available. And right now, she needed all the armour she got get. Though she had to admit, pants would have been preferable right this moment.

A wave of dizziness passed through her, and her head began to spin slightly. Though she had felt better this morning, it came back at the sound of the murmuring voices spreading through the great hall, the chattering making her head ache. But she refused to hesitate. To show her discomfort in front of him.

So, she clutched hard at her heavy skirt. But before she had a chance to lift her foot, Vader appeared in front of her in a flash of black, stretching out one gloved hand towards her. The murmurs around them died an instant death, and it seemed the entire congregation was holding their breaths. Frozen in place she stared up at his outstretched hand, her eyes travelling up his tall dark frame until they reached his expressionless mask. His eye sockets where reflective in the light and she almost saw herself hidden within them. Trapped. Lost. Through the corner of her eyes she could feel the Emperor's eyes upon them. Intent. Knowing.

Padme could hear her own heartbeat in the silence. She hesitated for another breath, one single thudding heartbeat. Then she took a deep breath and took his offered hand.

Immediately his hand clasped around hers, his touch firm and hard. Then the ground disappeared beneath her, her feet briefly dangling in mid-air. And before she knew it, she was safely deposited on the podium. A gasp broke the silence. Hers or the crowd she couldn't tell. But she heard the surrounding whispers reach a crescendo. Vader abruptly let go of her hand and took a step back. They stared at each other. She wanted to say something. Thank you perhaps. But remained silent. Yet he inclined his head slightly as if he knew.

Clearing her throat, she looked away from him. Turning instead to the sea of familiar and unfamiliar faces beneath them. Although it was not the first time she had been put on display in front of a large crowd, this felt different. Very different. Never before had she been met with a mixture of hostility and curiosity, even awe, as she did now. But she let none of her unease show on her face, as the Emperor droned on behind them. And endless stream of fake words, fake concern, joy at her miraculous return. At that last statement, she had to stop herself from turning back to look at him, eyes brows raised. The unbelievable gall of the man. How could these people not see how full of lies he was? Were they all blind? Or worse were they were wilfully so?

With a clenched jaw she kept her gaze firmly settled on the gathering below. They stared up at her, but also at Vader. Some not bothering to hide their obvious disgust. She cast a sideways glance at his hard profile, the harsh lines of his mask, doing her best to picture Anakin's cheeks beneath it, his jawline. Stiff and perpetually angry now. She was so angry with him, so hurt, yet watching others open hostility towards him, there was another part of her that wanted to place herself between them and him. To shield him.

She frowned. Though she didn't know what she had expected exactly, in that moment, it became obvious to her that he was as much as an outsider among the crowd as she was. Once he had tried to garner approval. Approval from Obi Wan, the Jedi council, all of them. Now he no longer cared. Now it seemed to her, that he welcomed the condemnation. Wanted it even. And it made her want to cry.

The Emperor stepped of his throne, she could hear his quiet footsteps behind them, could almost feel his penetrating gaze on the back of her neck, her hairs lifting. Hood still up, he came to stand before her, taking her limp hands in one of his. She had to force herself not to visibly recoil. His pale veiny hand felt cold, and clammy.

"Padme, my dear," he said patting her hand lightly," It is good to see you alive and well." He glanced up at Vader, who stood stiffly at her side. "And at last reunited with your husband."

Another loud gasp went through the crowd. Padme stiffened, though she should have expected this. With a few words he had not only put a label on her future, but also put a question on her entire past. No longer was she Padme Amidala, former senator of the galactic congress, but Vader's wife. She could see the disbelief on their faces, hear the mutterings. How long? Before the war? Had she known?

She smiled stiffly, squeezing his hand in return, resisting the temptation to dig her nails into his flesh hard enough to draw blood. "It's indeed long overdue," she replied, smiling through her clenched teeth. Letting go of his hands, she turned to smile at the crowd, supressing a desire to wipe her hands on her dress. "And as such, I am eager to join the festivities." She turned back to address the Emperor. His eyes flashed in warning, but she didn't care." As I am sure you understand."

Defiant she hooked her arm through the crook of Vader's elbow, if she was damned, they might as well be damned together. And she was done being put on display for the night. Vader still as a statue, didn't even twitch. The Emperor eyed her arm, eyes slightly narrowed, but when he looked down at the crowd he was once again all smiles.

"Of course, my dear. Go and enjoy yourself. We…" his smile widened, a flash of yellow teeth, "willcatch up later."

How about never, she thought. Pressing her lips together, she gave Vader's arm a persistent tug. He glanced over at the Emperor, as if asking for permission, so thoroughly bound it was a wonder he did not suffocate. The Emperor gave a curt dismissive nod. She tugged again, taking the hint at last Vader led her down the stairs and into the awaiting mob. The crowd parted before them like they both had contracted a particularly contagious disease. She drew a steading breath, trying not to squeeze Vader's arm to tightly, her pulse racing. Behind them the Emperor addressed the crowd again, and as soon as he was done, chattered erupted everywhere around them. And she had no doubt, she was the current topic of conversation.

With her free hand she grabbed a glass of wine, from a tray carried by one the many waiter droids circling the room. She didn't really want a drink, but needed something to occupy her hand with, or else they might give away her nervousness. Taking a small sip, she cast a glance around at the people, over the rim of her glass, the expensive liquid soothing her parched throat.

"At least he doesn't waste any expenses," she muttered below her breath, glancing up at Vader. "But then again, I suppose it's easy to be generous when one can just take whatever one wants."

Vader didn't look down at her, but his voice was low when he spoke. "They have always been taking things Padme, they republic senators were just subtler about it, then the Empire," he replied calmly. "You know that."

She scoffed, lowering her voice, she changed the subject. "When are we leaving by the way? Just how long, do you expect me to bow and scrape before him?" she took another sip "For the rest of my life? However short that might be?"

The arm beneath hers stiffened slightly. "Soon," he said flatly, "We are leaving soon. "He pulled her away, towards Alden waiting for them by a table full of refreshments. Not that she had an appetite. This entire charade was revolting. She grimaced. Celebration. Hah. It felt more like a funeral. Yet it surprised her to see at the far side of the great hall people were dancing, soft music reaching her ears above the chatter. She thought she had done a good job hiding her disgust, but it seemed Vader had noticed regardless.

"These people voted willingly for Palpatine, remember that."

She slid a look at him tightening her grip on his arm. "After he ripped the galaxy apart with a war he helped to create." She hissed it so quietly he had to lean down close to hear. "People make decisions based on fear all the time, it doesn't mean it's the right one. Or…" she added intently. "That they are not permitted to change their minds."

"Fickle," he retorted, his mask close to her face. A little to close. She tipped her head to one side

"Brave," she shot back raising an eyebrow. He straightened at that but made no reply, just kept tugging her forward.

She stared up at his profile, studying him intently. "They are all terrified of you, but you want them to be, don't you?"

"Do I?" He replied curtly, she nodded. "And I am starting to realise why you like to be angry all the time."

"Like?" He sounded surprised at that, finally facing her again. "And why would that be?"

"Yes like. "She felt the mob pressing up against them yet keeping their distance. Their loathing obvious, she sighed. "Because it beats feeling terrified," she murmured. Or guilty. But she didn't add that part. The arm beneath hers tightened, coiled as if ready to pounce.

"You have nothing to fear."

She lowered her head. Don't I? She thought. Don't I indeed.

"You brought the twi'lek with you?" Vader asked, when he spotted Asha busy loading a plate full of food. Not even her horrible experiences seemed capable to deter her apatite.

Padme hesitated. Not sure what to say. So, she settled for the truth. "I didn't want to be alone," she said quietly. At least with them here she had her own retinue. Sad though, that her only companions were basically little more than strangers. She missed her handmaidens then. Friends and confidants. They had always been with her. They had all been so young, in a way forming a small family of their own away from home. Yet even then she had been set apart. She had always been the Queen. Never the handmaiden. Never truly one of them.

Vader let out a rasping breath, that surprised her, before depositing her by Alden's side, removing her arm gently. "Have it your way. Just stay here, and don't wander off, I have some business to attend to."

She shrugged a little dazed. "Where could I possible go?" She looked around at the whispering crowd. Feeling their eyes upon her. No, there was nowhere for her to run. Not anymore. "I might as well be wearing a brand at this point."

Vader she was certain, was studying her beneath his mask, she lifted her glass to her lips taking another deep sip of the crimson liquid. His hand briefly came to rest on her waist. A gentle pressure. Then it was gone.

"Just don't wander off, "he repeated before turning away and marching off.

"You could try not to aggravate him you know, "Alden murmured, coming to stand beside her.

"I could," she agreed, "But I won't. He has gone to long, being unchallenged in his views. He needs the reminder."

Alden sighed sounding resigned." Well at least try to be discreet."

Tucking herself behind a convenient stone pillar, Padme laughed a little bitterly, even hidden there she could feel the crowd's hungry eyes all upon her. All waiting for her to fall flat on her face no doubt. She resisted the temptation to press up against the stone, briefly wishing she could just disappear into it. Fade away. "I think discretion in anything I do from now on, is a lost cause Captain," she replied a little bitterly.

But Alden didn't answer, frowning she turned her head to look at him, his attention was focused on a small elderly woman, standing across the hall from them watching Alden intently, clutching nervously at the arm of an older man in an imperial uniform. He looked strangely familiar.

"Who is that?" she asked, curious.

"My mother," Alden said a little quietly, then clenching his teeth, his eyes narrowed, adding bitterly. "And my father."

Asha uttered some expletives, dropping her plate back on the table, with shaky hands, fury flashing in her eyes she spun around to stare intently at the elderly couple.

"Let's not do anything foolish," Padme whispered at Asha, who was now clutching a knife in her hand. But Alden got there before her. He took Asha's hand, shaking his head, Padme could see the twi'lek visibly shake. Perhaps this had been a bad idea after all.

"One day," Asha hissed in a low voice, her eyes hard, but she let the knife drop back onto the table. "One day."

Leaning back against the pillar again Padme felt unhappy for them both. "Are you on bad terms with your entire family," she asked Alden a little hesitantly. It was not her business after all. But seeing someone at bad terms with their family, only made her realise how lucky she had been with hers, and that made her miss them even more. She could only hope, pray, that they were safe. That Vader had kept his word.

Alden gave her hard look, but there was sorrow in his green eyes when he cast a glance over at his mother. "It hardly matters," he replied bitterly. "My brothers do what my father tells them. And he has long since bullied my mother into submission."

"I am sorry," she said softly.

He shrugged. "It is what it is. Doesn't help to dwell on it."

From behind her pillar Padme watched the elderly pair, as they made the way through the throng towards the refreshment table. Alden stiffened, shielding his wife with his body. Asha pushed forward to stand beside him with glare, relenting he sighed in defeat. Though he clutched Asha hand tight in his, his knuckles white.

They stopped a distance from Alden. The elderly woman had green eyes, so much like her son. But unlike his vibrant ones, hers were dull, and lifeless. Up close she looked much older that Padme had initially thought. Old and frail.

The woman looked up. "Kit," she said breathlessly moving as to take a step forward, but her husband grabbed her arm stopping her. She looked at Alden wistfully before lowering her gaze.

"Mother," he replied stiffly, before turning to his father with tightly controlled emotions. His lips curled. "Father."

The older Alden stared down his nose at Alden. Padme felt horrified at the cold look this man regarded his son with, his own flesh and blood.

"Still alive then, I see," the older Alden replied coolly.

Alden grimaced. "Despite your best efforts father."

The older Alden turned his attention to Asha, curling his lip. "And I see you have brought your little alien whore. Bringing one such a she to the Imperial festivities of all things." He shook his head in disapproval. "You always were a disappointment."

Asha gasped, and Alden sucked in a breath, but before he had a chance to say something, his mother gripped his father's hand, shaking her head. "Please, not here," she pleaded, the older Alden only shrugged her off.

"Keep out of this," he snapped. The woman flinched and stepped away, staring instead at her feet. So easily submitting to the command.

At that something violent rose inside of Padme. The idea that someone could reject their own child like this? That someone could be so cowardly. But something about the woman browbeaten expression, as she cast nervous glances between her husband and her son, made Padme's fury turn to pity. Briefly she wondered if she was looking at her own future, her fate, if she stayed in this place for much longer. Would she soon be only a shadow of herself, walking with a bowed head, flinching at the sound of Vader's voice?

The answer was no. She would never allow that to happen. By Alden side Asha made a low growling sound. But before Asha could move, Padme stepped out from behind the pillar. Putting her wine glass hard down on the table she flashed her sweetest smile up at the older Alden. He looked a little taken aback.

"Lady Vader, I didn't see you there."

Lady Vader. The name ignited her blood. In this moment, he should consider himself grateful that she was in fact not, Lady Vader. She clenched her teeth, her smile not faltering. "Moff Alden is it?" she asked sweetly.

The older man looked a little unsettled. "That's correct, my lady."

"We are so very pleased with you son's efforts, Moff Alden," she replied, adding just enough hint of ice to her voice so he wouldn't miss it. "In fact, he is a particular favorite of mine." Beside her Alden startled a little, but she ignored him taking a step towards his father.

The older Alden froze. "Well… I.." he replied a little too quickly, eyes darting about the room. "That's good then."

She met his gaze, arching an eyebrow. "Are you looking for something? Someone perhaps?"

"Ah… no my lady, "he replied.

"Good," she said, before turning to his wife, who was gazing at Padme wide eyed.

"My lady," she whispered lowering her eyes.

Padme smiled again for real this time, holding out her arm. "I have been gone from here for far too long, and I wouldn't mind some friendly company. You wouldn't mind walking with me, would you?"

Alden's mother hesitated, sending her husband a questioning look, then lowered her head. Padme locked her arms with the other woman's regardless, aiming a cold smile at Moff Alden daring him to try to stop her. He flinched, clearing his throat he took a step back.

"She will find you later," she told him, before turning away, dismissing him outright. The older Alden made a feeble excuse and vanished into the crowd.

Padme looked down at the woman at her side, the arms she was clasping felt thin and frail in her grip. But Padme knew, it was the woman's spirit, not her body that was what was truly broken. And something more inside Padme's already broken heart shattered.

She couldn't help herself, but she let her eyes sweep through the crowd. It didn't take long for her to find him. He stood at the edge of the room, arms folded. It was not hard to tell where. He was in the place no one dared look. Where eyes would not venture, as if gazing at him alone was enough to bring down calamity on once self. She could picture his face. Gazing back at them all in disdain. Eyes full of cold fury and contempt. He cocked his head to her. She refused to lower her eyes, as they stared at each other across the long brightly lit hall.

The arm she was holding stiffened, and the older woman whimpered when she noticed Vader. Padme patted the woman's arm. "Don't mind him," she reassured her. "He is not going to hurt you. I promise." If it was up to her, Vader would hurt no one, not ever again.

Green eyes wide in sorrow, turned to look at her in terror. Holding Vader's eyes for a moment longer, Padme turned away dismissively, and led them to an alcove at the back of the room. Letting go of the older woman, she turned to Alden, lowering her voice, "If I were you, I would talk to your mother while you still can Captain. You don't know when you will get another chance." If you will, she thought bitterly.

Eyes narrowed Alden cast his mother a bitter glance, Padme understood it. Though his mother was as much a victim to his father as Alden was. It was hard for a child, even grown, to forgive a parent's negligence. Whatever the reason. But he gave a hard nod. "I will."

Satisfied Padme stepped away to offer them what little privacy she could, only to find herself face to face with senator Vale. His white hair was damp, and he seemed to sway as his beady eyes took her in from top to bottom. They had never been friends, but the open disdain in his eyes was new.

"Well, well," he slurred. "Look who has risen from the dead." Giving her a lurid look, he smiled smugly. "Missed your power, did you? I always knew, you were not as good as you tried to appear. You are willing to do anything to regain your position it seems. Even if it means lying on your back to get it." Vale cast Vader a dubious look from the corner of his eyes. He had his back turned to them now and was facing the Emperor. Vale snorted lowering his voice. "If that's even possible, considering what he is."

Padme flushed. But she maintained her composure, so Vale would not see how badly his words had affected her. "Senator Vale, "she replied flatly, "As pleasant as always. I should have known, you would feel right at home in the Empire. You never did understand the concept of democracy."

His grey eyes narrowed, leaning forward he whispered so no one near could overhear. "I am not the one lacking in understanding my dear. You were just another naïve fool, to blind to see what was going on right in front of you. The republic was dead long before you ever noticed."

She sucked in a breath, at the accuracy of the insult, but Vale went on. "Though if you were aiming for power, I suppose you couldn't have aimed any higher," he slurred, the scent of alcohol wafting in her face. Only then did then realise he was drunk. On closer inspection his clothes looked less pristine then she remembered. His once proud eyes hollow and sunken. Perhaps the empire wasn't such a shiny prospect after all. And she was half tempted to point out, if she was the scheming deviant he indicated, it would be unwise to antagonize her.

Almost shaking with fury, she grabbed another glass of wine from a passing droid. Drawing a steading breath before she turned back to face Vale, clutching the glass. "For your own sake senator Vale," she said coolly. "I suggest you do not draw Vader's attention. "

Just then, as if drawn by her thoughts Vader straightened, to look at her, she held his gaze for a moment, before looking back at Vale- who's eyes had widened, as he realised just what she could do to him if she wished. Though she never would, but he didn't need to know that. As much as she disliked the man, murder was not her way and never would be. Nor would she help add another stain to Anakin's soul. So, in the end her words were a warning, not a threat. With a hurried apology, Vale rushed off, leaving Padme behind feeling sick at her underhanded methods.

Her hand shook around the stem of her wine glass. The malice of this place was affecting her, she could feel it. The dark side seemed to affect everything and everyone. And she feared that influence was greatest around the Emperor.

Taking a deep breath, she looked up from her glass. Many faces quickly turned away, when they caught her looking. It was becoming clear to her, many of them shared Vales opinion. Some gleeful at her fall from grace. Other a little uneasy.

She lifted her chin. Boldly she held the gaze of anyone who didn't look away, she had nothing to be ashamed off. None of this was her choice. Yet still the rejection hurt. And it hit her then just how alone she truly was, even standing within a sea of people, voices humming all around her. She was here with them, yet with just a few words uttered by the Emperor, forever set apart. Not even old friend and colleagues would want any part of her now.

Before when she had stood alone before a crowd, she had had pride in her convictions. She had believed in something. What did she believe in now? Hand in hand with a tyrant. Shame came then regardless of guilt or innocence she could not keep it at bay.

The heat of the surrounding crowd felt suddenly suffocating. Oppressive. Even though they kept a respectful distance. She even caught a glimpse if Mon Mothma's customary white dress floating through the crowd. Through narrow eyes she gave Padme a thoughtful look. Then she sent a puzzled glance in the direction of Vader mouth tight. Someone passed in front of Padme blocking her view of the woman, and when she looked up again Mon Mothma had vanished.

Padme felt her cheeks heat, from the wine perhaps. Part ashamed despite herself, part hurt, her eyes finally came to rest on a friendly face. Distraught it took her a while to realise it was Bail. He offered her a small smile, and a look of reassurance, though he could do no more. But it comforted, Bail knew the truth of it, she was no traitor. No Imperial. Instinctively she took a small step in his direction but stopped herself. She wanted to run to him and beg for news about the twins. He must have seen the desperation written on her face because he gave a small barely notable shake of his head.

She felt torn for a moment, if she acknowledged him, he might get into trouble because of her. But if she didn't, it would appear strange, everyone knew that had once been friends. In the end she decided a façade of normality was her best option. Alden was back, but kept his distance, as she lifted her head a made her way through the crowd towards Bail. Having the plague was useful it seemed, as it cleared an easy path through the throng.

"Padme," Bail said his eyes portraying a relief he didn't let show in his face. "It's good to see you."

She didn't need to fake this smile but stopped herself from taking Bail's hands. "It's good to see you as well," she said blinking.

He cleared his throat. "You of course remember my wife, Breha." Padme smiled to the pretty dark-haired woman, at his side. "Of course, it's good to see you as well your majesty."

Breha smiled back, to her relief Padme only saw friendliness there, no condemnation. But something cold prickled down her back when she caught Bails expression. His face looked drawn, and weary, shadowed with fatigue. His mouth tight as he cast worried glances over at his wife. Padme frowned. She wanted to ask if everything was alright, but refrained, casting Bail only a questioning smile. He gave a brave smile in return at odds with his eyes, which darted nervously around the crowd, who was no doubt watching them intently. He lowered his voice. "You are well?"

She smiled brightly. Knowing she had to play her role and so did Bail, she said loudly. "Yes of course. And exceedingly happy to be home. And you?"

"Yes, of course," Bail replied quickly. A little too quickly.

Padme's frown deepened, but before she could give it further thought, the sound of a large crash echoed through the large hall, and every head turned in the direction of the noise. Padme could barely make out a woman lying on the floor from where she was standing at the back of the hall. From here it appeared the woman had fallen into a table and collapsed, perhaps after having drunk too much. But that's when Padme noticed the music had stopped and Vader's mask could be spotted over the crowd, heading towards the unfortunate woman. No, she had not fallen, she had been thrown, half across the room by the look of it. Turning back to Bail in a rush she pressed her glass into his hands, and quickly hurried towards the crowd gathering around Vader.

"Anyone else care to dance?" he asked, his voice sounding deeper and more menacing than usual. Everyone had retreated back a step, forming a circle around him on the dancefloor, with Vader in the middle, turning around daring anyone to approach. She knew he was glaring at them from beneath his mask.

The woman in the grey dress lay crumpled on the floor in front of them, but no one dared help her. From the corner of Padme's eyes, she could see the Emperor narrowing his eyes dangerously at Vader, from atop his dais. She knew he would punish Vader for this later. Many suspected and pretended not to know what the empire did behind closed doors. However, this kind of behaviour in public in front of the senate, was not in the Emperor's best interest, but then again Anakin had never been much of a politician, a trait Vader apparently shared.

Weaving her way to the front, using elbows and hands to push ahead, she stepped out onto the empty dancefloor. Vader was now standing over the woman, masked head bent down, to look at her. Padme was afraid he might hurt her further, so she hurried over. The woman was bleeding profusely from a cut on her forehead. As Padme moved closer, she could hear her quiet, desperate sobs, and see the sheer terror in her tearful eyes. Carefully she inserted herself between Vader and the woman, laying a hand on his arm. He stood still allowing her to approach, his head immediately snapping to hers. She tried not to flinch, drew a calming breath, but her heart was racing violently. In this state, she knew he was dangerous, to anyone, including her, promise or no promise.

His body was rigid as steel. His muscles tense. She gave his arm a light squeeze keeping her voice soft. "I think that's enough, don't you?" she asked carefully.

His dark sockets glinted in the lamplight, and for a moment she imagined she saw his eyes. Burning like dark crimson. He glanced past her down at the woman, still whimpering on the floor. But he made no move to approach her again.

She was about to tug him away, when then the crowd parted as if on que, and the Emperor glided through. His ice-cold features not revealing any of his thoughts. Halting before them he stared at her for a very long time.

"Ah, there it is then," the Emperor said suddenly, cheerfully even. "Just some innocent lovers spat. Lest have some music." The first notes of music floated down, before the Emperor had even finished speaking. "And as for you my dear." he said, turning to face the crying woman, his face creased in paternal concern, but Padme was not fooled "I do apologize for my dear friend here, he can get a bit" he held his hands out as if thinking "Overzealous. We will have you tended to immediately, and all will be well, yes?" The woman nodded wiping at her trembling lip with her hand, it came back covered in blood.

"See to it," the Emperor told a nearby guard, his tone no longer friendly. Then he turned to the crowd on the dancefloor, before his cold eyes came to rest on her. "Now my friends, let's dance."

Then he moved away leaving her there, hand still grasping Vader. She drew a breath. She had not mistaken the challenge in his eyes, Vader was his domain not hers, and she had overstepped her bounds when she had managed to sooth his rage. Doing so in front of him had been foolish, but she could not stand by and watch Vader terrorize that poor woman, or worse kill her. Unknowingly she had gripped Vader's arm tightly, like a lifeline. Relaxing her hold, she turned to face him, pulling him toward her.

A few pale face people began returning to the dancefloor. Doing their best to ignore them, where they stood in the middle of the crowd, an invisible barrier between them and the rest. She watched some of them begin to dance. Beautiful even in their dark clothing. She lowered her eyes, staring at her blue dress, a painful tug in her heart. Never. Not ever, had she danced with Anakin. And it was something her people loved to do. There was an unexpected sadness in that. Perhaps because it was something so normal. And normal was something they had never had. And now never would.

The arm beneath her fingers was stiff. She cast a cautious look up at him. Wanting to ask what had happened but not sure she should. Not here.

"It's revolting, isn't it?" he burst out suddenly. "How they can dance. Rejoice. In a galaxy like this!"

Her words surprised her. His obvious bitterness. Even self-disgust evident. She opened her mouth to speak but he interrupted her pulling from her grip. "I need a moment. "Confused she stared after him as people parted way to let him through as he cut across the dance floor. Then making up her mind she grabbed her skirt and followed.

The large pillars by the entrance to the Imperial palace cast great shadows across the wide steps that led down towards the city. Vader didn't stop until he reached them, huffing out an angry breath he cast a glance back in the direction he had come from. Plague take them, all of them. Their celebration, their greed. Let them think him insane, better yet let the Emperor do so. Better the he thought Vader unhinged. Better he thought of him as he always had. Easy to manipulate, to control. Obedient to the end. It gave him more leave to act. Though this would cost him he knew. But pain he could handle. Pain was nothing.

He bent his head. Though Padme's anxiety bothered him. He had startled her with his outburst he knew. Yet still she had come to him. Like some self-sacrificing animal to the slaughter. Just to save a stranger. But that was just her. It had always been her. Yet he regretted the fear he had seen reflected in her eyes. It was an odd sensation to give a damned if he frightened anyone. But he did.

Though the damned woman had deserved it. Foolish to dare approach him like that. With sordid intentions. Even dare to touch him. Thought him a path to power, did she? It seemed the entire hall worth's of people might just have realised he was human after all. An actual man. He huffed out another breath, as a voice suddenly spoke from the shadows beneath one of the pillars. His head snapped to the direction of the sound. Odd that he had sensed no one approaching.

"Why have you summoned me?" The voice was distorted, not like the one he had expected, but he felt her close by. Close enough to watch him from a safe hiding place no doubt. But there was no true life hidden within the figure that stepped into the light, so he was not surprised to see the round face of a luxury droid peek at him from beneath the hood.

"When you message said wait for a distraction, I didn't think you meant half murdering someone." The droid sighed. Lipstick on its doll like face. "Though I suppose I should have expected as much from you. No matter. Why here? Why not wait?"

"Because it suits me, "he snapped, he was not about to be questioned by anybody. He folded his arm before adding dryly, "Though I have to say, I didn't think you'd be afraid to face me in person."

The head bobbed. "So, I can be caught openly here with you. I think not."

"May I remind you already have been. One word from me and you are all dead."

She ignored his remark, the droid folding its arms as if impatient. "What do you want? "

From his belt he retrieved the disk holding it out to her, but the droid made no move to take it. "What is it?" He heard the obvious scepticism in its voice, it sounded strange coming from a droid's lips.

"It's what you sent your lovely little spy to retrieve. As I am sure Bail has informed you by now."

"I was told that she had been killed."

"As you clearly saw, you have been misinformed," he said through his teeth. Feeling a sudden surge of annoyance at the assumption. The belief he would kill Padme. Never.

Never. The voice whispered weakly. Unable to suppress its shame. Never. The emotion left Vader feeling strangely exposed.

"Clearly," the droid replied dryly, looking up at him with its dead unblinking eyes. "I don't know what your game is, but if you brought me here to feed me false information, you've picked the wrong fool." Dismissing him the droid began to turn away, leaving him standing with his human hand outstretched. He stared down at it, fingers curling, just a sharp pain seared through his chest. Followed by voices. Screams, countless screams. He blinked nearly dropping it.

"It's a planet killer," he said harshly tightening his grip, shaking of the sensation. That caught the droid's attention and it halted dead. He continued. "If you don't act now, soon no system will dare follow you. No planet. He will have ultimate power and you will be nothing. Your pitifully rebellion will be dead before it has even begun."

It turned back to face him, doll eyes blinking. "Such a weapon does not exist."

"It does now." Well partly at least, but she didn't need to know that part.

It took a step back towards him. "Even if that was true, if he does this, he will only push more systems away. And more will rally to our cause."

"Perhaps," he agreed, "If one planet is destroyed, two even. But three?" He shook his head. "They will be to afraid they are next, and your resistance will sizzle and die. Just like you will."

"And you're just giving it to us?" The doll like head bobbed in disbelief. "Do you take us all for fools? Am I just supposed to believe that you would commit treason against the empire?" It sounded incredulous.

"I am sith," he replied hating himself, "treason is to be expected."

"You say that while asking me to believe you, I think not. What is this? Why are you really doing this? "

He could hear the scepticism in the droid's voice. He only shrugged. "Let's say for the moment our goals align."

She still didn't take it. He felt his temper flare. Rushing forward he grabbed a limp metal hand and pressed the disk hard into its palm.

This time the droid took it, but the voice was still hesitant. "This is a trick. Doing anything you request is suicide."

"You still don't get it do you. "He stepped a little closer, getting increasingly impatient. "You are dead either way. Act fast or you won't be able to act at all. And remember I need no elaborate ruse to draw you out. You and your fellow dissenters made a grave mistake in arranging a meeting here. And as you have already seen I have one of you in my keeping. She has told me everything I need to know. There is nowhere for you to hide, not anymore."

The droid shook its head violently, sounding breathless. "She would never do that."

He leaned a little closer. As if one que Padme came rushing from the temple headed directly for him. A warm feeling spread through his stomach. She had come for him. "We all have our prize…" he replied. Surprised at the uncomfortable pang in his gut he felt by using Padme like this, he retreated a step.

The droid's long thin fingers at last curled around the disk, its large head watching it intently. Then it looked towards Padme. She was still hesitating, but he knew he had her attention now.

"As long as it's stationary is protected by a planetary shield," he added. "One you cannot destroy. However, it will soon be moved, strike then, it's your only chance."

"If this is truly as important as you say it is, this will lead to outright war."

He was counting on it. "Go. "He dismissed her with a wave of his hand, needing her gone before Padme noticed her. "Take it and tell no one where it came from."

"Let me guess… Or I won't live to tell the tale," the droid replied dryly.

"Oh, you will live, "he said slowly baring his teeth to her. "You will live, but you will wish you didn't."

Not making a reply the droid melded with the shadows turned and headed in the other direction its head bobbing back and forth, its human presence lost. He had always thought it was a revolting design. Trying to appear to human. But it wasn't human. Not at all.

A light breeze brushed against his cape. He turned away and stared down the shadowy steps. Possessed by a sudden urge to walk down. As if somehow, he could walk back the years. Make a different choice

The right choice. The voice whispered. Frowning Vader said nothing. For an instant he had felt the pain of a countless voices clutched within his palm. And for an instant, only an instant, he had heard their call.