A Night to Remember

 Home will never quite be the same again, Padmé mused to herself. She gazed into the mirror as her brush tenderly threaded through her sable locks. Without thought her lips began to curl upward into a smile, one that radiated warmth and happiness. Her eyes appraised the light coral colored silken gown she had chosen, appeased at how it glided over every curve of her body.

Padmé glanced up at the chrono on the wall, her teeth gently biting into her lower lip. “Soon,” she said aloud. She had dismissed every one of her attendants at the Lake Country Retreat this night; even Artoo and 3PO were given orders to be ‘invisible’.

It was with extreme difficulty that she was still able to restrain the giddy attitude that had been creeping up on her all day long. Her eyes wandered over to the oversized windows and out to the dark sky, glittering with stars.

Rising from her chair, she gingerly walked over to the windows while still brushing her hair and gazed down at the lake. She wished she could capture the serenity of her surroundings and place it in a secret chest, along with the rest of her dreams. The Retreat had always granted her tranquility and it was one of the things she most loved about her little haven. Her musings were interrupted as she suddenly saw a flickering star that grew brighter and brighter.

“That’s no star… Oh my, he’s here!!” she exclaimed excitedly. Startled, she dropped her brush, its clatter upon impact with the floor made her stir into action. Padmé quickly bent down and retrieved the brush and then ran over to her dresser, practically throwing the brush on top of it as she checked herself over; her hair, makeup, and most especially clothing – everything had to be perfect for this night.

Satisfied, and grinning impishly, she dashed over to the stand where a bottle of Theed’s finest champagne was chilling in a rose encrusted cask. She had also taken the liberty of arranging a variety of fruits, cheeses, and crackers on a tray that extended out from the stem of the stand.

She rested her chin in between her thumb and index finger, scrutinizing her handiwork. “Did I miss anything?” she said as her gaze traveled around the expansive chamber. “No, everything is…perfect.”

As she realized her agonizing wait would soon be over, Padmé’s heart began to beat faster. Long months had passed, Too many, she thought bitterly, edging on resentment. And too many times I’ve fought my despair from his absence. Neither Obi-Wan nor the Jedi Council can take him from me here. Not this sacred place. I won’t let either of you. 

Padmé took a deep breath. She wanted to rush out and meet him when he surfaced from his ship, but the enticing thought of him finding her instead made the moment more intense and…exciting.

She could feel his presence as he entered the retreat; he seemed to resonate through the walls. Padmé could feel her chest tighten and her mouth go dry. She tried to moisten her lips but her tongue provided no such succor.

The sublimation of her dreams, nay, her fantasies, were about to be tested in ways she glorified in. But then a sudden thought struck her. “Would he be too tired? Maybe he just wants to sleep. The war had taken such a toll on him. His letters…” She recalled the many endearments he had managed to smuggle through to her. Her mind brought forth the mental images she had depended on all this time; his beautiful face and gorgeous blue eyes, his muscular chest that she had slept peacefully on time and again. She couldn’t wait to have her fingers pulsing though his soft, blonde hair once more.

Never before had she held such devotion for another person. There was no question as to her love for Anakin Skywalker, but it was more than that. He was fused with her inner most being – her soul – and she could no more cast away such love as she could extinguish the sun. Anakin had brought out the woman in her, not the Senator, not the Queen, but the nucleus that was Padmé. What she had secretly always wanted from a man but too afraid to grasp it.

Anakin had taken hold of her heart and placed it next to his own. Together they transcended the galaxy.

 

Padmé turned from her ruminations as she heard the door to her chamber slide open. She faced the person entering her private sanctuary and gasped.

 

Before her stood her husband. A man who filled her dreams night after night. Gone were the boyish features, replaced by a hardened face that had witnessed the horrors of war.

As he let his robe slip to the floor, Padmé could see how his body had matured and she couldn’t voice what her mind was telling her to.

Although, one thing hadn’t changed – his expressive eyes, those blue orbs that harmonized with the sky. She found herself mesmerized and almost gasping for air.

“Ani?” she heard herself say, finding her voice at last.

His eyes were glistening and his feet felt as though they were mired in place. “Oh, Padmé…yo-you’re…so…beautiful.”

As if dreaming, Padmé moved forward, her eyes never leaving those of her beloved. To her everything was in slow motion as she raised her arm and her hand touched his chest, hidden beneath his Jedi attire. The same motion took her hand downward, taking in the tightness of his abdomen as her hand roamed. She licked her dry lips as her hand moved upward, reveling in the fact that he was really here with her. She had to wonder if this was yet another waking dream and she would find herself alone when she awakened.

“Yo-you’ve changed,” she said, her voice tight. “Your hair.” She reached up and stroked the now long blonde locks that were in total disarray.

Anakin smiled brightly. “I’m not the man I once was,” he said with new confidence.

“Ohhh…” Padmé took a deep breath. “I can see that.”

Anakin leaned into her, the pounding of her heart in synchronization with his own, and tilted his head to the side. He brushed his lips softly against her own and whispered, “I’ve missed you, Padmé.”

“You’re home… I can’t believe you’re home,” she gasped as tears suddenly began to stream down her cheeks.

Anakin wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly. “I’ve waited so long to hold you…”

Padmé clutched him with the same amount of fervor. “The sieges, so many battles, I was constantly worrying if you escaped death again.” Her body began to tremble.

Anakin gently caressed her hair with his mechanical hand as she pressed her head into his shoulder. “I’m all right. I’ll always come back for you.”

Although she didn’t want to, Padmé raised her head and backed up, creating a small space between them. “Let me help you get out of those clothes. I have a nice hot bath waiting for you.”

The mischievous glint in his eyes was unmistakable as he asked, “Will you be joining me?”

Padmé giggled. “No, beloved. This is my time to pamper you. Consider myself your paramour who will grant your every desire.”

“Every?” Anakin asked with a devilish grin.

Padmé leaned forward, brushing her lips against his and softly replied, “Every.” Without another word, Padmé began to undress her Jedi, who blissfully accommodated.

 

Padmé stood transfixed as her husband immersed himself into the water. My beloved has transformed… she thought tenderly. All hints of the boy I once knew are gone. He’s truly grown up. She couldn’t stop her eyes from wandering as he leaned back against the tub and closed his eyes. His refined chest and sinewy arms teased her just by their bare appearance. Long, muscular legs – fit from numerous lightsaber battles, silently beckoned to her.

“This would be much more comfortable if you were in here with me,” he seductively said.

Padmé mentally noted the change in his voice – it was deeper and sounded even more passionate. A chill raced up her back and she fought the urge to indulge in his request. Gazing upon him was hard enough and she knew the dearth of her resolve was reaching a crescendo.

No! she mentally chastised herself. My desires can wait, his are what matter now. In spite of her mental boasts, Padmé was becoming more aroused with each passing moment.

She moved to the end of the tub, where his head was resting and sat on the small chair she had placed there. Her hands weaved into his long hair, massaging his scalp to which he groaned softly in contentment.

“That feels wonderful,” he purred.

“I’m glad to hear it, my handsome Jedi,” she whispered into his ear and continued her ministrations. Her hands glided to his temples and on down his cheeks only pausing as they moved across his lips. How she had missed those lips upon her. He lightly nibbled on her fingertips and she knew she couldn’t hold out much longer. Her arms reached across him and felt his exquisitely exposed chest. Her fingers floated across each ripple and she knew she could bear no more.  

Padmé slowly started to bring herself upright, her fingers leaving a trail as she went, when his hands reached out and grasped her wrists.

“Please, Angel. I need to hold you.” Anakin turned his head to look at her with pleading eyes.

Padmé grinned happily at him and then straightened herself as he let go. In one swift movement, her gown was cast to the floor and she moved over to the side of the tub.

“My man has finally come home. Love me as only you can,” she quietly supplicated as she stepped inside the water.

Her eyes were so overflowing with passion and love that Anakin’s heart quivered. “How did I ever deserve you?” His voice was soft and brimming with emotion.

“We deserve each other,” she replied as she moved closer.

As his arms encircled her bare body, he gazed into her eyes and said, “I love you, Mrs. Skywalker.”

“And I love you, Mr. Skywalker.”

Their lips met in an amorous kiss that would be the first of many that night.

 

Finis