(Star Wars) To Love A Slave

Chapter Thirty-Two - Curtain Call

A/N: I would like to go ahead and apologize to all of you about the slow updates. I have the story outlined and have the final chapter already planned, I just have to write them all. The thing is I've grown so attached to this story that I don't want to finish it. I know I have to but still, I know when I hit that complete button in the settings, I'm going to be a complete mess... Anyways, here's the next chapter...

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About two weeks later, Anakin woke up to find only the twins in bed with him. Initially he panicked when he didn't feel Padme laying on top of his chest; she never woke up until after he did. Reaching out to the force, he relaxed as her bright presence was only coming from their balcony.

After levitating and tucking the twins back in, Anakin grabbed his cloak from the couch and headed out to the balcony.

The sun was almost up as Padme leaned on the balcony. A light breeze blew through her curls, the warm air causing her short robe to flow around her knees. Just as she was glancing at the rising sun, two arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her back into a warm chest.

"Good Morning, Love." Anakin leaned down and pressed a kiss to the crook of her neck. She sucked in a breath, leaning back into his tall figure. "Good Morning..."

They simply enjoyed each other's embrace as the sun rose over the horizon, the first rays of light stretching over the skies above.

Today was the day of the interview.

...The day that couldn't have gotten any worse...

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It was around 15:00 hours when the Emperor and his wife arrived at the holovision studio. As usual, Vader was dressed in black from head to toe and the fabric seemed to stretch over his muscles.

Padme was quite opposite of him though; she was bright and colorful. On her thin frame, a pale rose dress flowed down to her knees. Across the shoulders little pink flowers added some texture to the soft textile. It was very simple in design, only sinching in at her waistline slightly. On her feet, a pair of suede, brown pumps boosted her height slightly; the little bows giving the peeptoes a little attention. Her brown tresses were curled into soft, uniform waves that dangled around her back.

As she looked up at him beneath dark lashes, Vader couldn't help but to mentally awe at her. She was his world and her bright smile was the sun; as long as she was smiling, his world seemed to spin 'round.

"Emperor Vader! Empress!"

The pair turned to see Charlotte and two other men come up behind her. The trio bowed before them, rising back up afterwards. "Miss La'Beaux, it's wonderful to see you again." Padme bowed her head slightly in return.

"Wish I felt the same way..." Vader muttered; unfortunately, Padme heard so she sent him a sharp gaze. "Shall we get started?" He cleared his throat and mustered up a soft smile.

"Of course, right this way..."

The two men came up to the Royal couple with forced grins on their faces. They appeared to be twins themselves, both of them red Twi'lek men. Only their eyes were different, the man on the left with green while his brother blue.

Green eyes was the first to speak up. "Your highnesses, it is with great honor my brother and I welcome you to Holo-Studios. I am Connor and my brother is called Clyde!"

Vader shook both of their hands, giving them each a pat on the back. "It's an honor for us to be here, thank you so much for this opportunity..."

Clyde, or Blue Eyes as Vader recognized, came up and handed them each a small, black device. "This is a lavalier microphone, it will help us and the cameras hear you. The mic is wireless so all we need to do is hook it up on your shirts." He took both microphones and helped Padme with hers.

"Love, I can do it myself..." She whined slightly, her lower lip popping out a big. He only chuckled, leaning down towards her. "I wanted to do it though..."

Just as their lips were about to meet, a flash caused them to jump back from each other.

Towards the empty audience stands, a cameraman held his massive device to his face. "I apologize, Milord. Miss Charalotte told me to take some behind the scenes action shots..." His accent reminded the couple of Amelia Pond's, only his was thicker and deeper of course.

Padme sent him a gentle smile, resting a hand on her husband's arm. "It's alright, no harm done. Is she ready for us?"

"Aye, ma'am. They're ready for the two of you on stage; take yer time though, the audience outside can wait as long as ye' need." With that, he snapped one more picture at them and left.

Vader growled under his breath, his frustration already surfacing and the interview hadn't even happened yet. "I hate the media and the holo..." He leaned forward and rested his forehead on hers.

"Are you sure you wanna do this?"

Padme tilted her head up and pressed hers lips against his, gently wrapping her arms around his neck. The kiss gave Vader a sense of calmness and a peace of mind; as long as she was right by his side, nothing would phase him.

As he pulled away, his blue eyes shined with mischievousness. "Even though I have a bad feeling about this, I'll put on a smile and play along... But you're paying me back for this later, Angel."

She slipped his hand in hers and began to walk towards the stage, a subtle smirk tugging at her mouth. "And just how will I be paying you back?"

"Perhaps we can discuss this over some aggressive negotiations later tonight..."

"ANAKIN!" She quietly squeaked, causing him to shake with laughter.

"Never mind that, let's go. I can here that bleached harpy introducing us..."

Padme shook her head at him, placing her hand in the crook of his offered arm as Vader led her out onto the studio stage.