Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Together you and I can rule the galaxy. Make things the way we want them to be.”

Padmé searched his eyes, looking for any sign of the man that she married. He stared back, an intensity in his eyes that told her that he believed every word he was saying.

There was a choice to be made. Padmé knew that. She wanted to believe that he would change, she really did. But was there a chance anymore? Was he truely too far gone to ever turn his back on the dark side? The senator’s hands drifted to her stomach, and an idea hit her. If she couldn’t bring him back, maybe their child could. He wanted her to join him. She could join the dark side and get inside information while she worked on convincing Anakin. Maybe he would listen if Palpatine was out of the picture.

“Okay,” she said.
“Okay?” Anakin asked, surprised. She nodded and when a smile spread across his face, and she almost thought her Anakin was back.
“I will become more powerful then any Jedi, and with you by my side we will take control of the galaxy.” He stroked her cheek.
Padmé sighed and grabbed his hand, holding it in her own. “I need to get some things for the baby on the ship. I’ll be right back.”
He watched her waddle towards her ship with a smile, taking out his communicator to inform his master.

——

Padmé caught a glimpse of brown as she entered the main area of the ship. She growled in frustration, the pregnancy hormones and her husband’s actions making her fuse much shorter than usual.
“Obi-Wan!” She hissed. The Jedi master stepped out from behind the wall and crossed his arms, acting like he had every right to be there.
“What are you doing?”

“You know why I’m here Padmé. I need to stop him.”
Padmé glared at him as she stepped closer. “No you will not! I have this under control!”
“What about when he turns on you? On your child?”
“There will be no reason for him to if you just leave! If he sees you on my ship, who knows what he’ll think?”
“I have to stop him, Padmé. He’s left me no choice.”
“No, you need to listen to me. We are going to sit down because my back really freaking hurts, and you are going to hear my plan, got it?”

Obi-Wan sat down, startled by her Amidala voice. He was reminded of why this woman was once queen of a whole planet. Once she was satisfied that he was going to hear her out, Padmé sat in the pilots seat and relaxed her body.
She took a deep breath before beginning her plan.
“I am going to go with Anakin. I am going to get through to him, no matter how long it takes. In the meantime, I can relay any information I learn to the republic.”
“Are you sure you want to put yourself in that much danger? And your child?”
“There’s good in him Obi-Wan. I’m not going to give up until he’s back.”

The Jedi master sighed, running a hand over his beard in thought. “Alright, I have to admit it’s a good plan. Here, take this.”
Obi -Wan gently wrapped a band around her wrist, pulling her glove over it to keep it hidden. “It will provide you with direct contact to my com link, there’s a button on the underside that you need to press and I will be called right away.”
Padmé looked down at her arm before looking back at Obi-Wan, questions in her brown eyes.
He sighed again. “It was made for Satine if you must know. But I’m glad that I held onto it.” Obi-Wan took her hand and helped her to her feet. “Please be careful Padmé.”
“I will,” she promised.

——

After she gathered a few of her things, Padmé returned to her husband, her adrenaline from earlier gone.
“Are you alright, angel?” He asked, taking the bag of her belongings. Padmé gave him a tired smile in response.
“Yes, just very pregnant.”
He smiled at her again, genuinely. The same boyish smile that she fell in love with.
“You’ll be able to rest soon. Are you ready for our new life? No jedi, no senate. Just us, like we always wanted.”
Her smile faltered slightly and her heart clenched.
“Of course, my love.” She said.

Padmé wrapped a protective arm around her stomach as she followed her husband into the great unknown.

Chapter Text

Padmé stood in front of the full length mirror, smoothing out her black dress. Her hair was half pulled back in its natural curls, a thin silver band across her forehead. The white makeup on her face reminded her of her days as queen, but the red lips were replaced with black. The floor length black dress was slim fitting and difficult to move in. The only things that she had from her old life was the japor snippet hanging around her neck and her wedding ring, which she was finally able to wear in public, but was now hidden by her long black gloves. The band around her wrist was also covered.

Padmé turned her head to glance at the door that attached the room to the children’s room. It was closed, and she could hear them playing with their nanny. They were as happy as any other six year olds were, blissfully unaware of the evil their parents did.

She was startled out of her daydreams by a heavy knock at the door.
“The boss is ready for you, my lady.” She couldn’t recognise the soldier by their voice.
“I will be right there.” She responded. She had altered her old Queen Amidala voice to fit her new persona, making herself sound more intimidating.
She tucked her blaster into the strap around her leg, checking that it felt secure, and opened the door. A stormtrooper stood waiting for her. Without a word, he escorted her down the hallway.

They turned a corner and her husband appeared, wearing the black robotic armour he wore in public. He took her hand in his, leading her the rest of the way towards the door.
“You look beautiful, my lady.” He spoke in the breathless voice.
“Thank you, my love.” Padmé responded, schooling her face into a neutral expression. How badly she longed to take off his helmet and see his eyes. Before they could say anything else, the door opened and they were being announced to the crowd of troopers, workers, and anyone else deemed worthy enough to be part of the empire. 

“Please welcome, Lord and Lady Vader.”
Polite applause filled the room as the couple walked in, her steps as graceful as a queen and his strong and radiating power. Padmé recognised some faces from the Clone Wars, who had switched sides at the rise of the empire. She did her best to ignore them. 

When everyone returned to their previous activities, Vader guided her to a group of men she hadn’t seen before. The leader bowed as they approached.
“Ah, Lady Vader. It’s a pleasure to finally meet the boss’s better half,”
Padmé smiled nervously. This man must be close to Vader if he was teasing him like that. Or he had a death wish.
“The pleasure is all mine gentlemen,” she said before her husband could say anything.
“General, I hear you have received new information about the rebels?” Her husband asked.
“Yes, Lord Vader. However, I don’t think this topic would be of much interest to your wife,”
Padmé opened her mouth to defend herself, but Vader jumped in.
“I would watch your mouth. My wife is one of the most intelligent in the galaxy, I’m sure she has plenty of insight to provide.” He snapped.
“Of course, my apologies.” The man stuttered a bit before pulling himself together.
“I have a reliable source that claims to have seen Kenobi on Tatooine. This message was intercepted right after the sighting. We managed to catch it, but it is written in some kind of code.”
Padmé felt her heart jump into her throat. That message might have been for her.
“Have they managed to decode it?” Padmé asked.
“Not yet, my Lady.”
“Would you mind if I had a look? I learnt quite a lot about ancient codes in my day.” She offered.
The man glanced at Vader, who nodded, before pulling a piece of paper out of his pocket and handing it to her.
“Of course, my Lady.”
Padmé took the paper in her gloved hand, nodding in thanks.

——

The couple walked around and spoke to different groups, many of which Padmé hadn’t met. She felt the folded paper against her skin from where she had stored it in her bra, itching to be analysed. Luckily, a glance at a nearby holopad gave her an excuse to leave.

“It’s the children’s bedtime, are you coming?” She asked her husband, tugging gently on his arm.
“Not now, Padmé, I need to speak to my master.” And he left before she could respond. Padmé hid her disappointment and turned her attention back to the men they were talking to.
“If you’ll excuse me,” she dipped into a bow before strutting out of the room.

Chapter Text

Padmé sighed, letting her shoulders drop as she entered her quarters.
“Mommy!”
She didn’t try to stop the smile on her face as the twins ran towards her. She squatted down and caught them, hugging them close.
“I hope you two were good,” she teased, catching sight of their tired nanny.
“We’re always good.” Leia said proudly. Luke glanced around the room and pouted.
“Where’s daddy?”
“He’s busy, sweetheart.”
“He’s always busy,” Luke whined. Padmé shushed him and gathered the little boy in her arms.
“I know, honey, tell you what? How about you two get ready for bed and I’ll get you some blue milk?”
Luke jumped out of her arms at the mention of his favourite drink, yelling at his sister to race him to the bathroom.

Padmé turned to the nanny and nodded. “Thank you. You may retire to your quarters.” Padmé felt bad being short with one of the only other women on the base, but she had been warned not to get too attached to anyone serving the emperor.
“Good night, Lady Vader,” the nanny dropped into a curtsy before briskly leaving the room. Padmé cringed, knowing she would never get used to that name.

——

It took some time, but both kids were finally asleep in their beds. Luke held a Wookiee plushie, drooling on his pillow. Leia slept curled up in a ball, a plush ewok by her side. Padmé smiled, shutting the door quietly. After changing into her nightgown and washing off her makeup, she sat down on the bed to look at the note.

It was a string of strange symbols, but she found herself vaguely recognising parts of it. She racked her brain for the translations, trying to remember where she had seen this code before. Suddenly struck with an idea, she jumped up and darted over to the chest of her belongings. Right at the bottom was what she was looking for, an old book of the history of Naboo’s royalty. She remembered studying it intently when she was queen.

Just as she found the right section, the door slid open and she jumped, tucking the note under her pillow.
“It’s only me,” her husband said. As soon as the door closed, he pulled off his helmet and tussled his hair. He walked over and placed a kiss on her forehead before going to change out of his suit.
“I thought you would be back after putting the kids to bed?” He questioned from the wardrobe.
“It took so long to get them both asleep that I decided there was no point,” she huffed. “They asked for you, you know. They were very disappointed that you were busy." 
Anakin sighed, coming out of the wardrobe in loose black pants and a robe.
“Padmé, you know that I have a duty to the emperor,”
Oh, where had she heard that before?

“You also have a duty to your children. They take it personally, you know.”
“Well I would see them more if you allowed them to start training.”
“Absolutely not. When they were born, you promised me that they wouldn’t be trained in the dark side!”
“What do you want from me Padmé?”
“I want you to make time for your children. Not as Darth Vader, but as their father.” She said sternly.
Anakin sighed, sitting on the bed next to her. “You’re right, Angel. I’ll try harder.”

She allowed him to pull her into his side, resting her head on his chest. It was probably better to let it go for now and just trust him. She could only hope that he meant what he said.

Chapter Text

Endor

That was the message. Padmé spent all morning deciphering it, flipping through her book like a mad woman.
Why would Obi Wan go through all that trouble to send this to her? He wrote it in a way that ensured that only she would be able to understand it, so it must have been vital information. Padmé thought about her knowledge of Endor. She knew it was a forest planet, but that was about it. Was it where the rebel’s base was? Maybe he wanted her to go there?

A knock at the door startled Padmé and she shoved the paper between the pages of a book. She opened the door slightly to be met by a stormtrooper.

“My lady, the Emperor wants to see you.” The stormtrooper said. Padmé’s breath hitched.
“I will be there soon,” she told them, closing the door.
Once alone again, she tore the decoded message up and shoved the pieces to the bottom of the bin. After straightening her clothes, she schooled her face into her Amidala expression and left.

——

“Ah, Lady Vader. How lovely to see you. Tell me, how are the younglings?” The emperor greeted in a croaky voice.
“They are well, Milord. I understand you wished to speak to me?” She asked in her fake deep voice.
“Oh, yes. I hear that you were attempting to decode that message from the republic. How is that coming along?”
“I am still working on it. It is quite a difficult code.” She lied.
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t ancient code part of your training as queen all those years ago? I assumed you would find this task simple.”
“I did, however the years have made my skills a little rusty. This code goes beyond what I studied.” Padmé made an effort to keep her composure as she lied to his face. For a moment, it almost looked like he believed her. But then his wrinkly face turned angrier.

“Lady Vader, I thought we agreed not to lie to each other,” he croaked.
“Yes, we did.”
“Then let me ask you once more, what was in that message?”
“I told you milord, I don’t know.”
“Wrong answer, my lady.”
Out of no where, Padmé felt her body seize up in pain, nearly sending her to her knees. The emperor laughed joyfully as he electrocuted her.

She couldn’t tell if it had been hours or a few seconds, but suddenly it stopped, leaving her coughing and gasping for breath on the floor.
“I expect the answer in the coming days. Now get out of my sight.” He hissed.
Padmé pulled herself to her feet, turning shakily towards the exit with clenched teeth.
“Oh, one more thing my lady,”
Padmé hesitantly looked at him over her shoulder as she struggled to stand tall.
“I wouldn’t tell Lord Vader about what happened here. I would hate for your children to be in danger.”

Padmé bit her tongue, holding in her rage toward the man who just threatened her children.
“Yes, Milord.” She hissed. And with shaking legs, she stumbled towards the door with as much grace as she could muster.

Chapter Text

Padmé cringed as she bandaged her upper arm, covering a particularly bad burn left by the emperor. She had selected a dress with long sleeves for the evening, to cover as much skin as she could. She hated going to these events. They were just an excuse for the her husband to intimidate their soldiers and for the emperor to find out information.

Her aching body protested as she got ready, begging her to go to bed and sleep it off. But she had to go to this event, as her husband claimed that his master had a big announcement to make. She had just finished her makeup when Vader entered through the sliding door.
“Angel, your new handmaiden has arrived.”
“Handmaiden?” Padmé questioned, her heart hurting at the memory of the friends she had as queen and as senator.
“Yes, the master thought that you should have one, All queens do, my love.” Vader gestured behind him to the woman stepping out of the shadows.

She was younger than expected, no older than twenty. Her hair was cut in a wavy bob, dark brown in colour. She wore simple black robes and black lipstick.

The girl curtsied, her face void of emotion.
“What shall we call you?” Padmé asked.
“My name is Nova. I look forward to serving you, Lady Vader.” The girl made no move to stand back up.
“I must be leaving now. I’ll see you tonight, my love.” As soon as Vader left, Padmé turned her attention back to the girl.

“You can stand up, Nova.” She said, her voice more relaxed. The girl stood hesitantly.
“I can show you to your room, do you have your belongings with you?”
“Everything I own is on my person, my lady.”
“Oh. Alright, come this way.”

“So where are you from, Nova?” Padmé asked as she flittered around the spare room, tidying up.
“No where special, my lady.”
“Oh. Well, do you have any experience as a handmaiden?”
“Only from my training. I vow to serve you to the best of my ability.”
Padmé stood up, taken aback slightly.
“Thank you Nova. I need to go check on my children. Please, make yourself at home.” Padmé gave the girl a kind smile as she passed by.

Closing the door behind her, Padmé let out a quiet sigh. This was obviously some ploy by Palpatine to keep an eye on her. This poor girl was probably threatened to report on her behaviour, to watch her for suspicious activity. How had she let this get so far?

——

Padmé had trained herself to ignore all the stares she received as she entered on Vader’s arm. She kept her head held high, being careful not to portray any emotion.
When her husband excused himself to talk to some people, Padmé got herself a drink and stood by the back wall warily.

“Lady Vader! Lovely to see you,” a young man greeted her. She recognised him as the one who gave her the coded message. “Good evening. My apologies, I did not hear your name.”
“I’m Varian, my lady.”
“And what is it you do here, Varian?” She asked politely.
“My job is to be available for Lord Vader whenever he may need me. I have to check in with the current missions and jobs and update him on their progress.”
“That sounds like quite an admired job.” She mused, swirling the liquid in her glass.
He was about to respond when the emperor called for their attention. Varian bowed before walking off, and Padmé realised that she needed to be by her husband for the speech. She quickly made her way over and took her place beside him.

“My people! I have a very special announcement to make!” Palpatine looked way too happy for her liking.
“You may ask what our plans are after the Death Star is complete. It is my pleasure to announce that their will be a new generation of sith to carry on our work!”

Padmé furrowed her brow, glancing up at her husband. At times like this she wished she could see his face.
“And who are these future sith, you ask? Why, the children of our very own Lord and Lady Vader!” The emperor smirked at her, satisfied with the way her eyes widened. The crowd burst into applause and excited hollering.
“That is all, return to the festivities!” He told the room. The crowd moved around, but a particular queen was frozen to the spot.

Padmé saw red.

Chapter Text

As soon as the event was over, Padmé practically dragged her husband to their room by his gloved arm. As soon as the door closed, she dropped his arm and glared at him angrily.
“What the kriff Anakin?” She demanded. He sighed, taking off his helmet and shaking his hair.
“Padmé, please. I didn’t know about this until today, I swear.” He said.
“You still knew! And you didn’t think to tell me that some psycho was going to brainwash our six year olds?”
“Angel, please. I know we didn’t want this, but master thinks it’s for the best. Think about how powerful they could be. We could overthrow the emperor and rule the galaxy together.” He pleaded.
“I don’t even know you anymore! Who are you and what have you done with the man I married?” Padmé demanded.
“Everything I have done has been for you, Padmé. For us!”

The door to the twins room opened slightly and her new handmaiden stepped out.
“Is everything alright, milady?” She asked hesitantly.
“Yes, Nova. Thank you, you may retire to your room now,” Padmé told her, her voice much softer.

She turned back to her husband as Nova left. He looked sadder now, his eyes soft.
“I’ll talk to my master, alright? Everything will be okay, I promise,” he told her, taking her hand and stroking the wedding band she wore. With a kiss on her hand, he quickly left the room.

As soon as the door shut, Padmé darted over to her wooden chest and flung it open. She practically dove in to find the book she was looking for. Finally finding it, she closed the chest and sat on it, flicking through the book quickly. Once she found the familiar code, she scribbled out what she needed to say and then put the book back at the bottom of the chest.

——

Later that night, when the twins were asleep and Anakin was out of their room, Padmé stuffed herself into the back corner of their walk in wardrobe, hoping to be away from prying eyes.
She held the paper in her hand and read over it multiple times. Once ready, Padmé pressed the button on her bracelet, holding it close to her face so she could whisper. Holding the button, she heard a series of beeps before she began reciting her message. Once it was done, she let go and pulled her glove back on. Her hands made quick work of tearing the paper into pieces as she moved towards the door.

Before she could reach it, it swung open. Nova stood on the other side, looking surprised as she held a pile of clothes.
“Oh, my apologies Lady Vader,” her eyes drifted to the paper clenched in Padmé’s fist before she lowered her gaze to the floor. Padmé tried her best to stay calm even though she was terrified that she was discovered.
“Not a problem, Nova. Excuse me,” Padmé moved around her and out the door, leaving her handmaiden with a curious look on her face.

——

The next morning, a stormtrooper greeted Padmé at the door, making her blood run cold.
“The emperor requests your presence.”

Chapter Text

Padmé found herself wishing to pass out so she didn’t have to feel the electric currents ripping through her body. He was still questioning her about the message, as well as reports that an unidentified signal had been sent from the base. It lasted longer than last time, as if he expected that she would eventually break. But she didn’t. By the time he was done she could barely move and had to be escorted out by the guards. Palpatine had been careful as to not leave evidence on her physical self this time, only internal scars.

All she wanted to do was to lay down, maybe have a bubble bath and a glass of wine. As she stumbled into her room, she found that it was oddly quiet. She found Nova in the kids room putting toys away.
“Where are they?” Padmé asked, supporting her body on the doorway.
“Lord Vader picked them up, my lady.” She replied.
Padmé frowned. He better not have taken them to train. Just as she finished fixing her frizzy hair and smudged makeup, she could hear the sound of little footsteps.
The twins burst into the room, her husband following just behind them with a basket.
“Mommy! Mommy! We’re going outside!” Luke exclaimed, bouncing around. Padmé looked at her husband in confusion, and he gave her a smile.
“We’re passing a planet that is mostly inhabited. I thought we could have a picnic,” he told her.
Padmé smiled back, suddenly ignoring her pain.
“That sounds great.”

——

The planet reminded her of Naboo, with fields of flowers and soft green grass everywhere. Luke and Anakin had run off to play some game while Leia sat beside her on the grass.
“What are you doing, Mommy?” She asked.
“Just wait, I’m almost done.” Twisting the last two flowers together, Padmé lifted the flower crown to place on her daughter’s head. “There you go, now you look like a princess,”
“You need one too! I’ll make one for you,” Leia exclaimed, excitedly ripping purple flowers from the ground.
“Hold on honey, you need to be gentle.” Padmé sat Leia on her lap and guided her hands through weaving the flowers. Once it was done, Leia stood up and placed it on her mother’s head.
“See Mommy? Now you’re a princess too!”

It was at that moment that the boys returned and Luke’s gaze landed on the flowers.
“Where’d you get those?” He asked curiously.
“Mommy and I made them,” Leia said proudly, hands on her hips.
“Can I have one?” Luke questioned.
“No! It’s only for princesses!” Leia said.
“Princes can wear flowers too, Leia. Come here, honey. I’ll make you one.” Padmé laughed.

Luke watched with warped attention as she weaved a crown out of yellow flowers. After it was finished, Luke insisted that he make one for Anakin so they could all match. Anakin ducked his head and let his son crown him, laughing.

The family then ate the food they packed, telling stories to the twins of their time on Naboo. After they were done, the kids dragged their parents into a game of chase. But this then turned into a game where the twins teamed up and tackled Anakin while Padmé watched in amusement. By the time they left hours later, the sun had already set.

——

When they returned to the base, the kids were fast asleep.
“And they said they weren’t tired when it was time to leave.” Anakin laughed, carrying Luke.
“It was all that fresh air,” Padmé countered, hoisting Leia higher in her arms.

The parents gently tucked the kids into bed, whispering good nights and closing the door behind them.

“Did you enjoy yourself today?” Anakin asked as they walked into their room.
“It was lovely, Ani. It brought back so many memories,” she sighed, undoing the back of her dress. It fell to the floor and she stepped out in her undergarments.
“It did, didn’t it? Too bad we couldn’t roll around in the grass this time,” he chuckled, wrapping his arms around her.
“Who says it needs to be on the grass?” She smirked, tugging on his shirt playfully. Anakin smiled, shrugging off his shirt and leaning in to kiss her urgently.

Chapter Text

When Padmé woke up, she was shocked to see that Anakin was still beside her. He looked so peaceful.
She remembered waking up beside him in her apartment on Courasaunt. Those days were her favourite.

His mouth was parted slightly, appearing to be completely relaxed. In that moment he wasn’t the feared Darth Vader, he was Anakin Skywalker. The boy she met on Tattooine. The man she fell in love with on Naboo. The father of her babies.

He let out a snore, startling her. Padmé giggled and sat up just as her wristband beeped, sending a small vibration through her wrist. Making sure that Anakin was still asleep, she slowly crept out of bed with a sheet around her naked body and into the large wardrobe. She had limited time to decode it before it was deleted, so she dug out her book and some paper to translate it.

It simply read: old base destroyed

Padmé frowned. Before she could ponder it further there was a knock at the wardrobe door.
“Angel?” Anakin asked. “Are you in there?”
“Just a minute,” she called back, throwing on a black dress so it looked like she was actually changing in there. She opened the door to find him there wearing nothing but a robe.
“Good morning,” she greeted.
Anakin leaned down to kiss her, running his hands through her messy hair.

The kiss was still going when the twins ran in from their room. Luke immediately covered his eyes. “Ew!”
The couple separated and laughed.
Luke ran over and Padmé picked him up, tickling him.
Anakin placed Leia on his shoulders and the twins started arguing about who was taller. 

A few minutes later Anakin was ready, putting his lightsaber on his belt. Padmé laughed at their antics before sending them back to their room to get dressed for the day. 
“So, what are you doing today?” Padmé asked from her vanity.
“Sorry Angel, it’s classified. I’m leaving the base for the day.” He told her.
“Be careful,” Padmé said worriedly, meeting his eyes in the mirror.
Anakin kissed the top of her head and smiled before he left.

An hour later, she was once again called in to see to emperor. Sighing, she stood up and left.
“Anything to say today?” He asked her in his croaky voice. Padmé glared at him, keeping her mouth shut.
“Very well.” The sound of static filled the air.

Chapter Text

A few weeks had passed, and Padmé had been summoned by Palpatine three more times. On the last time, he stopped in the middle of his “questioning”, looking at her intensely. Then he cackled and sent her on her way.

Padmé had stayed in her room since, too nauseous and exhausted to do anything else. She blamed the electrocution for her pain, hoping that resting would make her feel better.

One morning after throwing up her breakfast she approached Anakin in their bedroom.
“Anakin, can we talk?” She questioned.
“Can it wait, Angel? I need to meet with my master.”
“Alright, I’ll be here,” she sighed as he left.
“Is everything alright milady?” Nova asked quietly. Padmé turned to look at the girl, smiling kindly.
“Of course. Would you like some help?” Padmé walked over and picked up the other pile of laundry full of the twin’s clothing.
“Oh, it’s alright milady, I can do it.” Nova said quickly.
“It’s no trouble. I need something to keep me occupied anyway.” Padmé protested. She walked off to the twins room without another word. Nova stared after her, furrowing her brow it wonder.

Suddenly, Padmé dropped the clothes and ran for the bathroom. Nova jumped and followed her, staying outside to give her privacy.
“Are you alright milady? Can I come in?” She asked worriedly. She was only met with the sound of retching, so she decided to go in and see if she could help in any way. Padmé glanced at her before ducking her head back into the bowl.

Nova hesitantly kneeled behind her and held her hair out of the way. After a moment, Padmé sat up and leaned on the wall. Nova quickly took a cup from the sink and handed her some water.
Padmé took it gratefully and had a few sips.
“Thank you, Nova,” she sighed tiredly.
“Are you feeling okay milady?” The handmaiden asked.
“I feel okay now. I thought it was a bug and the nausea would go away after a few days.” Padmé replied.
Nova frowned, looking down and fiddling with her dress nervously.
“Milady, pardon me if I’m overstepping, but have you considered the possibility that you’re...”

——

Anakin didn’t return until late afternoon. He sighed in exhaustion and sat on the bed beside Padmé, greeting her with a kiss. She smiled, briefly forgetting her anxiety.
“Are you alright, Ani?” Padmé giggled, pushing his messy hair out of his face.
He groaned and dropped his head onto her shoulder dramatically.
“Too many meetings for one day.”
“Now you know as I felt as a senator,” her smile fell at the mention of her old life. She cleared her throat.
“Ani?”
“Mmm?” He hummed in reply.
“I wanted to talk to you about something.”

He quickly lifted his head, looking at her with concern.
“Is everything alright?”
“Yes, well... I’m just worried. I haven’t been feeling well lately and I think I might be pregnant,”

Anakin’s face lit up.
“That’s amazing, Angel! Why are you worried?”
“It’s just, this isn’t the right place for another child, and Palpatine...”
“Don’t worry, Padmé. My master will be thrilled!” Anakin grasped her hands.
“What? Why?”
“He mentioned that we should have more children. Imagine how powerful they could be if they were trained.”
Padmé pulled her hands away, standing up angrily.
“Are you serious? No! I will not have that man control my family more than he already does!” She yelled.
“Shh, Padmé. It’s alright, sit down,” he took her hand and gently pulled her back to sit on the bed. “We’re not even sure you are pregnant. I’m just saying that it wouldn’t be such a bad thing if you were,” he wrapped an arm around her as tears started to fill her eyes. Anakin kissed her temple and held her.
“It’ll all be okay. You’ll see.”

Chapter Text

The whole station was grey, not a drop of colour apart from the occasional red and white of the stormtroopers. The med room was no different.
Padmé sat on the cold metal bench, wringing her hands together. The medical droid had left a couple of minutes ago to get her results, and she couldn’t stop fidgeting while she waited. The med droid was taking its sweet time, coming back what felt like an eternity later.

“I have your results.” The droid said. It’s robotic voice gave away no emotion.
“Yes?” She promoted, wanting an answer. She wished that they would just spit it out.
“Congratulations Mrs. Vader. You are twelve weeks pregnant.”

Padmé inhaled sharply, covering her mouth with her shaking hands. In other circumstances, she would be excited. She imagined this happening on Naboo, Anakin next to her, discovering that they were having another child. He would hug her and lift her off her feet like he had so many times before. The droid continued, oblivious to her reaction.
“Everything seems to be fine with the foetus at this point in time. You are almost at your second trimester which means that the nausea should decrease and you should start to show soon.” The droid rattled on, and she tuned it out until one question caught her attention.
“Do you wish for confidentiality?”
“Yes, that would be best.” She nodded quickly. She felt calmed knowing that they droid had to follow protocol.
“Yes, Mrs. Vader. I will see you back here in two weeks.”

——

Anakin arrived at their room that evening to find Padmé seated at her vanity. She caught his eye and the mirror and turned around, smiling sadly.
“It was a false alarm.” She told him. She hated lying, but she knew that he couldn’t know yet. Not until she knew what he would do.
“That’s alright, I’m sure it will happen when the force wills it to.” Her husband replied, stroking her cheek. She could see the disappointment in his eyes and bit her tongue.
“I was thinking of taking the twins to work with me tomorrow, give you some time to yourself.” He suggested, taking her hand. “No, I’m fine, Ani. They’ll just get in your way,” she protested.
“I’m only doing checks around the station, I’ll bring them back before the meeting with my master.”
Padmé sighed. She could use some time to herself. She needed to process what had happened and figure out what to do.
“Alright,” she sighed tiredly.
Anakin smiled, placing a kiss on her forehead.

Chapter Text

Padmé was confused when she woke up. She was alone in her quarters and it was quiet for the first time in forever. She sat up, looking at the clock to find that it was 12 in the afternoon. The door slid open and she jumped, but it was only Nova carrying a tray.
“Good morning, my lady. I hope you slept well.” She walked over, handing her the tray. It had her usual breakfast and a cup of tea.
“Good afternoon, more like it. Thank you,” she laughed, taking the tray.
“Lord Vader said that we should let you sleep, he has the children with him.” Nova explained. Padmé smiled, glad that her husband was looking out for her.
“I’d better go find them before they cause too much chaos.” She laughed. Nevertheless, she took her time eating her breakfast and treating herself to a long shower before actually heading out.

——

Padmé walked through the base, asking a stormtrooper about her husband and children’s whereabouts. He pointed her in the direction of Palpatine’s throne room. She hesitated, the bad memories of that room playing in her mind. She thanked him and walked off, pushing away the flashbacks.

Padmé arrived at the entrance and was let in by the red guards. But as soon as the door slid shut behind her, she froze. Palpatine sat in his usual chair with Vader at his side. The twins were in front of them, staring intently at a ball on the ground in front of them. She remembered seeing younglings doing the same thing when learning to use the force. She cleared her throat and they all looked up at her.
“Ah, Lady Vader! So nice to see you up and about. How are you feeling?” The emperor laughed.
“Better, thank you. May I borrow my husband for a moment?” She did her best to keep her composure despite the rage building in her chest.
“Of course,” he waved Vader towards her and she left the room, sensing that he was following her.

Once they were in a secluded hallway, she turned to him and glared with such fire that her eyes resembled the pools of lava on Mustafar.

“What are you doing?!” She demanded.
“You know that my master wanted to start their training.” He explained.
“And I said no! Is this why you wanted to watch them today? So you could do this behind my back?”
“Padmé, you have to understand,” Vader reached for her hand but she pulled it away.
“No, you have to understand. My children are not going to become sith,” She said coldly. “Now go get them out of there!”
“I can’t just pull them out, my master-“
“I don’t give a kriff about your master, I’ll shoot him myself if he touches them.”
Vader’s brow furrowed angrily.
“Don’t talk like that, you could be arrested for treason.” He warned.
“I don’t know who you are sometimes. This is not the Anakin I married.”
“I told you, that man is dead! We have power here Padmé, we can actually make changes in the galaxy,”
“Yeah, if your ‘master’ lets you off your leash,” she spat. Padmé picked up her skirt and ran off down the hall, fuming.

——

Luke and Leia were brought back to their room half an hour later, and she immediately pulled them both into a hug.
“What happened? What did he make you do?” She asked gently, having had time to cool down.
“He wanted us to be angry,” Luke said in confusion. “So I thought about when Leia stole my cookie.”
Under different circumstances, Padmé would have laughed.
“And what about you?” She asked her daughter.
“I just thought about the emperor’s stupid face,” she crossed her arms, looking smug. Padmé sighed, trying not to encourage her.
“Listen you two, I don’t want you to let your anger control you,”
“But daddy said-“
“I know what daddy says, but I need you to trust me, okay?”
“Yes mommy,” Luke whispered, and Leia nodded solemnly.
“Good, now go to the bathroom and wash up.”

Once their bedroom door was shut, Padmé jumped to her feet and locked the master door of their quarters. She then went into her closet to find some bags, only managing to find two small satchels and a sack. She dumped the sack on the bed, running over to the wooden chest. She found her old translation book and put it in the bag, filling the rest of the space with food rations and water. She took the other satchel into the twins room, calling them over to her.
“Listen, I need you to to get anything you want to keep and put it in this bag, okay?”
“Why?” Luke asked.
“Just do it, okay? I’ll tell you after.” She left the bag in Leia’s hands. Padmé then retrieved the sack from her bed and went back into her closet. She packed warm clothes for her and the twins, making sure not to take too much so that it wasn’t immediately noticeable.

Padmé knelt down at the back of the closet, pulling out a box of shoes. She opened it, pushing away the shoes to find the small stash of credits she had hidden. She was almost finished when the closet door swung open, causing her heart to jump into her throat.

Nova stood in the doorway, her eyes moving over the bags and clothes strewn about. Padmé choked, having no idea how she could talk herself out of this. To her surprise, Nova shut the door behind her and began cleaning up the clothing on the floor. She turned to Padmé and spoke in a hushed voice.

“We need to hurry, we don’t have much time.”

Chapter Text

Padmé fiddled with Luke’s coat as she waited. After telling the twins to stay quiet and close to her, she wrapped them in their warm coats and waited.
“Where are we going mommy?” Luke whispered.
“We’re going out. I’ll tell you in the ship.” She said quietly.
“Is daddy coming?” He asked.
Padmé sighed. “No honey, daddy’s busy.”
Before they could ask more questions, Nova appeared in the doorway.
“It’s time, quick, the stormtroopers are patrolling the next hall.” She explained, ushering them out the door.
“Remember what I said, stay quiet.” Padmé grabbed the twins hands and held them tightly as they moved briskly down the hall. Nova walked a few feet ahead, scouting corners before they turned.
She suddenly held her arm out to stop them, causing Padmé to jolt.
“Stormtrooper,” she whispered.
“Only one?” Padmé asked. Nova nodded.
“Here, get them to the ship. I’ll be right there,”
“But milady-“
“Go, I can handle this.” Padmé hissed. Before Nova could protest, Padmé turned the corner and walked casually down the hall.

“Halt! State your business.” The trooper commanded, spotting the hooded figure. Padmé lowered her hood and put on her best glare.
“Excuse me?” She spat. The stormtrooper lowered his blaster, stepping back sheepishly.
“Forgive me, Lady Vader. I did not recognise you.”
“Am I allowed to continue my walk?” She kept the anger on her face.
“Of course.”
“Thank you. Also, don’t allow anyone to enter my quarters, the children are sleeping,”
“Yes, Lady Vader.” The trooper hurried off down the hall and she watched him go. As soon as he was gone, she picked up her skirt and ran back in the direction of the docking bay.

Nova waved from the open ramp of one of the ships, holding a hand out to help her climb on.
“We don’t have much time, start the ship,” Padmé worried. Nova ran off to the pilot seat as the twins came out of a back room, hearing their mother’s voice. Padmé quickly guided them to the back of the ship and sat down with them, where they stayed until they were far enough from the base.

She sat beside the small couches and sang softly as the twins fell asleep, running her hand through Luke’s hair. They had been on the ship for an hour and it was past their usual bedtime. Once they were fast asleep, Padmé stood and made her way to the pilot’s area.

“They’re asleep,” she said, sitting in the copilot seat.
Nova smiled at her before returning her attention to the controls.
“Nova, why did you help us?” Padmé looked at the young girl like she was a puzzle she needed to solve.
Nova sighed. “I was sent by the republic. Obi Wan Kenobi sensed that you needed aid, and suggested that I become your handmaiden. My job was to wait until you wanted a way out and to protect you and the children.”
“Obi Wan sent you?”
“Yes milady, I’ve been trained as a spy since I was a child. Obi Wan thought you would need help when you decided to leave, and he had a feeling that it would happen soon.”
“So where are we going?” Padmé asked, watching the different planets move past the ship window.
“The rebels are constructing a new base, you’ll be safe there.”
“Oh. Well, thank you Nova. You have no idea how grateful I am,”
“Of course, milady. It’s my duty,”
“Padmé,” the former senator said.
“I’m sorry?” Nova lifted her eyebrow.
“We’re friends. Please, call me Padmé.” The two women shared a smile as the ship flew across the galaxy.

Chapter Text

Darth Vader felt a disturbance in the force. He sighed, approaching the door to their suite. He knocked lightly. “Angel, can I come in?”
There was no response and he knew that she was still angry. “Angel please, I just want to talk.” Still nothing. Not even the children made a noise. Suddenly worried, Vader reached out into the force to look for the familiar life forms of his family. But there was nothing. With a quick wave of his hand, the door flew open and he was faced with an empty room. “Padmé? Luke? Leia?” He called out. He yanked his helmet off and dropped it to the floor, racing around the suite. He checked the closet, the bathroom, and the twins room but they were all empty. “Padmé!” He yelled.

A glint on the bedside table caught his eye, making his heart plummet. It was her wedding ring.

——

"Where are we going?" Leia asked. Padmé was seated in between the twins, trying to explain what was going on.
"Somewhere safe,"
"What about daddy?"
"He's working so he couldn't leave yet," She felt bad for lying, but decided it was better than the truth. "So it will just be us for a while, okay?" 
"Just us three?" Luke questioned. Padmé smiled.
"Actually four. You are going to have a baby brother or sister," 
"Where are they?" Luke gasped in excitement.
"They're in my belly now, they need to grow before we can meet them." Padmé explained. "Can they hear us?" Leia whispered, looking at her mother's stomach. 
"I don't know, why don't you try speaking to them?" Padmé suggested, smiling at their wonder. Leia leaned down and spoke to her stomach.
"Hi baby, I'm your big sister. I'm going to protect you forever," 
"And I'm your big brother! I'll teach you how to be a jedi!" Luke said, joining in excitedly. Padmé watched her children speak to her stomach excitedly, sighing in content. 

Padmé lounged in the chair, slowly drifting in and out of sleep. She had settled the twins in the back of the ship with the toys they brought and came out to join Nova. They had been flying for hours, and she felt comfort in knowing that the separatist base was far away from them.
“Padmé?” Nova asked hesitantly, sounding unsure at the name.
“Yes?”
“That message you sent, was it a call for help?”
Padmé realised she was referring to when Nova had walked in on her sending a message to Obi Wan.
“No, I wanted to inform Obi Wan about Palpatine’s plans to train the kids. I was hoping for some advise in how to guide them away from whatever they were being taught.”
"Is that why you decided to leave?"
"Partially, I also confirmed that I'm pregnant, and I wasn't going to raise another child in the empire." 
Nova hummed in response, nodding her head with a thoughtful look on her face. She had already had her suspicions. 
“So I’m assuming you haven’t received a response from him yet?” She wondered.
Padmé sighed. “No, and I fear something bad may have happened. The last thing Obi Wan told me was that the rebel’s old base had been destroyed.”
“It was,” Nova nodded. “The main one was on Alderaan, but that was bombed by the separatists.”
Padmé gasped, thinking about her friends from that planet that were likely still there.
“Were there many people there?”
“Yes, the rebels lost many people. But we prepared for this, and when under attack, everyone is to split up over bases on different planets. I assume that’s what they have done now.” Nova explained.
“So which one are we going to?”
“I am unsure where Obi Wan Kenobi is currently, but we will stop on Endor. It’s the closest, and last I heard, it was the backup for the main base, which means we’ll find some of the highest ranked rebels there.”
“Obi Wan told me about Endor. I think that’s where he wanted me to go.” Padmé remembered the message from a few months ago and hoped that it wasn’t too late.
“Perfect. Buckle up, milady. We’re almost there.”

Chapter Text

The lush green trees were the first sign that they had landed on Endor. Padmé marvelled at the unfamiliar planet, the greenery reminding her of her home on Naboo. A bittersweet feeling swept over her. She forgot that there was so much green in the galaxy.

“So, where’s this base exactly?” She asked as Nova fiddled with the ship’s controls.
“It’s a bit of a walk, I just need to find somewhere to land.”
They approached a clearing, and Padmé called for the twins to wake up. The ship landed in a grassy field, causing the nearby trees to sway.
“Where are we?” Luke asked, rubbing his eyes sleepily.
“We’re going to meet some new people, okay? You two need to stay with me or Nova at all times,” Padmé told the kids as she leaned down to readjust their coats. She pulled her own hood over her head and turned to Nova.
“Let’s go.”

——

“How much further?” Luke groaned. They trudged through the trees, Luke holding his mother’s hand while Leia walked in front of them with Nova, seeming enamoured with the planet’s beauty. Padmé glanced around them, scanning their environment for any threats.
“We’re almost there,” Nova said over her shoulder. Not even a minute later, a large building appeared on the horizon. As they got closer, they were stopped by a sudden yell.
“Stop! State your business!”
Nova stood in front of the little family and responded in a loud voice.
“I am Nova Rebere, I am looking for Obi Wan Kenobi!”
“And who is that?” The guard asked, gesturing his blaster to Padmé, who was shielding the children behind her.
“She on the run from the empire, she has information for Jedi Kenobi.”
The guard paused, lowering his weapon.
“Stay there,” he said, disappearing into the base.

Leia stepped out from behind her mother, wanting a closer look.
“Leia,” Padmé called, beckoning her daughter closer. She grabbed her hand, holding Luke’s with the other, before turning to Nova.
“Won’t they know who I am?” She asked.
“Some may, but you look very different than when they’ve seen you. We just have to be careful. Some people may not be happy with you being here.”
The guard appeared again. This time his blaster was lowered.
“Obi Wan Kenobi is not here right now, but one of his associates will see you.”

——

After handing in their weapons and being pat down, they were escorted into what looked like a meeting room. Padmé paced back and forth, staying between her kids and the door. It opened with a loud noise, startling them. Padmé immediately moved closer to her children, not even looking at the person that appeared.

“Nova, I assume?” The voice was very familiar, causing her heart to speed up. Padmé quickly turned around . In front of the was a young togruta with blue and white tendrils and blue eyes that widened as they met hers.

“Padmé?”
“Ahsoka?”
Padmé fought the urge to run to her old friend, worried that she hated her for joining Anakin. But all seemed forgotten as Ashoka ran toward and wrapped her in a hug, squeezing her tightly.
Padmé sniffed, squeezing her back before pulling away and smiling at her.
“Look at you, all grown up and even more beautiful,” she cupped her face in a motherly way, laughing about how the ex Jedi was taller now than her.
“You haven’t aged a day, senator.” Ahsoka laughed. She glanced over Padmé’s shoulder at the confused kids.
“And who’s this?”
“Luke, Leia, this is Ahsoka. She was a good friend of mommy and daddy.”
Ahsoka gave her a look that said many things before she knelt down to the twin’s level.
“Hello, little ones. It’s nice to meet you,” she said warmly.
Leia narrowed her eyes, studying her while Luke bounded over excitedly.
“Are you daddy’s padawan?” He asked. Ahsoka smiled sadly.
“I used to be, a long time ago.”

Ahsoka stood back up and turned her attention to Nova. “You we’re looking for Obi Wan, right?”
“Yes. He tasked me with getting Padmé and the children here safely.” Nova nodded.
“Where is Obi Wan?” Padmé asked, worried that she hadn’t heard from him since he told her about the attack on the old rebel base.
“He went out on a mission a while ago, but we’ve lost contact and he hasn’t reported in.” Ahsoka was clearly anxious.
“I’m sure he’ll be fine, Ahsoka. He’s gotten out of much worse,” Padmé put a hand on her shoulder.
“You’re right. Well,” Ahsoka smiled at them. “Let’s get you settled in.”

Chapter Text

Most people didn’t notice the hooded woman walking beside Ashoka, keeping her head down. They didn’t know that Padmé Amidala, the wife of their famous enemy, was in their secret, protected base. Ashoka planned to keep it that way, at least until she spoke to some colleagues that would back her up.

The two women stopped in front of a sealed door, Ashoka moving to punch in a code on the panel nearby. She gained access and ushered Padmé in, closing the door behind her.
“Ahsoka? Who is this?” A man asked. Padmé kept her head down, waiting for Ahsoka to respond.
“I need everyone to stay calm alright? We don’t need this to be spread around the base before we work out how to approach it publicly,” Ahsoka warned, standing beside Padmé.
“Of course,” a woman spoke this time. Padmé fidgeted, recognising the two voices.

Ahsoka nudged her which signalled Padmé to lower her hood. She did so, revealing her messy curls as gasped rang out through the room. Padmé let out her own sound of surprise when she recognised the people in the room. Her friends. Her former fellow senators.

Bail Organa and Mon Mothma.

“Padmé?” Bail was the first to speak, looking at her in wonder.
Padmé only smiled, unsure of what to say to her old friends.
“I don’t understand, you joined the empire. You went against everything we fought for.” Mon didn’t sound overly angry, more so confused.
“Padmé’s been working with us from the start. Who do you think Obi Wan’s informant was in the empire?” Ahsoka said. Bail smiled, coming over to hug his old friend.
“Of course, I knew you would never turn your back on democracy.” He laughed. Padmé returned the embrace, happy to have some allies in this unfamiliar place.
“How’s Breha? Is she here?”
“She’s back on Alderann, someone had to oversee the rebuilding.” Bail smiled sadly.
“Of course. I really had no idea about the bombing, I would have warned you if I had known.” Padmé told them.
“We know Padmé,” Ahsoka reassured her. The other two nodded.
Mon slowly came over to grasp Padmé’s hands affectionately.
“I’m happy to see you Padmé. You will be a great help to us here.” She said.
“How are you going to break this news to everyone?” Bail asked Ahsoka.
Ahsoka rubbed her chin, copying one of Obi Wan’s common mannerisms.
“I’m not sure. I know that some people will be angry, but we can’t risk it getting out before we tell anyone. That’s why we came to you.” She spoke much clearer then before, every bit the proud leader she had become. It made Padmé’s heart swell with pride.
“First we need to get her new clothes,” Bail suggested.
“Yes, the black makes you look far to pale.” Mon agreed. Padmé didn’t bother to tell them that she had spent the past few years on a base with little time in the sun.
“I am ready for some colour,” she told them instead.
The door swished open again, causing everyone to jump. A man swiftly stepped in and shut the door behind him.
“And how exactly are you going to hide the fact that the queen of the empire is here?” He asked, not seeming overly surprised by her presence.

“Galen,” Bail greeted the man. “Nice of you to join us.”

Chapter Text

Padmé looked at the newcomer, furrowing her brow.
“Have we met? You look rather familiar?” Padmé wondered.
“This is Galen Erso. He worked for the empire.” Bail said.
“You helped build the Death Star, didn’t you?” Padmé realised why he looked familiar.
“You were not the only double agent, Mrs Vader.” Galen nodded.
“Please, just Padmé.”

“Now, as we were saying. We need to announce your arrival and your purpose here.” Mon reminded.
“Of course. Galen, what do you suggest?” Bail asked.
“We need to call a meeting. Get everyone on the base into the strategy room and present her as the senator they remember her as.” Galen hummed in thought.
“Yes, we should arrange it for this afternoon. In the mean time, let’s get you into some new clothes.” Mon took Padmé’s arm and guided her from the room. Padmé looked back to see the other three talking in hushed tones.

——

“Try this one,”
Another dress flew over the door onto Padmé’s head. She pulled the fabric off and looked at it nervously.
“Uh, Mon? Do you have anything looser? I don’t think this will fit,” she asked.
“Of course. Here,”
Another item flew over the door and she barely managed to catch it.
Padmé pulled on the floaty white gown and zipped it up. It fit comfortably while hiding her small baby bump.
“Is that better?” Mon called out. Padmé opened the partian and stepped out.
“You look lovely, Padmé,” her friend smiled kindly. 
“Thank you. Would you happen to have any small clothes? My children might need to change as well,” Padmé realised that all of the twins' clothing was black, which would make them stick out too much. 
“How old are they?”
“Six. Their names are Luke and Leia.”
“Hmm, I’m not sure if we have any that size. Let me check,” Mon dug around in the small closet before sighing in defeat.
“Maybe you should ask Galen. He has a girl around their age.” She suggested.
“I’ll do that, thank you, Mon.”

Padmé felt like she could breathe again once she had stripped away her Lady Vader disguise. She made a mental note to speak to Galen and also look for something for Nova once the meeting was over.

——

A few hours had passed and Padmé stood with Nova by her side outside a room packed with rebels. Mon had stayed with the twins so they could both be there. Padmé fiddled with her loose curls anxiously. She hadn’t faced a crowd in a while, not like this at least. In the empire she only had to stand there and look pretty, not make speeches or rally the troops.
“You need to stop pacing milady, the stress isn’t good for you,” Nova told her gently.
“I know, I’m sorry. I just haven’t given a speech in so long. What if they don’t trust me? What if coming here was a mistake and I just put my children in more danger?” She rested her hands on her stomach, trying to calm her breathing.
Nova took one of her hands.

“You know, when I was growing up, my mother told me the most amazing stories. They were all about a strong, beautiful queen. She didn’t stay on the sidelines during battles, she stood by her people and fought with them. She fought for peace and justice and equality. Whenever I got scared, I thought about that queen and what she would say in that moment,” Nova smiled. “My whole life, I have looked up to that queen. That queen was you, Padmé. You have fought far harsher battles, you can do this.”
Padmé teared up, pulling the younger girl into a hug.

A loud thundering applause startled them both, and they moved closer to the door to listen in.

“My people, many of you know Galen, a former builder for the empire who came here to help our cause. He has proven himself as a trusted member of the republic, and his insight has helped us advance in our fight.”
There was more applause and hollers in agreement.
“I call you here today to introduce you to another double agent with valuable intel to share. For years she has lived on the empire’s base and had a personal view into the empire’s plans. Please welcome former senator and my trusted friend, Padmé Amidala.”

Padmé and Nova walked in to the sound of voices, some confused and some angry. Padmé took a deep breath and stepped forward to address the crowd.

“Some of you may know me as senator Padmé Amidala. I represented Naboo in the galactic republic. Some of you know me as Lady Vader, Darth Vader’s wife and mother of his children. But I stand before you as Padmé Skywalker, mother, fighter, and rebel. I have been working with Jedi Obi Wan Kenobi since the rise of the empire, gathering intel and relaying messages to him. I come here now because I was no longer safe in the empire, and neither were my children. I am happy to help the cause in any way that I can, and all I ask for in return in sanctuary. I know that I may not deserve your trust, but I ask for the chance to prove myself. I have always been a believer in peace and justice, and that has not changed. Thank you.”

“Why should we listen to her? She’s married to a Sith Lord!” A man shouted from the crowd.
Bail was about to defend her but Padmé lifted a hand to stop him.
“My marriage ended when I left. I have no loyalty to the empire or Lord Vader.” She said, sounding much more confident in her words then she felt.
“What about your kids?” Someone else yelled.
“My children will stay by my side. There is no reason to distrust them, they have not been brainwashed by the dark side. I wouldn’t allow it to happen.”

The crowd seemed content, though she could still feel a few glares on her as she turned to walk back.
Padmé stood silently beside Nova as Bail finished the meeting, her ears ringing and everything else blurring into the background.
“Are you alright, milady?” Nova’s voice snapped her out of it and she realised that all the rebels had left. Bail also watched her with concern.
“I’m fine,” she smiled, trying to reassure the young girl. “But I would really like to lay down for a while.”
“Of course, you’ve had a long day. Take as much time as you need.” Bail said, guiding them into the hall.
After a quick goodbye, Nova and Padmé walked back to their new quarters, Padmé’s fatigue growing by the second.

Chapter Text

The heavy footsteps put the stormtroopers on high alert. It was a sign that Darth Vader was heading their way, and that meant trouble. Their leader was even more irritable and quick to anger than usual. Everyone knew that it was due to the fact that Lady Vader and their children hadn’t been seen in days. The stormtroopers were left to speculate whether Vader had locked them in their room or if they had escaped. They hoped for the first option, knowing that the latter possibility would mean bad things for them. 

Vader stormed down the halls, his black cape billowing behind him. The stormtroopers stood tall as he went past them, but he didn’t pay them any mind. The Sith Lord stopped at the medical bay and slammed the door open with the force. The halls shook. 

The medical droid inside simply looked up. “Lord Vader,” it addressed him formally. 
“My wife came here a few days ago. I need to look at her file.” 
“I’m sorry Lord Vader, but it is against my programming to share the private records of patients.” 
“I don’t care. You will show them to me now.” He commanded. 

“I can not breach patient confidentiality.” The droid said. Vader ignited his lightsaber and slashed through the droid, releasing his anger and built up rage at his family’s abandonment. He knelt over its pieces and pulled out the hard drive. 

Vader quickly opened the records on his com link and scrolled through the files. 

He searched until he found the ones he wanted. 
Padmé Amidala Vader
Luke Ruwee Vader
Leia Shmi Vader

He scanned the children’s records quickly, not finding anything suspicious. He then opened Padmé’s, and saw that her last check up had been a few days ago, like she had said. Was there something here that caused her to leave him? Vader continued reading until the last notes caught his attention. 

Patient Padmé Amidala Vader came in with the symptoms of nausea and a late mensuration. Several tests were performed including blood work, a urine test and scan of the abdomen. It was concluded that she is twelve weeks along.
Diagnosis: Pregnant

Vader roared in anger, demolishing the room without even lifting a finger. 

Chapter Text

“I’m fine, Nova. I told you, I just need to lay down for a while.”
They had only arrived that morning, but it had felt like forever since she had slept. They arrived at their room and Padmé immediately went to the twins.
“Padmé, you should rest.” Nova told her.
Padmé ignored her, peeking into the smaller room to find the twins napping. Mon sat in a chair nearby, smiling at her in a greeting.

She stood and followed Padmé out the door, closing it softly behind them. “They’re fine. Just tired themselves out.”
“Thank you Mon,” Padmé said, moving towards the bed. Just as she sat down, Mon’s comlink started to beep. She moved to the hallway to take the call. Padmé couldn’t help feeling a little offended, but knew that they had the right to be wary of her. She found herself too tired to care very much and closed her eyes. Nova stood nearby, hovering like a guard.

Mon suddenly ran back into the room, startling the two women.
“They need you Padmé!” She ran over and grabbed her wrist.
“Stay with the twins,” Padmé told Nova as she was pulled out of the room.
Padmé struggled to keep up. “Mon, what’s happening?” She huffed but Mon didn’t reply. They stopped at the entrance to the main room and Padmé tried to catch her breath.

“We’re receiving a call from a separatist line.” Mon told her, putting a hand on her shoulder.
“Is it-?”
“Yes.” She nodded seriously. Padmé pushed her way into the room, seeing her husband’s dark suit fill the large screen. Rebels stood around the room, watching the live transmission.

“I want you to return my wife and children at once.” He demanded.
“Your wife is here of her own free will.” Bail said.
“That's a lie! You have turned her against me!” He bellowed.
“Anakin!” Padmé yelled as she entered the frame. Vader froze, taking in the sight of his angry wife.
“Padmé, why-“
“You know why! You will not turn my children into pawns for your master!” Padmé unconsciously placed a hand on her stomach. She took a breath and spoke in a calmer voice.
“I am not coming back. You are no longer my husband and I am no longer your wife. Goodbye Anakin.” She ended the transmission before she could change her mind.

Chatter broke out all around her.
“We’re in real trouble now!”
“What do we do?”
“They coming for us now!”

“Everyone calm down!” Bail tried to control the crowd but the chaos only grew.
“It’s because of her! Send her back!” A man yelled, pointing at Padmé angrily.
“She’s gonna get us all killed!”
“Get rid of her and those brats!”

For Padmé, the voices had all started blurring together in an incoherent buzz. Faces surrounded her. Scared, angry, desperate faces. Anakin demanding her return. Bail shielding her from the crowd. Mon moving in front of her to hide her.
Palpatine telling her that he was going to take everything away from her. Her children screaming out in fear.

Padmé fainted.

Chapter Text

Blurry images passed through Padmé’s vision. “It’s all right, Angel. You’re doing great,” a reassuring voice to her left said, squeezing her hand. She angled her head to see her husband, but he quickly disappeared and instead all she could feel was pain. 

“One more push!” 
Blurred lights hurt her eyes. 
“Wait, there’s another baby coming!” 
The only thing weighing her to reality was the feeling of her husband’s hand in hers. 
“Congratulations! A beautiful boy and girl!” 
The babies cries as they took their first breathes of air were like a symphony to her. Her husband’s hand was gone, and instead a tiny fist was wrapped around her finger. It was then that she realised her children were born in the empire. Born into the home of the darkness. She made a silent vow that she wouldn’t let that happen again. None of her children belonged in the shadows of the empire. 

Padmé opened her eyes, blinking a few times to get used to the artificial lights on the ceiling. 
“Padmé! You’re alright!” Bail appeared at her side first, giving her a relieved smile. An unfamiliar woman appeared next, holding a holopad. 
“Ms Amidala, you gave us quite the scare,” she said. Padmé realised she was a doctor, and was surprised to see a human instead of a droid. 
“Why didn’t you tell us you were pregnant?” Mon asked from the other side of the room where she had just walked in. 
“I’m sorry. I was scared we would be made to leave.” 
“We would never force you out,” Bail reassured her. 
“I know,” Padmé sighed, then looked at the doctor. 
“Is the baby okay?” 
“Baby’s doing fine. Their heartbeat was a little fast, but it will be better after you rest.” She told the pregnant woman. 
“Thank you,” Padmé sat up, turning her attention to Mon’s anxious face. 
“Is something wrong?” She questioned. 

“Rebel Tano just returned. She requests a meeting with the three of us and Galen.” Mon told them. 
“Then let’s go.” Padmé stood up, Bail hovering beside her nervously. He caught her arm when she swayed a bit. 
“You need to rest, Padmé.” 
“I will, but I want to see Ahsoka first. We need to know how she went,”

Shortly after their arrival to the rebel base, Ahsoka left with a small squadron to look into a lead on Obi Wan. Padmé knew that she must have found something if she was requesting all of them. 

——

As soon as the entered the room, Padmé recognised the lost look on Ahsoka’s face. It was much like when she was accused of attacking the temple, and she once again looked like a young teenager who didn’t know what they should do. Padmé ran forward and swept her into a hug. Galen sat at the desk looking concerned. 

“What do you have to report?” Bail asked after Padmé pulled back from the younger woman. 
“We spoke to the informer, and we found out that Obi Wan was arrested by a pirate group. They plan to turn him over to the empire for pay.” Ahsoka told them. 
“And how are they planning to do that?” Padmé asked. 
“We’re not sure, but speculation says they will meet in three days at sun down.” 
“Where?”
“We don’t know yet. But, we found a  public database that he signed into on Tattooine, so if we can hack into his comlink connection, we may be able to trace his current location,” Ahsoka explained. 
“I will do my best,” Galen assured them, and Padmé assumed this wasn’t the first hacking job he had done for the republic. 
“So we just have to wait?” Padmé asked for clarity. 
“Sometimes that’s all we can do.” Mon told her. Ahsoka smiled at her reassuringly, reaching over to squeeze her hand. 

——

Nova greeted Padmé with a cup of tea. 
“Is everything alright?” She asked. Padmé took a sip and sat tiredly on the couch. She was about to explain when another door opened and she jumped, almost spilling tea all over herself. 
“Mummy!” Luke launched himself at her as soon as she put the cup down. Leia followed behind him, sitting beside her mother in a calmer fashion. 
“Luke was scared,” she told her. 
“I was not!” Luke protested, wiggling around in his mother’s arms to pout at his sister. 
“What’s wrong sweetheart?” Padmé asked, stroking the boy’s blond hair. 
“He had a nightmare.” Leia said bluntly. 
“Shut up Leia!” Luke crossed his arms and turned back to his mother. “I’m a Jedi. I don’t get scared.” 
“Everyone gets scared, Luke. Even Jedi.” The woman comforted. 
“Even daddy?” He asked hesitantly. 
Padmé’s smile faltered. 
“Yes, even daddy. He used to get nightmares to.” 
“Really?” Luke’s eyes widened. 

A knock at the door caused the room to fall silent. Padmé and Nova’s eyes met warily, before Padmé stood up. Nova ushered the kids back into their room as Padmé slowly made her way towards the door, knowing she was being paranoid. After all, if they meant to harm them, they wouldn’t knock. 

She swung open the door to find a startled woman who’s hand was raised to knock once again. Her other arm was wrapped around a basket of clothing. 
“Hello, I’m looking for Padmé?” She asked after a few seconds. 
“That’s me,” 
“I’m sorry to disturb you. I brought some clothes for your family.” She offered. 
“Oh, please come in.” Padmé stepped aside to let her enter their quarters. Lyra placed the basket on the table and smiled warmly at Padmé. 
“I’m Lyra. You met my husband, Galen. He mentioned that you were looking for some clothes for your children.” She pulled out the the clothes and began placing them in piles. “My Jyn is the same age as your twins, so I brought some of her clothes. Oh, and there’s a few of my things for you and your friend.” 
“That’s very kind. Thank you very much.” Padmé replied. 
Lyra smiled and continued folding the clothes into neat piles. 
“If you need anything else, feel free to ask. We’re just down the hall.” 
“Thank you for this.” Padmé repeated after the basket was empty. 
“It’s no problem. My family knows a thing or two about leaving the empire.” Lyra told her. Padmé blinked, remembering what Bail had said about Galen working for the empire. She smiled warmly at the woman, gesturing to the seat beside her. 
“Would you like to stay for cup of tea?”

Chapter Text

The man standing outside her door caused her heart to pound against her rib cage. It wasn’t Darth Vader. It was Anakin. He looked at her with such desperation in eyes, so similar to that day on Mustafar. “Padmé,” he breathed. His eyes dropped to her rounded stomach. He placed his real hand on her bump, and for some reason, she couldn’t bring herself to pull away. The baby kicked, seemingly sensing their father’s presence. Anakin moved his hand to her cheek. She was still frozen in her spot.
“Padmé. I’m so sorry. I was wrong about everything. I want you to come back. I want us to be a family again.”
Padmé just stared, her mouth opening but no words coming out.
“Please, Angel,” he leaned his forehead on hers. The woman felt herself sink into his embrace and closing her eyes, forgiveness on the tip of her tongue.

Padmé woke up with a racing heart. Her hand immediately went to her stomach to find that her bump was still small, barely noticeable in her usual clothes. With the reassurance that she was in her room on the rebel base, she allowed herself to relax back onto her bed and breathe. Flashes of the dream popped through her head. Could that actually happen? Was she really just deluding herself? Even if it did, could she really forgive him that quickly? As much as she tried to deny it, Padmé knew that Anakin would always have a place in her heart. She also didn’t want to admit that she would accept him in a heartbeat if he was truly sorry.

Padmé rolled over, eventually falling into an uneasy sleep.

——
The next two days went by without very much to report. Galen was still working on finding Obi Wan’s current location and the rest of the rebels were running around doing whatever they could, Nova among them. Padmé had been confined to her quarters, being told to rest and that they would come find her when they found something. Padmé spent some time getting to know Lyra when she brought Jyn over to play with the twins, and Padmé found herself learning more about the rebels and their mission. The twins seemed to be settling in nicely, happy to have new clothes and a new friend. But she knew they would start asking about their father at some point.

It was early the next morning when Padmé was finally called to the meeting room. Galen had finally gotten into the network and told them Obi Wan’s last known location was Hoth, an icey planet Padmé had little knowledge on. They had agreed to send Ahsoka with two teams, one to accompany her and one to act as backup. Padmé stayed quiet during the discussion.

After the meeting ended, Ahsoka left to prepare to leave immediately, as the trade was expected to take place at sundown. Padmé slipped away from the others and cornered Ahsoka at the docking bay.
“I’m coming with you,” she told the younger girl.
Ahsoka turned around, not appearing too surprised at her appearance.
“Are you sure, Padmé? What about the twins?”
“They’ll be fine, they’ll have Nova and Lyra. Let me come, please. I have to prove my worth,” she pleaded.
Ahsoka placed a hand on Padmé’s arm in worry. “You know that we might run into him right?”
Padmé knew who she was referring to, and shook her head stubbornly.
“I don’t care. He won’t change my mind if that’s what you’re thinking,”
“I know he won’t. But I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“I’ve been on plenty of dangerous missions. Besides, we did make a pretty good team back in the day.” Padmé winked. Ahsoka rolled her eyes, begrudgingly giving in.
“Fine. We’re leaving in twenty minutes.” She then turned her gaze back to the supplies and Padmé ran back to her room to prepare for the mission.

——

“You’re really going?” Lyra asked in surprise. The twins were playing with Jyn in the next room as Padmé gathered supplies.
“I have to earn their trust. Besides, Obi Wan has come to my aid many times. It’s only right that I return the favour,” She explained.
She faced the other woman. “Thank you for watching them, Lyra. I would ask Nova but she’s doing work for the base.”
“Of course.” The other woman smiled.
Padmé closed her bag and turned towards the kid’s room, where she called out to her children. They came running out and she bent down to hug them both.
“How long will you be away?” Luke asked anxiously.
“Not long, Luke. You’ll be so busy having fun with Jyn and her mummy that you won’t even notice I’m gone!” Padmé assured the little boy.
“Be careful mummy.” Leia said.
“I will. Take care of your brother, okay?”
Leia puffed out her chest and nodded proudly. “I will.”
“Hey! Im a Jedi! I can take care of myself!” The twins started bickering, and Padmé looked at Lyra with an apologetic gaze before turning back to the kids.
“Be good, okay?” She kissed them both on the forehead and stood up.
“Thank you again, and good luck.” She told Lyra as she headed for the door.
“And to you. May the force be with you.”

Chapter Text

Once on the ship, Padmé tried to act like she belonged there. A few rebels glanced at her, but no one stopped to question her. That was until-
“Senator Amidala?”
…Someone had recognised her.
Padmé looked up, a spark of recognition in her eye.
“Rex?” He looked older, with a short grey beard and eyes hardened from war.
“It’s nice to see you, milady.”
“Please, just Padmé. I don’t understand, I thought all the clones were…”
“Ahsoka removed my chip in time.” He explained.
“Im glad. It’s nice to see a familiar face,” she gestured for him to sit on the bench next to her.
“Ahsoka said you had left the empire. How are you adjusting?” He asked, sitting down beside her.
“It’s different, of course. But I feel good here, like I’m finally back on the right path.”
“We’re glad to have you, Padmé. Although, I don’t think you ever left. You were providing the rebels with information, right?”
“Well, Obi Wan, yes. But I could have done more. I stood by and watched so many violent acts. I didn’t intervene or try to stop them,” she looked away.
“I think you don’t give yourself enough credit, senator. It’s thanks to you that we received vital information. You have done more good than you even know.” He said.
“Thank you Rex.” She could see why Anakin had confided in him about their marriage. The two looked out the window, realising they had reached the snowy planet.
“Preparing to land!” Ahsoka yelled from the pilot seat.

——

Padmé wasn’t expecting just how cold it was on Hoth when they arrived. She put on a thick bodysuit before she left, grabbing a fur lined poncho last minute to cover her small stomach. Luckily, it was the perfect warmth for the planet’s icy climate.

Padmé followed Ahsoka through the snow, not knowing where exactly they were going but deciding to trust her anyway. She wasn’t sure how Ahsoka was navigating, because as far as she could see, there was nothing but snow.

Padmé was about to ask what they were looking for when Ahsoka suddenly stopped. “Up ahead! That’s where they’re keeping him!”
Padmé didn’t ask how she knew that, learning a long time ago that there was no point questioning the ways of the force. The group sped up their pace. Padmé’s mind wandered back to Anakin, wondering if they would run into him. She had no idea how he would react to seeing her. Ahsoka suddenly held out an arm in front of her, stopping her from walking into a wall. Padmé blinked through the snow, wondering how she could have missed it.
“Thank you, Ahsoka.”
“Are you sure you’re alright to do this?” Ahsoka asked. Padmé looked at her, a look of determination on her face.
“I am. So how are we getting in?”

——

It had taken a few minutes for the rebels to hack into the security panel outside the door, leaving the rest of them to stand still in the cold, the warmth draining from their bodies as they waited impatiently.

Finally the door opened with the creak of old steel, and one of the rebels stepped inside, blaster raised.
“All clear,” he called back a few seconds later. The rest of the group stepped inside and the door slid shut behind them.

Padmé glanced around as she rubbed her arms to get warmer. The shelter was run down, with debris and broken electronics scattered around. It looked like it hadn’t been touched in years. There was no windows, but the walls were strong enough to hold out against a blizzard. It appeared to be an old bunker that was abandoned. The perfect place for shady business deals.

“Let’s keep moving,” Ahsoka said, signalling the group into the next room.
She peeked around a corner and held her arm out to stop the rest of them. Padmé looked too, realising they had found what they were looking for. It was a long hallway, with multiple doors on each side. But only one door was guarded.

Ahsoka gave the rebels a hand signal before she and Rex jumped out, lightsaber and blaster at the ready. The two men were taken down before Padmé blinked.
“Lock them in a cell.” Ahsoka said, and a few rebels went to take care of the men. Padmé made her way over to the door just as Ahsoka got it open. The two women stepped into the doorway of the cell and gasped.

There on the ground, was a slumped over, overly thin, weak Obi Wan Kenobi. His beard was overgrown and unkempt, and his robes were ripped. He looked up at the sound of their gasps, recognition in his tired, cloudy eyes.

Chapter Text

It had only been six years since she had last seen Obi Wan, but he appeared to have aged a decade. His beard and hair had grey peeking through, and his eyes were sad and tired.

“We’ve got you, sir,” Rex said as he stood him up, slinging his arm around his waist as he swayed unsteadily.
“I should have known you’d be behind my daring rescue,” The old Jedi said to Ahsoka.
“I learn from the best,” she replied with a smile. Padmé stood there quietly, unsure of what to say. Obi Wan’s eyes landed on her and grew in shock.
“Padmé? How’re you here?” He asked warily, not sure if he was imagining her.
“We’ll explain later. Right now I’m just glad that you’re okay,” she said softly.
“General,” Rex said to Ahsoka, bringing all their attention to him. “We need to move. The pirates will be back soon to start the trade.”
“Right, and I’m sure the empire has arrived too. Okay, you three go get the ship and bring it closer, we’ll bring Obi Wan.” Ahsoka said to the rebels. They nodded at her command and ran off in the direction they came.

Once it was only the four of them, Ahsoka brought Obi Wan’s other arm over her shoulder to help support his weight.
“Let’s move.” She instructed.

Padmé stood at the front of the small group, blaster raised as they moved slowly through the old base. They were quiet, the only sound being Obi Wan’s occasion grunt of pain.

——

They had finally made it out, and Padmé had never been so happy to be in the cold. They squinted, not being able to see more than a few feet in front of them through the snow storm. They could make out the ship not too far away, blurred by the snow. But before they got there, a different figure appeared in their vision, standing out against the white snow.

The group stopped, drawing their weapons. Padmé only froze, her hand shaking as she held her blaster.
Her eyes bore through the helmet to meet his, saying many things without even saying a word. Sorrow, anger, hesitance, and fear were all visible in her eyes. Although she couldn’t see his, Padmé could tell by his tense stance that he was shocked to see her.
“Padmé,” he breathed out in disbelief. His eyes then moved towards her companions.

He saw Obi Wan behind her and was overtaken by fury.
“You! You’re the one who turned her against me!” He accused his former master. Obi Wan looked up from where he was standing shakily, still leaning on Rex for support.
“You have done that yourself.” He strained himself to get the words out.
“Go, I’ll be right there,” Padmé whispered, and Ahsoka nodded. Padmé walked towards Vader, effectively drawing his complete attention to her as the other three took off towards the ship.

“Do not blame them for my decision.” She told him. Vader stepped forward, his gaze dropping to her stomach. She stepped back and raised her blaster defensively.
He looked at her for a moment, looking for what to say.
“You shouldn’t be out here in your condition. Come to my ship-“
Padmé took another step back.
“I’m not going anywhere with you.” She took a few more steps back, not moving her blaster away from him. The two looked at each other, him desperately wanting to reach out and her daring him to try to.

“Angel, please. I love you,” he begged, a last plead as she moved further out of his reach.
“I know. But sometimes that’s not enough.” She turned away and ran towards the ship, not wanting to look at him a second longer. She refused to cry.

Chapter Text

“How is he?”
It had been two days since their return from Hoth, and Padmé hadn’t had the chance to check on Obi Wan personally. She was trying to organise something for the twins while also attending daily meetings with the other rebels. She had also began to experience more fatigue which slowed her down a bit.

“He’s doing good. A couple more days in the bacta tank and he’ll be good as new,” Ahsoka told her.
“That’s good,” Padmé said as the two women looked through the glass window to where the bacta tank was. They were both silent for a minute, each lost in their own minds. Padmé was the one to break it when she hunched foward and let out a shaky breathe.
“Are you okay, Padmé?” Ahsoka placed a hand on her shoulder in concern. Padmé straightened back up, the pain disappearing as fast as it had appeared.
“I’m okay.” She smiled and quickly changed the subject. “I was actually wondering if you could help me with something.”
“Of course, what do you need?” Ahsoka said.
“The twins seventh birthday is next week and I’m trying to plan a small party for them. They’re so confused about leaving their father, and I just want to make them happy.”
“Then we’ll do whatever we can to make that happen.” Ahsoka nodded.

——

“Obi Wan?” Padmé hadn’t expected the visitor at her door.
It had been a week since they found Obi Wan and he had been released from the medical ward the day before.
“May I come in?”
“Oh of course, please, make yourself at home. The kids are playing at Lyra’s now but they’ll be back soon if you want to meet them.” She stepped aside so he could enter the quarters.
“Actually that’s why I came. Ahsoka said that it’s their birthday next week?” He sat on the couch, fiddling with his robe.
“Yes. She’s helping me organise a small party. We’d love you to come if you feel well enough.”
“Of course. But that’s not really why I’m here,” he paused for a moment before he pulled two objects out of his robes. Padmé immediately recognised them.
“Lightsabers?” She gasped.
“I wasn’t sure if you’d want them to have them so I decided to give you the option for their birthday,”
He handed one of them to her. Padmé twisted it around in her hands with a strong feeling of déjà vu.
“It’s Anakin’s.”
Obi Wan nodded solemnly.
“This is Ahsoka’s old model,” he said, passing her the other one.
Padmé held both in her hands, her brow furrowed. She finally looked up at Obi Wan.
“Do you think they’re ready? I don’t know how much Palpatine tried to teach them, but they may have started to learn some Sith practices,”
“If you allow it, Ahsoka and I can train them in the light side of the force. We’ll override any of Palpatine’s teachings.”
“Alright.” Padmé sighed, holding the lightsabers. She let out a shaky breath as she clutched the weapons in her fists.

——

Leia woke up first and decided to throw a pillow at her twin brother. It smacked him in the face and he groaned in annoyance.
“Wake up! It’s our birthday!” She yelled. Luke’s eyes snapped open and he sat up quickly.
“Let’s go wake mum!” He exclaimed, almost tripping over his blankets as he leaped out of bed.
Leia followed and they ran into their mother’s room.

“Mummy! Wake up!” Luke said. Him and Leia climbed onto the bed and jumped on either side of their mother.
Padmé stretched, opening her eyes with a sigh.
“Good morning my darlings.”
“Mum! Get up! It’s a special day!” Leia exclaimed.
“Is it?” Padmé teased.
“It’s our birthday!” Luke said like it was the most obvious thing.
“That’s right! You’re turning six?” She joked.
“Seven!” Leia protested.
“Oh, of course. Does that mean you’re too old to have cuddles with your mother?”
“No,” Luke pouted. Padmé laughed and opened her arms.
“Good, now come here!”
The twins flopped down on either side and cuddled up to their mother.
Padmé just held them, a stray tear escaping her eye. Luke looked up as it hit him on the forehead.
“What’s wrong mummy?” He asked.
“Are you sad because we’re turning seven?” Leia frowned. Padmé laughed, placing a kiss on each of their foreheads.
“No honey, I just love you two so much.”
“We love you too! And you too, baby!” Leia told her stomach, and Luke hummed in agreement.
The small family lay there for a few more minutes before Luke started to squirm.
“I’m hungry.” He told them, and the two girls laughed. Padmé sat up, ready to prepare for the day’s events.

——

“Where are we going?” Luke asked for the tenth time.
Padmé moved down the hall, the twins bouncing around her.
“You’ll see,”
“Muuuuum!” Luke groaned. Padmé laughed as Leia shushed her brother. “We’re here!” Padmé stopped at a door, pressing the button to open it. A collective exclamation came from inside.
“Surprise!”

——

It wasn’t a huge party, but it was perfect. There was Ahsoka, Obi Wan, Nova, Bail, Mon, Rex, Galen, Lyra and Jyn.

Padmé stood in the corner with Lyra and Galen, watching her children. Luke was currently hanging off Rex’s arm and Leia was talking avidly to Bail, who knelt down to her height and was nodding along.

“It looks like they’re settling in,” Galen observed.
“I think they like it here, I’m just waiting for them to start asking about their father,” Padmé frowned. It was the twins’ first birthday without him, and she hoped it wasn’t affecting them as much as it was for her.
“You did the right thing, Padmé. I’m sure they understand that.” Lyra said, placing a hand on her shoulder. Padmé nodded gratefully, her eyes going back to the kids.

“Everybody gather around! It’s time for the cake!” Ahsoka came back into the room with a small cake. It was plain due to the rationed resources, but Padmé knew the twins would still stuff their faces. Luke and Leia jumped up, running towards the table where the cake was put down.

Padmé watched the way their eyes lit up, and for a moment all her worries didn’t matter. Her kids were safe. They were happy, surrounded by people who loved them.
And that’s all she could ask for.

Chapter Text

Padmé swayed under the weight of the pile of gifts she carried. The twins had been spoiled, even though their presents were found in the base. There was some clothes from Galen's family which Lyra had altered to fit, a handwritten book of stories from Nova (illustrated by Ashoka), a blanket from Mon and Bail sewn out of spare clothes, and some cute little toys made from random materials from Rex. The twins were still running around after most people had left. Nova and Obi Wan were keeping them entertained so Padmé decided to clean up.

Ahsoka steadied her quickly. "Let me help, Padmé," she took half of the pile.
"Thank you Ahsoka," Padmé sighed. "And not just for that, but for the party, and the cake.."
"No problem. It's my job as their cool aunt." She grinned.
Padmé chuckled as they moved down the hall towards Padmé's quarters.

"So I heard Obi Wan spoke to you about training them?" Ahsoka said.
"He did. I'm still thinking about it, honestly. What do you think?" Padmé asked her friend.
"I sense great potential in them Padmé. I believe they could be great Jedi if they're trained in the light."
Padmé hummed in thought. "I'll talk to them about it and see what they think."

——

When they returned to the party room, they were surprised to find both twins asleep on chairs.
"They partied a little bit too hard, I'd say." Obi Wan's chuckled.
"I should get them to bed. Nova?" Padmé picked up Luke. Nova nodded and picked Leia up.
"Go, we'll clean up here," Ahsoka told her. Obi Wan nodded in agreement.
"Ok. Thank you both, for everything today." Padmé smiled at them before she and Nova went into the hall.

——

Padmé tucked the twins in, kissing them both on the forehead.
"Happy birthday, my angels." She whispered, taking a moment to watch them before sneaking out of the room.
Nova was sitting at the table when she came out, folding the clothes the twins were given. She looked up when Padmé entered the room.
"Thanks for the help, Nova. Would you like a cup of tea?" Padmé moved over to the small kettle, holding back a yawn.
"Yes please," Nova agreed. Padmé poured two mugs and sat at the table next to her.

"How are you feeling? Anymore morning sickness?" Nova asked hesitantly.
"Thankfully not. I'm loosing my energy a lot faster though," Padmé laughed, sipping her tea.
"It's understandable. You have a lot on your plate. No one will fault you if you take it easy for a while." Nova assured her. Padmé smiled and yawned, not being able to hold it back this time. Nova chuckled.
"Speaking of taking it easy, I think you need some sleep." Nova took the two empty cups and rinsed them out for her.
"You're right. Thanks for your help Nova. Good night."
"Goodnight milady," Nova replied, leaving through the door. Padmé didn't try to correct her, flopping onto her bed as soon as the door was closed.

——

She didn't know where she was. It was dark, and she couldn't see anything for miles. She looked around, searching for something other than the endless void she was in.

She spotted someone. She wasn't alone. He turned slowly, spotting her. She noticed there was no dark helmet covering his yellow eyes as he spoke to her frantically.

"You need to leave Padmé, he sent pilots to bomb the rebels."
She didn't need to ask who.
"What? How does he know where we are?" Padmé asked.
"It doesn't matter. You and the kids are in danger, you need to leave." He was talking seriously but quietly, as if worried someone would overhear them.
He was closer now, and Padmé found herself looking at his eyes as they flickered, a hint of blue visible beyond the yellow.
He grabbed her by the shoulders desperately, trying to make her understand.
"They're coming!"

——

Padmé jolted out of her sleep.

Chapter Text

A pounding on the door woke Galen from his sleep, and he instantly reached for his blaster. He slid the door open and came face to face with a frantic Padmé.

“They’re about to bomb the base! We need to go!” She yelled.
“What?”
Galen immediately jumped into action, looking for his com link to contact everyone else. He turned back to ask her more questions, but Padmé had run off before he could say anything.
“Galen? What’s going on?” Lyra asked sleepily from the doorway to their bedroom.
“Lyra! I need you to take Jyn and go to the bunker right now!” He turned on his com link and yelled. “Code red! I need everyone to evacuate to the bunker now!”

——

Padmé ran, Luke in her arms and Leia running beside her holding her hand.
The speakers buzzed to life. “Code red! All inhabitants get to the bunker now! I repeat, code red!”

“Mummy, what’s happening?” Luke asked.
“I’ll tell you after,” Padmé panted, struggling to talk while they ran.

People ran from all directions towards the staircase, bumping into each other and pushing their way through the crowd. Padmé kept a tight hold of her children as they were carried along with the crowd.

The crowd stumbled down the hall hurriedly, yelling and crying out. Padmé fumbled, hearing the twins cry out in fear and confusion. Suddenly Leia let go of her hand and Padmé panicked, before looking over to see Ahsoka carrying her. They kept moving down the long hall, being pushed around in the crowd. Padmé stopped as a cramp tore through her abdomen, and she almost doubled over in pain. She fell behind as everyone else kept moving, struggling to stand.
“Mummy?” Luke asked from her arms.
“Padmé?” Ahsoka yelled from the end of the hall. The rest of the group had already gone down the stairs.
Padmé took another step, crying out in pain.
Ahsoka ran over with Leia, both looking concerned.
“I can’t,” Padmé squeaked, falling to her knees. She let go of Luke, pushing him towards Ahsoka. “I’m coming, just get them in there,” she panted. Ahsoka ignored her, putting Leia down.
“You two, get into the bunker and stay there. Find Obi Wan or Bail,” she ordered. The twins looked worriedly at their mother before turning and running down the stairs.
Ahsoka slung Padmé’s arm over her shoulder and pulled her up.

“Only a few more steps,” Ahsoka assured her as they stumbled along.
“Padmé? Ahsoka?” A man called in the distance.
“Over here!” Ahsoka yelled back, and Bail appeared at the top of the stairs. Seeing his friend’s condition, he ran over and grabbed her other arm. Together the two of them moved faster, practically dragging her down the stairs towards the bunker.

——

As soon as they entered, the door slid shut behind them.
“Come with me, we have medical equipment here just in case.” Bail said, leading them to a back corner. They helped Padmé sit on the cot, and soon the pain had subsided.
“Luke.. Leia,” Padmé looked around. “They’re right here Padmé,” Ahsoka said, beckoning the twins fowards from were Obi Wan was standing with them. He had been trying to calm them down as soon as they entered and had stopped them from running back out to the hallway.
Padmé saw their worry and smiled reassuringly.
“It’s alright, I’m okay.” She told them.
The shelter suddenly shook and there was a loud boom above their heads. The twins both jumped into their mother’s arms, hiding their faces in her neck. She held them tight, waiting for the storm to end.
There were two more impacts in the next minute, before the bunker settled again.
“There was four on the scanner.” Padmé heard Bail say quietly.
“I’ve counted three so far.” Ahsoka responded. A couple of minutes passed in silence while they waited for the last one. It finally hit the base and shook the walls around them.

A few minutes after everything settled, Galen and Nova found them in the crowded room.
“What do we do now?” Nova asked worriedly.
“We think that was the last one, but we’re going to keep everyone here for a few more hours to be sure. There’s enough food and supplies to last longer if it is needed.” Bail explained.
Galen turned to Padmé, who told the twins to play with the others kids.
“How did you know about this Padmé?”
“Ani- Vader came to me in my dream. He was trying to warn us.”
“Is that possible?” Bail questioned Obi Wan. The Jedi stroked his beard in thought.
“The force works in ways we do not always understand. Despite everything, the two of you still have a connection that can’t be denied.”
Padmé looked down, placing her hands on her stomach without realising.
“Are you alright? Is it the baby?” Nova asked.
“Baby?” Ahsoka’s eyes grew wide as she looked at her friend. “You’re pregnant?”
“This is news to me as well.” Obi Wan added.
“You didn’t know?” Bail asked. Padmé tried to think of what to say, but another pain seized her stomach before she could.

“Come on Padmé, let’s get you checked out,” Ahsoka said, her expression softening at her obvious pain.

Chapter Text

It was loud in the bunker. Everyone had settled into their own space with their loved ones to wait out the attack. People were crying, arguing, and even yelling.
But none of that mattered to Padmé. She lay on a cold metal table in the back corner, a curtain the only thing separating the medical room from the rest of the bunker. Nova was distracting the twins while she got looked at. Her stomach cramped up and she let out a shaky breath. The doctor from her last check up was checking between her legs for any blood. Ahsoka was waiting on the other side of the partition to give her privacy.
“Mum seems fine. Let’s check on baby, okay?” The doctor smiled kindly, preparing the ultrasound.

The doctor moved the small scanner over her stomach, her brow furrowing.
Padmé noticed her concerned look and immediately knew something was wrong.
“What?”
“I’m picking up some irregularities in the baby’s heartbeat.”
“What do you mean?” Padmé choked out.
“It’s beating at an accelerated rate.” The doctor explained.
Padmé’s eyes darted over to the image on the screen.
“Will they be okay?”
“Honestly, it’s hard to say. You should reach delivery if you lower your stress levels and rest, but even then they may be born with complications.” The doctor turned away from the screen.
“But why? How could this have happened?” Padmé just managed to keep it together and hold back her emotions.
“There’s a few possibilities. Sometimes it can happen after the mother experiences a severe enough electric shock. Sometimes the high heart rate is
from stress. It’s hard to say for sure.” The doctor wiped her stomach and turned off the machine. “For now you just need to rest. Is there anything I can get you?” She asked kindly, pitying her.
“No, thank you.”
The doctor smiled sadly and left, closing the curtain behind her to give her some privacy.

Padmé put a hand to her stomach. It was all her fault. She had pushed herself too much in the past few weeks. She was so focused on escaping the empire and taking care of the twins and earning her spot in the rebel alliance. She hadn’t listened to her body and slowed down. She hadn’t taken care of her baby.

“I’m so sorry,” she whispered. Then she began to sob.

“Padmé?” Ahsoka appeared through the curtain looking concerned. Seeing Padmé shaking, she sat down and wrapped an arm around her. Padmé dropped her head onto the other woman’s shoulder and cried.

——

After she had eventually calmed down and explained what was wrong, Padmé was drained.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Ahsoka whispered. She sounded more worried than angry.
“I knew you wouldn’t let me come on the mission.” Padmé’s face fell and she buried it in her palms. “I’m a terrible mother.” She cried, more tears appearing in her eyes.
“No you’re not.”
“I am! I keep running into danger without thinking and I tore the twins away from their home-“ she choked on a sob.

Ahsoka put her hands on her shoulders and made her look at her.
“Listen to me. Why did you take the kids and leave when you found out you were pregnant?”
“Because I didn’t want that life for them. I didn’t want them to be manipulated like Anakin was.” Padmé hiccuped.
“Exactly. To me, that sounds like a great mother who puts her children first. As for the baby, everything will be okay. They’re your kid, so I bet you’ve got a fighter in there.” Ahsoka smiled.
“Thank you.” Padmé sighed, hugging her tightly.
“No problem. We’ll probably be stuck here for a few more hours, so get some rest, okay? We’ll keep the kids entertained.”

Padmé agreed gratefully, laying down tiredly. She placed a hand on her stomach, tracing small circles over her bump.
“Let’s make a deal, okay little one? Mummy will do her best to rest and you do your best to fight, okay?”
In that moment, Padmé could have sworn she felt a little kick.

Chapter Text

It had been six months since the bombing on the rebel base. Almost everything had been destroyed, leaving only random items and the bunker. Whatever equipment that could be salvaged was moved down to the bunker, which quickly became crowded. About half of the rebels had been sent to various other bases to share information and trade supplies. As a result, there was less people in the bunker to feed and take care of.

Padmé had stayed on Endor, only venturing outside to get fresh air and watch the kids play. She hadn’t been part of any more rebel plans or missions. Some rebels were still unconvinced of her loyalty, questioning how she knew about the bombing before it happened and worried that she was leaking intel to the empire. Instead of fighting, Padmé took a step back from the planning to focus on herself and the twins. She didn’t want to know too much anyway, afraid that Anakin would come to her in a dream and somehow make her share everything she knew.

Obi Wan’s and Ahsoka had been training the twins, and Padmé was relieved to see that they hadn’t learnt much in the way of the dark side. Bail and Mon were still running everything, especially since Galen and his family had transferred to another base to help with mechanic issues. The empire had been quiet since the attack, and Padmé worried that it meant they were planning something else. Anakin hadn’t appeared in any more of her dreams, and a small part of her couldn’t help but be sad. She missed the man she married, the one he was before the empire, and the one that peaked through in that dream.

Padmé sunk into her bed and got comfortable. It was crowded in the base, but the bunks allowed for everyone to sleep comfortably and away from the official business. Padmé sighed, feeling exhausted from the extra weight she carried. The doctor had checked her often, but wasn’t able to confirm if the baby had any conditions due to their limited medical equipment. But there was definitely only one baby this time, which made Padmé sigh with relief.

She didn’t realise she had fallen asleep. When Padmé opened her eyes, she instantly looked for Luke and Leia. She spotted them across the room with Ahsoka. They both were completely captivated by whatever she was saying. Padmé shuffled over to listen.

“Boom! The bounty hunter fell through the vent!” Ahsoka spoke theatrically. “I jumped in but your mum pulls out her blaster and takes her down! Then she finishes her speech like nothing happened!”
Padmé smiled at the familiar story.
“You give me too much credit,” she spoke up, and the three of them turned to look at her.
“Mum! Is it true that a bounty hunter tried to kill you?” Luke asked in astonishment.
“Yes. She wasn’t the first either.” Padmé sighed.
“Mum’s a badass,” Leia said proudly.
“Language,” Padmé chided her, but couldn’t help but smile.
“Ah Ahsoka, what corruption are you teaching the younglings this time?” Obi Wan appeared beside her.
“Just telling them about one of the bounty hunter attacks on Padmé. You stopped one too, didn’t you?”
“Yes. It is difficult to forget when I jumped out of a window in pursuit. Luckily Anakin caught me before I plunged into the city.” Obi Wan stroked his beard. The twins turned to him and started bombarding him with questions.

Ahsoka looked at Padmé, noticing the sad smile on her face.
“Are you alright?”
Padmé nodded, and Ahsoka realised that she wouldn’t say otherwise in front of the twins.
“Can you come outside to help me with something?” Ahsoka asked.
The twins barely noticed them leaving, too engrossed in Obi Wan’s recount of the failed assassination attempt.

——

Padmé knew there was nothing that Ahsoka needed her help with. No one asked the heavily pregnant woman to do anything.
“How are you?”
“The baby’s okay and the kids seem happy, so I’m fine.” Padmé replied.
“I was asking about you Padmé. How are you feeling? Really?”
Padmé sighed.
“Scared. Lonely. I miss him. I know I shouldn’t but.. I can’t help but think about how I’m going to give birth without him.”

“Can I ask you something?” Ahsoka asked, and Padmé nodded in response.
“Why did you go with him? Truly?”
“I thought I could help him. Change him back to the man he was. But I was stupid and delusional. I see now that he was already too far gone by that point.” Despite her words, Padmé couldn’t help but think about the glimmer of blue left in his eyes.
“That’s what I thought. But is he really completely gone? There must still be good in him.” Ahsoka said hopefully. Padmé took her hand and squeezed it in comfort.
“I like to think there is. But the emperor pushed it so far down that I don’t know if Anakin even knows it’s there.” Padmé sighed, covering her face with her hands. They sat in silence for a moment, unsure what else to say. Just as Ahsoka was about to speak, Padmé let out a sharp hiss of pain.
“What’s wrong?”
Padmé took a breath, curling in on herself before responding shakily.
“I think the baby’s coming.”

Chapter Text

The labour had progressed quickly, leaving Padmé with only short periods of relief before more contractions hit her. Apparently baby Skywalker was impatient. 

Ahsoka had brought her to the little medical corner of the bunker before running off to get supplies for the doctor. There was no time for any pain relief. Mon, Bail, Nova and Obi Wan all popped in to check on her and wish her luck before giving her privacy. Nova assured her that she would watch the twins as long as she needed to. 

Padmé panted, wishing Anakin was there. 
“Do you want someone in here with you?” The doctor questioned. Padmé thought for a second before deciding. 
“Ahsoka,” she requested the presence of the girl who had been both a daughter and  a little sister figure, someone she and Anakin had always considered to be family. 

Once the doctor returned with Ahsoka, it was almost time to push. Ahsoka smiled, holding her hand. She was honoured to be there. 
“You can do this, Padmé. You’re so brave,”

“You’re so brave, Angel.” Anakin smiled above her, holding her hand and kissing her forehead. 
“It hurts, Ani,” she had cried. 
“I know, I know. It’s almost over,” 

Padmé shrieked, pushing as hard as she could. 
“You’re doing great! Keep going!” The doctor encouraged. Padmé squeezed Ahsoka’s hand, yelling out in pain. 
“Almost there honey, I can see the head,” the doctor said. 
“You can do this,” Ahsoka told her, pushing her hair back from where it clung to the sweat on her forehead. “You are the strongest woman I know.” 
Padmé nodded and took a deep breathe. Then she gave a final push. 

Relief flooded her body as she fell back on the pillow. 
“It’s a girl,” the doctor exclaimed, cleaning the baby off and wrapping her in a white blanket. 
“She’s beautiful, Padmé,” Ahsoka said as the doctor gave her to the mother. 

Padmé looked at the baby’s face, taking in every curve and detail. She had a soft tuft of curly brown hair, lighter than Padmé’s but darker than Anakin’s. Her eyes weren’t open but Padmé bet they were blue. Her chest rose and fell quickly. 

Padmé began to get concerned. 
“Is she supposed to sound like that?” She asked worriedly, listening to the baby’s shallow breathing. The doctor rushed over and looked at the baby, before quickly taking her from her mother’s arms. She called out for a nurse as she rushed to the other side of the room. 
“What’s happening? What’s wrong with her?” Padmé cried, reaching out. Ahsoka took her arm and tried to calm her down. 
“It’s alright, she’ll be okay,” she whispered as tears streamed down Padmé’s face. 

——

A few hours later, Padmé was sitting in a wheelchair next to a small glass box. The baby inside was hooked up to multiple devices. 
“They said she’ll be okay, Padmé.” Ahsoka assured her. 
Padmé didn’t respond, placing her hand on the glass box. 

“So, have you decided on her name?” Ahsoka asked, trying to cheer her up. Padmé smiled slightly, not looking away from her baby as she responded. 
“Luna,” She said. “Luna Cordé Skywalker.” 
“That’s a lovely name,” Obi Wan appeared behind them. He smiled at Padmé before looking at the baby. “What did the doctor say?” He whispered to Ahsoka, who took his arm and guided him away from the mother and baby. 

“They said it’s atrial fibrillation, which is causing her heart to beat faster. They’re trying to slow it down now with treatment.” She explained. Obi Wan stroked his beard. 
“Do they have any idea what caused it?” 

Ahsoka looked to be deep in thought for a moment. 
“Padmé mentioned that Sidious shocked her a few times for information. Could that have caused it?”
“I’m not sure, but it sounds possible. I’ll speak to the doctor.” 
Obi Wan went to do just that as Ahsoka went back to comfort the terrified mother. 

——

After speaking with the doctor, Obi Wan waited until Padmé was back in bed before explaining his theory. 
“Padmé,” he began. “Ahsoka said that the emperor used the force to electrocute you. Is that true?” 
Padmé nodded slowly before her eyes grew wide in realisation. 
“Is that what caused the problem with her heart?” She stuttered. 
“We can’t say for sure, Padmé.” Ahsoka said. 
“But why? Why didn’t it affect my heart?” Padmé questioned, her eyes darting over to her newborn daughter. 
Obi Wan glanced over at the baby, sensing her powerful force signature. 
“She’s already very strong in the force. Maybe…” Obi Wan shook his head. 
“What?” Padmé asked nervously. 
“I was thinking that maybe she somehow protected you by absorbing the brunt of it.”
“Is that even possible?” Ahsoka asked as Padmé stayed silent in shock. 
“I’ve never seen that much power in someone so young, but I suppose anything’s possible when you’re a Skywalker.” Obi Wan said. 
“This is all my fault,” Padmé cried. 
“Padmé, there’s no way you could have known.” Ahsoka assured her. 
“That’s right. None of this is your fault,” Obi Wan agreed. 
Padmé took a deep breath, turning to look at her baby. In that moment, she opened her eyes, and Padmé swore that a wave of comfort and serenity had just engulfed her. 

Chapter Text

Padmé sat on the bed, reading through a pile of papers like how she used to prepare for a senate meeting. The doctors had provided her with as much information on Luna’s condition that they had, and she was trying to memorise as much as she could. Luckily, her heart rate had become more stable and she could breath on her own. However, she had a life long condition that would need to be monitored. Padmé had spent the past few days learning while her baby was being monitored.
“That’s the fourth time you’ve read that,” Ahsoka said as she walked up to her.
“I don’t want to forget anything,” Padmé said, her eyes still glued to the papers.
“They’ve almost finished packing supplies for the move. I’ve never seen this place so empty.” Ahsoka said, changing the subject to try and make her focus on something else. It had been decided recently that it would be best for the remaining rebels to move to another base, as this one was getting too cramped.
“That’s good.” Padmé replied, not seeming too interested.
“Well I just spoke to the doctor, and they’ve almost finished the last test.” Ahsoka smiled. Padmé perked up at this.
“I know. I’m so excited for Luke and Leia to meet her.” Padmé finally put the papers down she spotted the doctor carrying her baby.

——

“She looks weird.”
This was the first thing out of Leia’s mouth as she looked at her baby sister for the first time. The twins sat on either side of their mother, looking at the baby she held in her arms.
“And tiny,” Luke added.
“You two were that small once too,” Padmé chuckled.
“Really?” Luke looked like he didn’t believe it.
“You were even smaller actually, because there was two of you,” Padmé teased.
“So when can I start training her?” Luke asked.
“Why don’t we let her learn to walk first?” Padmé chuckled.
“Yeah Luke, she can’t even hold her own head up, she can’t hold a lightsaber.” Leia told him seriously. “Besides, she’ll want to train with me.”
Luke protested and the twins started bickering. Padmé had a small smile on her face as she savoured the moment with her three children.

——

“You’re not coming?” Mon looked confused.
Padmé nodded. She sat in the hospital bed, the twins asleep on a couch nearby and the baby asleep in a basket that was being used as a cot for her.
“I’ve been thinking about it since we decided to move, but now that I’ve given birth and we understand Luna’s health better, I’m made up my mind.”
“But why?” Bail asked.
Padmé sighed. “The empire found this base because of me. Palpatine sensed where we were and attacked us. If we go with you, they’ll find us again and we’ll only be putting the next base at risk. Besides, it’s not a good place to raise a baby.”
“Where will you go?” Obi Wan’s asked.
“I’m not sure. Maybe Tatooine? We had relatives there,” Padmé furrowed her brow in thought, then shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. We’ll figure it out.”
The others nodded, not agreeing but also not fighting her decision.

——

Nova helped pack the few things they owned, as well as some rations and medications for Luna.
“Do you wish for me to join you on this trip?” Nova asked as she folded some clothes.
“You’ve already done so much for my family, and I really do appreciate it, but the rebels need you now.” Padmé explained.
Padmé had truly grown to care for Nova, and viewed her as highly as she had all her previous handmaidens.
“Only if you’re sure.”
“What are you doing?”
The two women turned to see Leia looking at them with suspicion. Padmé took a deep breath and turned to Nova.
“Could you excuse us for a moment?”

——

Luke and Leia weren’t too thrilled about leaving, complaining that they wanted to keep training and didn’t want to leave Ahsoka, Nova and the others. Padmé knew that she needed to talk to them before they all left, so she took her opportunity when Nova was asleep in her cot.

“I need to tell you two something about these,” she held the two lightsabers in her hands. Although they had briefly used them for training, they did not know the significance of the weapons.
“I’ve wanted to tell you for a while but I wanted to wait until I thought you were ready.” She sighed. “I think you’re ready now.”
Padmé held out the first lightsaber to Luke. “This one was daddy’s. Back when he was a Jedi,”
Luke took the weapon and looked at it with a newfound sense of wonder.
Padmé held the other one out to Leia. “This one belonged to Ahsoka when she was younger.”
Leia took the lightsaber, smiling proudly. “I’ll take good care of it.” She said confidently. Padmé could tell her daughter was secretly geeking out over it after hearing all of Ahsoka’s stories.
“Me too! I’ll make dad and Uncle Obi proud!” Luke agreed, bouncing excitedly.
“Now, I’m letting you hold onto them, but you need to promise me you’ll only use them if you need to.” Padmé helped Luke hook the lightsaber onto his waistband then pulled the looser shirt over it. She did the same to Leia.
“We promise.” They said together. Padmé smiled as they both crushed her in a hug.

——

A long piece of fabric was tied over her shoulder, forming a sling where Luna lay against her chest. The baby was snuggled in there, wrapped in a warm blanket and snoozing her little head off.
Padmé had a blaster secured to her thigh, which was concealed by the long blue tunic she wore. The shirt was lose and easy enough to manoeuvre for when she had to feed the baby.

The ship they hired was small, an old trade ship that used to ship supplies during the clone wars. Padmé hoped in was inconspicuous enough not to draw attention.

The goodbyes were hard, but Padmé stayed strong in front of the children.
“You still have the communicator?” Obi Wan asked. Padmé held out her arm, showing the band secured around her wrist.
“I’ll contact you if anything happens.” She reassured him.
“I know.”
With a final goodbye, Padmé went up the ramp of the ship.
Ahsoka called out at the last second, and Padmé turned back to look at her.
“May the force be with you.”

Padmé nodded, and with her baby cradled in her arms, she boarded the ship.

——

They had been flying for an hour. Padmé had already sent the twins to bed and breastfed Luna before she also fell asleep in her sling. Padmé was tired, but she drank a few cups of caff she had brought and stayed awake to pilot the ship. She didn’t need to control it too much, as autopilot was doing most of the way to for her, but she was wary about being spotted. They were far away from Endor when she let herself relax slightly.

Padmé was just preparing another cup of caff when suddenly the ship shook.
She cradled Luna protectively as she ran back to the controls too look out the window. To her horror, a tractor beam had grabbed them and was pulling them into a larger ship which she couldn’t identify.

“What’s happening?” Asked a sleepy Luke as he and Leia appeared in the cockpit.
“I don’t know. Keep your weapons hidden,” Padmé told them. She checked that her own weapon was secured to her leg as the twins showed her the lightsabers still clipped to their belts under their shirts. The ship stopped and the small family stumbled to stay standing. “Get behind me.” Padmé told the twins, aiming her blaster at the slowly opening ramp. All she saw when it opened was a thick fog before she immediately began to feel dizzy. She cradled the baby to her chest as she fell, her other arm reaching for Luke and Leia. Then everything went black.

Chapter Text

Padmé awoke to the sound of a baby's cries. She slowly sat up and realised that Luna wasn't in the sling, which was still tied across her chest. She panicked,looking around for the source of the cries and found her laying in a crate nearby. She quickly scooped up the baby and and shushed her, before looking around the small room. Luke and Leia were on the floor as well, just starting to wake up. She ran over to them as Luke looked at her groggily, before his eyes grew wide in fear.
"Mummy? What happened?"
"What is this place?" Leia grumbled.
The room was made up of three solid grey walls and set of bars that went from the roof to the floor and crackled with electricity. There was nothing in the cell with them except for the small crate.

"I think we're on a separatist vessel," Padmé told them, ushering them closer. Her hand went to her thigh and she cursed when she realised her blaster was gone. "Do you two still have your weapons?" She asked. They both patted their shirts and nodded. "Good. Keep them hidden."
Before they could do anything else, footsteps started to echo down the halls.
"Get behind me," Padmé told them before she handed Luna to Leia.

As she expected, Palpatine's ugly face appeared at the cell. He looked way too happy for her liking.

"Lady Vader! Looking lovely as ever." He cackled.
"Sadly, I can't say the same for you." She shot back.
"Now, that's no way for a lady to speak. Ah, I see you have another youngling! I suppose congratulations are in order." He hummed, smiling wickedly. "And she seems to be strong in the force too."
Padmé only glared at him, staying in front of her kids. Luna started to whimper before crying loudly. Padmé took her from Leia and bounced her as Palpatine looked on in disgust.
"Quite troublesome though. I advise you get her under control or I will."
Padmé held Luna closer, enraged my the threat.
"Well, I'll leave you to settle in. Enjoy your stay." He turned around, cackles echoing through the hall as he walked off.

——

A few minutes had passed and Padmé had Luna back in the sling, cuddled close to keep her warm. The baby had calmed down after she had been fed and was now dozing off. Padmé moved around the room looking for weak points or otherways to escape. So far she found nothing. The twins were curled up together on the ground, talking in hushed voices.

None of them expected for another person to appear so soon.
He stood tall, towering over them in his black suit and helmet. Padmé took a step back as he entered the cell, the bars reappearing behind him.

"You're here," he said, like he wasn't expecting to see them there. Padmé shielded Luna, glaring at him. A small part of her wanted to leap into his arms and be held again, but her rational side fought back. She couldn't help the fear that clenched her heart. There was also a flare of anger as his betrayal flashed in her brain.

"Daddy?" Luke asked hesitantly.
Vader removed his helmet and bent down to the twin's level. Even though she knew he wouldn't hurt them, Padmé tensed up.
"That's right. I missed you two," he said softly, as if he was trying not to scare them. Luke glanced at his mother briefly before jumping into his father's arms. Vader immediately embraced him, a tear slipping down his cheek. He looked over Luke's shoulder at Leia, who had moved to Padmé's side and was glaring at him. He smiled gently at his daughter, holding a hand out to her. Leia glanced at her mother before moving closer to her.

Vader sighed, standing back up and facing Padmé. "I..." he stammered.
"I didn't know he was going to capture you. He doesn't know I'm here, but I had to see if it was really you." He explained breathlessly.
He took a step closer, holding out his hand. "Padmé, please-"

"Sir, the Emperor requests your presence immediately." A voice told him through his com link.
"I'll be back," he told her, but Padmé still refused to respond.
"Dad's here? What is he going to do?" Leia asked, confused. Padmé looked at the hallway he had disappeared down and sighed.
"I don't know, honey. I don't know."

Chapter Text

“Padmé.” He appeared again after the twins had fallen asleep. He was in his own robes this time, with no suit or helmet. Padmé was pacing around the cell as she bounced Luna, who was grizzling. She looked at him briefly before turning her attention back to the baby.
“What do you want?”
“Padmé, you have to believe me. I had no idea they were going to capture you.” He entered the cell, the bars reappearing quickly behind him.
“It doesn’t matter. We’re here, and I’m expected to keep a newborn quiet without having any thing she needs.” She muttered.
“Oh,” He lifted up a piece of grey fabric, which she assumed was an old robe. “I brought this. It’s not a blanket, but it’s the best I could find on the ship.” He held it out cautiously. Padmé watched him suspiciously before snatching it out of his hands and wrapping the baby. Luna began to calm down at the new found warmth.
“Thank you.” She told him, sounding like a stern senator. They stood in silence for a moment as she watched Luna slowly close her eyes and doze off.

Padmé looked up to see Anakin watching them. He was looking at the baby like he was seeing a new planet for the first time, eyes wide with awe. Padmé noticed the flecks of blue in his yellow eyes and cleared her throat. “Do you want to hold her?”
Anakin looked at her with surprise.
“Could I?” He asked hesitantly. Padmé walked over and slowly eased the baby into his arms. He held her like she was a precious jewel, looking at her with such happiness. Padmé recognised the same look from when he held Luke and Leia for the first time.
“What’s her name?”
“Luna,” Padmé said.
“Luna,” he breathed, smiling at the baby.
“She looks just like you,” he told her.
“No, she has your eyes.” She replied softly, gazing at her sleeping face.
“Padmé..”
“Shh. Put her down and then we can talk.”
He gently put the sleeping baby into the crate, tucking the swaddle around her with care. Padmé watched his gentle display before he turned towards her. She held up a hand before he could say anything.

“I need to say a few things first.” She said, and he nodded silently. “Leaving hurt, but I do not regret it. My children come first, and I was not going to stand by and watch him twist their minds like he did to you.”
“But why didn’t you tell me?” He looked at Luna and she knew he was referring to her pregnancy.
“I wanted to, but you only seemed to care about what Palpatine thought. You would do anything to please him, even if it meant corrupting our children. I didn’t tell you for her safety.”

“Padmé, if you had just talked to me…” he reached out to take her hand, but she pulled away.

“I tried!” She cried. She lowered her voice so to not wake the children. “Ani, I didn’t trust you. I didn’t trust that you would tell me the truth anymore, you cared more about his opinion than your family. You have no idea how much you hurt me,” the tears that had been building up for months finally burst out.

“I know. I realised what I had done when it was too late. I didn’t understand why you had left me, and I was so angry. But, I thought about everything you said, every time you told me your concerns, and I brushed them off. I was brainwashed and I was a horrible husband and father. You and the kids are my world, and I didn’t realise I had been taking you for granted until you were gone.” His eyes were still flickering between blue and yellow as he struggled to get his words out. Anakin took in a deep breath before tears welled up in his eyes.

“I missed the birth of my child.” He muttered painfully, his shoulders dropping like gravity had just pulled him down. Padmé’s temper flared again.
“You did. You don’t think I spent the whole time writhing in pain, wishing you were there to hold my hand? To tell me everything would be okay? She almost didn’t survive!” Her anger turned into despair as she sobbed again.
His head snapped back to meet her eyes.
“What?”
Padmé took a shaky breath to calm down before replying.
“They took her away so quickly, and I didn’t know what was happening. She couldn’t breathe properly and they had to hook her up to machines for a while before she was stable.” Padmé wiped her eyes, looking down at her miracle baby.

Anakin also looked at Luna with fear in his eyes.
“Is she okay now?” He questioned.
“She has a heart condition that’s going to affect her for her whole life.”
“Do they know what might have caused it?”
Padmé wouldn’t meet his gaze, guilt consuming her again.
“Padmé?”
She looked at him with tears eyes.
“Before I left, Palpatine had used his powers on me a few times. He thought I was a spy and was trying to make me confess.” She let out a chocked sob. “It’s possible that she somehow absorbed the attack and it effected her heart.”

Anakin hesitantly reached out to touch her, and when she didn’t move away, he gently pulled her into his arms. When he spoke, his voice was angry and cold. But she wasn’t scared.
“He will pay.”

She couldn’t forgive him yet. She didn’t even know if she could trust him. But in that moment, when she was in his arms, Padmé felt like she was home.

Chapter Text

Anakin didn’t come to see them the next day. Padmé berated herself for falling for his words again. She was weighing her options, her children being the top priority. She could pretend to faint so they’d open the cell and the kids could run. She could even try to get her husband to trust her, and escape when he wasn’t watching. Which ever path she chose was going to be difficult.

A stormtrooper appeared in front of the cell, holding a pile of fabrics and distracting her from her thinking.
“A delivery from Lord Vader.” He told her, placing them on the ground before exiting the cell and reigniting the lasers. He hurried off as Padmé stared at the pile. She picked it up, surprised at the strange weight. It was barely noticeable from view, but she could feel that there was something in between the blankets. She glanced around for more guards before unfolding them. Inside was her blaster that had been taken when they were captured.
She tucked it into her belt hidden under her tunic for safe keeping.

——

Luna was especially fussy that night, almost as if she could sense the tension in the air. Padmé struggled to get her to sleep for more than a half hour at a time. By the time Luna actually fell into a deep sleep, it had been hours. Padmé suspected it was now the morning, but that was only a guess. She lay Luna down in her crate and tried to get some sleep for herself.

It wasn’t long before she was awoken by footsteps. The twins were already awake and stood over the crate, as if protecting their little sister from the intruders. Two stormtroopers appeared in their view and Padmé quickly stood up.
“The emperor requests your presence. All of you.”

——

The baby was cradled to her chest, sitting snuggly in the sling and fast asleep. The family walked into a large room where Palpatine was waiting for them.

He ignored Padmé and looked at the twins.
“How are you children?”
Luke looked away but Leia just glared at him.
“Do not address them.” Padmé said sternly, moving to stand in front of them.
“Fine,then you must answer my questions.” He told her.

Padmé hesitated before gently lifting the sling over her head and putting Luna in Leia’s arms. She gave the two seven year olds a reassuring look before she turned around to face Palpatine.
“Tell me milady, where are the rest of the rebels?” He asked coldly. Padmé stood tall, tilting her chin up.
“I have no idea who you are talking about.”
“Don’t lie to me, Lady Vader.” He sneered.
“Even if I knew, I would never tell you.” She said defiantly.
“Anger is not a good look for you milady.”
Palpatine watched her for a moment before she was flung across the room. Padmé hit the wall with a groan and crumpled to the floor. She heard Luke and Leia cry out for her and pulled herself up painfully. Palpatine had moved closer to the children, peering down at the sleeping baby.

“My, my. Isn’t she a deep sleeper.” He mused. Padmé stood up taller, full of rage.
“You think I’m angry now? Do not wake up my baby!” She pulled her blaster out and aimed it at him.
Palpatine looked surprised for a second, but quickly recovered his evil grin and moved closer to her.
“You have been a thorn in my side ever since you arrived at the senate.” He spat. Padmé clenched her blaster before she shot him in the arm and he recoiled in pain.
“Glad I made such an impression.” She sassed.
“I see you still haven’t learnt when to shut your mouth!” He sneered, pulling himself back up.
Before she could retort, a familiar pain seized her body. The electricity shot through her as she struggled to keep hold of her weapon. The blaster was pulled from her grip by the force and tossed across the room. Padmé fell to her knees and screamed as she tried to fight through the pain. Palpatine cackled loudly as she lay crumpled on the floor.

“No!”

And then the pain was gone. Padmé sat up as she tried to catch her breath, confused about what had happened. She looked up and saw a figure shielding her, bright red lightsaber in hand.

Chapter Text

He stood over her, lightsaber held high to absorb the emperor’s attack. His helmet was gone, as well as his full body suit. This wasn’t Vader. It was Anakin. 

Padmé gathered herself and crawled over to get her blaster. Just before she could move too far, Anakin stumbled back. The emperor was gone, but his cackling laugh still bounced off the walls. 
Anakin’s eyes landed on her after he realised his master was gone. 
“Padmé!” He cried before running over. He helped her onto her shaky legs. One she was standing, she turned her attention back to the kids, noticing three stormtroopers standing in front of them. 

“Get away from them!” She shrieked. Padmé tried to run forward but lost her footing, landing in Anakin’s arms again. 
“It’s alright! They’re with me.” He assured her. One of the stormtroopers saluted her. “Yes ma’am. We are loyal to Lord Vader. Our orders are to protect the younglings.” 
The other two nodded in confirmation. 

A loud roar startled the couple, and Anakin quickly used the force to bring her blaster to her hand. The two stood back to back as they tried to find where Palpatine was hiding. 
“So what’s the plan?” Padmé asked.  
“I thought you would have a diplomatic solution.” Anakin responded, a slight smirk in his voice. 
“After everything he’s done? I’d say this calls more for aggressive negotiations.” The couple sensed movement and turned towards it, but the figure kept moving too fast when they tried to follow it. 

All of a sudden, Padmé felt herself being pushed out of the way as blue electricity engulfed Anakin’s body. 
“Ani!” She screamed, struggling back to her feet. She was still reeling from her attack at the hands of Palpatine. 

She was trying to reach Anakin when someone else beat her to it. A blue and a green lightsaber crossed in front of the attack, forcing the electricity back at its original user. A quick glance confirmed that it was the twins, fighting together. Luna was now cradled in the arms of one of the stormtroopers. After ensuring her youngest’s safety, Padmé turned back to see Palpatine fly backwards from the force of his own lightning, before she rushed over to the twins. 
“Are you two okay?” She asked, quickly scanning them for any visible injuries. 
“We’re fine,” Leia panted. 
Anakin struggled to his feet behind them, immediately stalking towards Palpatine’s frail body. Palpatine wailed and reached out towards him. 
“Lord Vader! I demand that you stop!” 
Padmé pushed the twins behind her, pushing them further away from the fight. Anakin looked at them for a brief moment, but that’s all it took for Palpatine to surprise him again. Lightning engulfed Anakin as he screamed in pain. 
“Anakin!” Padmé shrieked. She quickly turned to the stormtroopers. 
“Get them out of here,” she said. 
“Of course milady.” 
The twins struggled to stay and fight, but the stormtroopers managed to wrangle them out the door. Padmé could now focus on the battle. 
She aimed her blaster at Palpatine and fired. It only hit him in the shoulder but it was enough to stop his lightning. She fired again as he turned to her, landing it in his chest. The emperor hissed before slumping over to the floor. 

Padmé turned her back on him and rushed over to Anakin, who was breathing heavily on the floor. His body was covered with burns. 
“Ani?” She whispered. He slowly turned his head towards her, tears in his eyes. 

His blue eyes. 

“Foolish girl!” Palpatine’s weak voice drew her attention. He stumbled towards where she sat on the floor cradling Anakin. 
“You think this is over? You don’t even know-“

He was cut off abruptly with a lightsaber through his chest. He crumbled to the floor, revealing who was behind him. Ahsoka stood there, clipping her lightsabers back to her belt. 
“I’ve been wanting to do that for so long.” She told them. 
Obi Wan suddenly appeared at her side. 
“Did we miss anything?” He asked with a small smile. 
“I’d say you’re right on time,” Anakin wheezed. 
Obi Wan knelt down beside his former padawan. “I’m sorry I failed you, Anakin.” 
“No, I’m sorry. You were right. I did so many terrible things-“ He pleaded, struggling to keep his eyes open. 
“Don’t worry about that now,” Ahsoka said. Padmé nodded, wiping her eyes. 
“She’s right, you need help.” She stood up, pulling him to his feet with Obi Wan’s aid. Anakin stumbled as they held on to him. 

The burns were bad, and Padmé was struggling to support his weight, pain still shooting through her own body from the fight. Her adrenaline had worn off. 

Two of the stormtroopers ran back into the room and Ahsoka and Obi Wan immediately raised their lightsabers. 
“Wait!” Padmé called out. “They’re with us.” 
They slowly lowered their weapons as the stormtroopers came closer. 
“We’ve got him,” one of them said to Padmé, taking her place supporting Anakin. Padmé nodded and fell back as they rushed Anakin out of the room. 
She winced and Ahsoka wrapped an arm around her waist to support her. 
After Padmé assured her that she was fine, the two women followed the men out. 
“Is he going to be okay?” Padmé asked, her arm around her friend’s shoulder. 
“Anakin is strong, Padmé. He’ll be alright.” 
Padmé watched as her husband cried out in pain at any sudden movement and she wasn’t so sure. 

——

Once they were all on the ship Ahsoka and Obi Wan had arrived on, they came face to face with the last stormtrooper while was still holding Luna while the twins sulked by his feet. As soon as they entered, Luke and Leia rushed their mother, questioning what was going on. 

While Obi Wan and two of the troopers went to pilot the ship and man the weapon controls, Padmé sat beside Anakin as he lay on a small cot at the back of the ship. After telling the kids what happened, Padmé sent them off with the last trooper so they wouldn’t have to watch Anakin cry out while being treated. 

Ahsoka stood by Padmé, helping her bandage Anakin as best they could with their limited supplies. Once they finished, Ahsoka took Luna to give the couple some privacy. 

Anakin watched his wife, blue eyes boring into brown ones. 
“I’m sorry,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper as he struggled to speak. 
“Stop,” she let out a sob without meaning to. 
He reached up to cup her face again, his hand shaking. 
“Angel,” he stroked her cheek. Padmé cradled his hand in hers and nuzzled into it, feeling his slowed pulse. 
“I love you. Tell the kids that their daddy loves them too.” 
“Don’t talk like you’re about to die.” 
“Maybe it’s what I deserve after everything I put you through.” 
“No. You can’t just give up. Not when you’re finally back to being my husband.” She sobbed. 
He gave a tiny smile, his other hand reaching into his robes to pull out a piece of twine around his neck. She immediately realised what was hanging off of it. 
Her wedding ring. 
“May I?” He asked hesitantly. Padmé just nodded, not trusting herself to speak with tears running down her cheeks. His shaky hand slipped the ring onto her finger. 
Anakin smiled in content, relaxing in her grip. 
“Ani, stay awake!” Padmé cried. 
“Tell me what Luna’s like.” He requested. 
Padmé let out a shaky cry. 
“She’s amazing. She’s so strong, and such a fighter. Luke’s already wrapped around her finger, and Leia’s so protective of her,” she laughed. “She’s already so much like you.” 
“Poor thing,” Anakin smirked, struggling to keep his eyes open. 
“Save your strength, Ani.” She told him, a hand running through his brown hair. 
His face had gone paler and he could barely move. Then his eyes closed. 
“Ani?” She whispered. There was no response. 
“Anakin? Anakin?” Padmé cried. 
His eyes stayed closed. 

Chapter Text

Four years later

Padmé was looking over her holopad when a noise alerted her of an incoming transmission. She accepted it and a blue hologram appeared on the desk. Her face lit up at the sight. 

"Hello old friend!" She greeted. 

"Chancellor Amidala," the man bowed. 

"It's just Padmé for you, you and Breha are like family." She insisted. 

"So, what is the reason for this call?" 

"I wanted to inform you of the success of your peace treaties. Kashyyyk has just agreed to join the trade arrangement." 

"That's great to hear," Padmé smiled. "How are things on Alderaan?" 

"We're doing very well. We look forward to your visit," he replied. 

Alderaan was thriving after the fall of the empire, being one of the main hubs for republic activity. Bail and Breha were fair and just rulers, and their planet was getting stronger each day. Bail and Breha seemed to form an immediate bond with Leia, who returned the sentiment completely. The Skywalkers planned to take a holiday of sorts to Alderaan to visit their friends, and to give Padmé a break from work. 

There was a knock at the door so Padmé quickly bid her friend goodbye and turned her attention to the person in the doorway. 

"Padmé, Luke and Leia have returned from training." Nova informed her. Padmé looked at the time. 

"That was quick, please send them in." She barely got the words out before the two of them burst into the room. 

"Mother, don't listen to her!" Luke exclaimed, trying to push past his sister. 

"Obi Wan sent us home early because Luke lost his lightsaber!" Leia revealed with a smirk. 

"Again?" Padmé sighed. He was so much like Anakin. 

"I didn't lose it! I misplaced it," Luke protested in irritation. 

"Hey! Lil Skyguy, catch." Ahsoka entered the room, tossing a familiar object towards him. Luke fumbled to catch it, then shook it triumphantly in Leia's face. 

"See! I found it!" 

"You mean Aunt Ahsoka found it." Leia stated. Luke stuck his tongue out at his sister before turning to Ahsoka. 

"Thanks, Auntie Soka." 

"You're welcome, kiddo. Now go tell Obi Wan before he starts to second guess his decisions train another Skywalker." 

The twins rushed out, still pushing each other to get there first. Ahsoka turned back to Padmé and chuckled. 

"Thank you Ahsoka," 

"No problem. Is everything set for the Erso's arrival tomorrow?" She asked. 

"Almost everything. I just have to run these meeting schedules down to office." 

"Let me do that for you, you need a break." Ahsoka took the papers without another word. 

"Thank you. Would you mind also checking in with Rex about the security for tomorrow?" 

"Of course. I'm on it." Ahsoka saluted her jokingly before leaving the room. 

Padmé took a moment to enjoy the silence of her office, which she knew would be interrupted at any moment. A couple seconds later a high squeal bounced off the walls, followed by a giggly call. 

"Mummy!" 

Just as she expected. 

Padmé spotted her youngest child running towards her, a big smile on her face. 

"He's gonna get me!" She squealed, ducking behind her mother's legs. 

"Don't worry, I'll protect you from the monster!" Padmé exclaimed, crouching into a battle position. 

"Where has that princess gone? Your guards are no match for me, princess!" A man appeared in front of them, before staggering back dramatically. "Ahh! You have found an Angel! I can not fight against her beauty!" He looked around dramatically. "Tell me Angel, have you seen a princess come through here?" He asked with a boyish smile. The scars on his body, some covered up, did nothing to change the effect he had on her heart. He was still her Anakin. 

Padmé smiled. "No, no princess. But I did find a little girl that needs a nap." She played along. 

"No I don't!" Luna wined. 

"There she is!" Anakin scooped her up and tickled her, causing her too break out into giggles again. 

"It's time for bed, Luna. You need lots of sleep if you're going to fight the monster," Padmé told her. 

Luna looked at her father with an adorable glare. "You won't catch me next time." She insisted. 

"Of course princess. Now go choose a book and I'll meet you there." Anakin said. Luna nodded and ran off. Padmé watched her until she disappeared down the hall. 

Although they had regular doctors visits to check on her heart, Padmé still worried about her youngest child. 

"She's alright." Anakin said, noticing her concern. 

"I know. I just worry about her overdoing it." Padmé replied. He wrapped his arms around her, tucking her head under his chin. 

"She's four, Angel. She'll stop when she tires herself out." Anakin assured her. 

Padmé sighed, relaxing in her husband's arms. 

The galaxy had finally escaped the control of Palpatine and she was surrounded by people she loved. Her Anakin was back and her three children were safe. They were a family again. Padmé couldn't even begin to describe their journey over the last ten years. They had been all around the galaxy and faced multiple hardships in the process. She was hurt and betrayed and manipulated, but she was also loved and cared for, and now, she was happy. Their journey was hard for anyone to summarise. 

But long story short, she survived.