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The old man stared up at him with desperation riddled all over his features. Gone was the cool arrogance and collected air of snobbery that hung about the Sith Lord known as Count Dooku. All that remained was a cowering, broken warrior who now found himself caught between two lightsabers that hung within inches of his throat. Though the emperor was exhausted and worn, even he couldn't ignore the rush of dark pleasure felt upon sensing Dooku's fear. It seemed like only yesterday when the count was mocking Anakin and his skills before proceeding to remove his hand and soundly beat him. The memory caused the young emperor's expression to turn stormy. However, despite his urge to unleash the darkness, to savour and enjoy this moment of revenge, something caused Anakin to falter.
'Kill him.'
Anakin's eyes flickered at the sound of the supreme chancellor's voice, first to the elderly man and then to the unconscious form of his brother. Despite the fact Anakin wanted so desperately to do this, he knew his brother would be so disappointed in him. It was in this thought that the emperor found himself hesitant to comply. As much as he would complain and challenge the Jedi Master, ultimately Anakin looked up to Obi-Wan. Though his opinion would never carry the same weight in Anakin's mind as his wife's, it was enough.
'Kill him now,' the supreme chancellor instructed firmly.
Anakin's hands began to shake as he could feel the dark side gathering around him. The emperor could hear its siren call and felt the silent invitation that taunted his thoughts, leaving him longing to feel it coursing through his veins as he enjoyed its poisoned kiss. But then his thoughts returned to Obi-Wan and Anakin knew that he wouldn't be able to face his brother if he went through with it. '…I shouldn't…' he whispered feeling completely torn between loyalties. It wasn't the first time he felt this way and it would not be the last.
'Do it,' the Sith Lord ordered in dark tones.
'I shouldn't,' Anakin said in almost desperate tones leaving Palpatine to frown deeply in reply.
'Now is not the time for hesitation, Anakin, now is the time to act. If you do not act now, he will surely have his vengeance.'
Anakin's eyes flickered back to Obi-Wan's unconscious form which didn't go unnoticed by the elderly Sith Lord.
'Do not worry about him. What your brother doesn't know won't hurt him. Now, do what is necessary and be done with it.'
The young emperor bit his lip as he warred within himself. Though he knew he was far from being a worthy Jedi, there was still a part of him that longed to cling onto the ideals that he was rapidly turning away from. This too caused him to further falter. 'It's not the Jedi way,' he argued weakly, though uncertain why he was even bothering and yet unable to resist either.
The captured Sith Master gave a harsh laugh in reply. 'You are hardly a model Jedi now, are you? Or do you really believe you can still stand amongst the members of the Order as their equal after slaughtering an entire village of Tuskan Raiders? Then of course, there is the matter of you killing the man whom raised you as though you were his own son—'
'That's different,' Anakin snapped feeling the familiar pang of guilt and shame beginning to eat at his thoughts and wanting nothing more then to bury it.
'The only thing that is different is that Obi-Wan is here now, when he wasn't before,' Palpatine remarked in disgust. Using the Force, the supreme chancellor released his restraints causing the count's eyes to widen in shock. The young emperor couldn't resist a smirk as he could feel the fallen Jedi's resounding surprise as the darkness around them shifted revealing Palpatine's true aura. Rising to his feet, the supreme chancellor studied the kneeling Sith Lord and the young emperor with disinterest. Though time was running out and the ship's auditory programs were announcing its demise, the elderly Sith Lord waited with calmly for Anakin to make the correct decision. But then the struggling Jedi continued to falter Palpatine decided it was time to move things onwards. 'If it is your wish to delay the inevitable, I will not stop you, Anakin. But know this: there will come a day when you will no longer be able to hide from the decisions you must choose. That day is coming and is coming soon.'
Anakin furrowed his brow as he swallowed hard at the supreme chancellor's words. As much he didn't want to believe the elderly man, the young emperor knew that Palpatine was correct in assessment. For almost six months, Anakin had been playing the balancing act between his studies with the Jedi and his secret studies with the Sith Master. That didn't even count the fact he still had his normal duties as emperor to contend with. Though Anakin wanted to continue ignoring the signs, he knew, deep down, that his time to run was now ending. Obi-Wan would soon regain consciousness and with the ship already on a crash course collision with Coruscant's surface. Anakin knew that he would have to act now.
He tightened his grip on the lightsabers in his hands and drew upon the darkness once more permitting it to fill him with the heady rush he had come to long for. Then with a lip curled in disgust, he crossed the blades and fulfilled the count's destiny. Through the Force, he could hear the Sith Lord's silent requiem and felt the rush of darkness pouring through his body as it swelled consuming the man's spirit. Closing his eyes, he breathed in deeply, relishing the power that thrummed around him and coursed through his veins. In moments like this, Anakin felt as though he were a god and the entire universe but his playground.
Opening his eyes, the young emperor gazed upon the now beheaded form of his nemesis and felt reality come crashing down all around him. How would he be able to face his brother now? Anakin knew if he was asked, he wouldn't be able to lie. It wasn't to say he wouldn't attempt it but with Obi-Wan, the truth always had a way of worming to the surface. And when it did, which was almost always, Anakin would always end up feeling guiltier than he would have if he had just been honest from the start.
'You did the right thing, Anakin. If you would have let him lived, he would have escaped, either now or later on.'
The statement Anakin believed was meant to assure him and erase any doubts that lingered in his mind. But as he dropped the lightsaber by its former master, the struggling Jedi couldn't shake the memory of his mentor's earlier warning and the sinking feeling of dread that lingered about it. When the time for running away and hiding behind the facts had drawn to a close, which side would he find himself standing on? More importantly, at what price would his decision come at? And who would ultimately suffer or gain from it? However, as much as these questions weighed on his thoughts, the young emperor knew that there were more immediate matters to deal with. He promptly buried them and allowed himself to focus entirely on the present and to the most important task at hand: completing the mission of the chancellor's rescue and returning home together with his brother safely.
The landing was less than perfect and as their broken ship crashed and skidded to a halt the young emperor couldn't resist a soft chuckle as this moment brought back memories. He decided he would have to share this thought with Dormé as he knew she would appreciate it. But for the moment, such thoughts were not only unnecessary, but also distracting and soon he set to the business of tending to getting the chancellor out of the ship safely. The last thing he needed was to complete the mission only to lose his mentor to an exploding ship.
Fortunately, this was hardly the case and soon his arrival to the palace was drawing all sorts of attention. Moving through the gathering crowds of senators and officers Anakin took in the damage and immediately asked for Dormé. Upon learning of her location, the young Padawan promptly excused himself and raced towards the inner chambers of his home in search of his beloved.
When the Separatists attacked Coruscant, she led the ground troops quickly wiping out those who landed. She didn't know Anakin was just a short distance away on General Grievous's vessel. Once the Separatists were killed or mortally wounded in the senatorial district and the senate and palace were once more completely under Imperial control, Dormé returned to the palace with her elite guards and attentive handmaidens. She checked with the head of the security team before making a public announcement, filled with the message of superiority of the Empire over all their insurgents.
Once the announcement concluded and the senators were on their way back to their personal quarters or their ships, Dormé heard of the crash landing and that the fighters attending the fire found the emperor was landing the craft. Worried for her husband, though she was well aware of the emperor's superior flying skills, Dormé raced out onto the promenade that would take her to the crash site. Upon seeing Anakin, she pushed past some of the senators, who were not exactly pleased with being elbowed by the empress but were smart enough not to say anything. 'Anakin!' she called, racing over to him to embrace him. 'Are you all right? How is the chancellor?' she asked.
At the sight of his beloved Anakin immediately broke into a run as he swooped her up in his arms and twirled her around in obvious joy. At her questions, he nodded and laughed thinking of how much the events of the landing reminded him of his first real date with his wife. 'I'm fine and so is the chancellor, although I have to say, he's probably going to think twice before flying with me again,' he said chuckling. 'Landing that broken piece of junk certainly brought back some fond memories,' he teased before growing serious as she informed him of the situation at hand.
'Oh dear,' she gasped. 'That poor man! I'm glad I wasn't there,' she teased.
Anakin laughed, shaking his head. 'I can't say he reacted quite as well as you did, but he was hardly impressed either,' the young emperor teased back with a wink.
'Although I think sending him a package of his favourite tea is in order. Gods know he must be stressed out after this whole ordeal!' Dormé didn't add that she hoped his mentor wouldn't take it out him during their training sessions, for the old man did have a tendency to work the young emperor to the bone. She then informed him of the happenings on-planet while he was away.
His expression soon grew proud as she admitted to taking charge and restoring the order once more. 'Where would I be without you,' he said in loving tones as he touched her cheek before giving a soft sigh. 'I can't wait until this war is finally over and we can get on with our lives,' he admitted ruefully knowing that she felt much the same.
Dormé leant into his touch, sighing softly. She then kissed him to express how much she agreed with him. 'Soon the Separatists will be nothing more than a brief mention in the imperial histories.'
'Thank the Force and the gods for that,' he murmured as she spoke of the Separtatists demise. Though it was an unspoken thought Anakin was confident that once things had settled they would once more be able to focus on their greatest dream: starting a family. It was stress that caused his beloved to lose her baby and he was positive that once that the unseeing threat was removed, everything would be as it should. 'We should head inside,' he began. 'I need to fill you in on the details of all that you have missed, as I have some good and bad news.' he admitted.
Dormé took his hand and walked inside with him, not wanting to know about the bad news. 'I want to know the bad first,' she said with an exhale as they headed to their private chambers, 'if I have the option.'
Anakin furrowed his brow and nodded in understanding at her statement. 'Very well,' he said softly as he felt her hand slip into his own. There was support in her touch as well silent comfort and he drew upon this as he spoke. 'General Grievous escaped when we were freeing the Supreme Chancellor,' Anakin admitted knowing that in this aspect the mission was a failure. It was his mentor's hope that they would not only be able to capture Dooku but Grievous as well. After all that was the entire point of his abduction which had been carefully planned.
'He escaped? How? Were you able to track him?' Dormé couldn't believe what she was hearing. How would this war end if Grievous was still out there? 'Anakin—' She squeezed his hand tightly for her own reassurances.
The young emperor gave a frustrated sigh as he shook his head in reply. 'Dooku I think was meant to be a distraction to buy him time. We're still trying to locate him but for now, it appears he has slipped through our grasp. The good news is Count Dooku has been tended too and so half the battle as they say has been won,' Anakin concluded though it was obvious the count's passing was still troubling him.
She exhaled. 'Good,' she sighed. She released his hand to stroke his back when she could tell there was more weighing on his mind than what he had shared so far.
Anakin reached out to touch her cheek as he studied her for a moment. Though he was grateful to learn what he could from Palpatine, he was still divided about where he stood with the Jedi and the Sith Lord. What was worse was the realization that Dormé was being forced into this because of him. He missed spending time with her and missed their evenings together but at the same time he knew this had to be done. Even so, it did little to alleviate his guilt and his divided thoughts. 'Dooku's death will definitely leave its mark on the Separatists. After all, he represented the tactical side of the Separatists, or so the Supreme Chancellor believes. Grievous, on the other hand, is only good at battle. Without someone to lead them, they're going to fall into disorder. In the meantime, I'm going to have our contacts look into the matter I don't think he's had a chance to get far,' Anakin concluded as he gave a hint of a smile.
'I know,' she said. In fact, just before his abduction, the chancellor and she had been going over the most recent findings in regards to droid troop movements. Dormé just wanted this war over as much as Anakin did and it frustrated her that the count served as a distraction to allow Grievous to get away. Even so, it was good to hear at least one half of their enemy's controlling power have been eliminated.
'Obi-Wan doesn't know how Dooku died. To be honest I don't really want to tell him either,' he admitted finally. There was so much more he wanted to say but he knew that Dormé already understood what weighed on his mind and Anakin was loathed to troubled her further with it.
Dormé also knew from the way Anakin was dodging the specifics of the count's demise that he had gone against the Jedi codes in removing him. She knew how much of a struggle it was for Anakin because he loved his brother and felt like he was betraying him somehow by using the Force in a different way. She didn't understand the complexities of it, nor why one way or another was better or worse, but hated that it was such a drain on Anakin. She was under a lot of stress herself, but she would rather have it than to see him suffer.
The young emperor did his best to hide his exhaustion but he knew just from the way Dormé was watching him that she was more than aware of how his training was taking its toll. Though he was grateful that Dooku was out of the picture, the Padawan couldn't help but feel as though the mission could have been far more successful if he hadn't been so worn out. While he knew that in reality there was really no way around Grievous escape Anakin still took it as a personal failure on his part. As always, Dormé understood this as well it made the young emperor love her all the more for it. He didn't need to say a word, for she understood all that he couldn't say.
She hugged him tightly. 'I'm glad you're home.'
Breathing her in deeply, he forced his thoughts to clear as her words reminded him that this was in fact a happy occasion. It had been far too long, or so it felt, since he had last been in her arms and as he buried his face into the crook of her neck, he gave her a squeeze and kissed her throat. 'It's so good to finally be home. Force help me, I wish I never had to leave your side,' he murmured. Though there was so much else he wanted to say, Anakin knew that Dormé would understand the true weight of his words and all he couldn't find the right words to say.
Continuing to stroke his back and run her fingers through his hair, Dormé relished the closeness, feeling just as Anakin did though she could barely express it fully in words. They just fit together and when separated, it was as though part of them was missing.
Anakin closed his eyes briefly, as he found himself basking in her gentle administrations. Returning the favour in kind, the emperor played with her hair while holding her close. It was only in her embrace that he felt whole, and only in her arms that Anakin ever considered himself to be truly home.
After a moment, she brushed her nose against his cheek, murmuring, 'You smell like burnt fuel.' Chuckling, she pulled away only to take his hand and lead him into the fresher with single-minded determination.
He chuckled, as he was a bit ticklish in that spot. At her words, he gave a lopsided grin as his eyes grew mischievous. 'Well we'll just have to do something about that now won't we?' he teased with a knowing smile before giving her hand a squeeze as he followed her to the fresher.
While the rest of the afternoon and evening were spent in the arms of her beloved, Dormé fell asleep far more content than she had since he left. Dormé thought it would help relieve their stress and for her part, it certainly had, however, late into the night, Anakin stirring and moving from her embrace caused her to stir as well, reaching for him and murmuring her displeasure, not for being disturbed, but rather that he was moving away.
Anakin tried to calm his racing heart, to clear his panic thoughts that struggled to recall a dream that was not his to know. Drawing in deep breaths the young emperor felt his wife murmur her thoughts of displeasure as she drew him back to her arms. Finding comfort in her embrace, he silently began to play with his wife's hair—as it always soothed his troubled thoughts—Anakin found he couldn't recall dreaming at all. Yet, given his reaction upon waking, he knew that he had dreamt of something, but what that was, he couldn't say. In the end, the only thing he could remember was that he felt incredibly lost and even more alone.
Feeling him playing with her hair, she slowly blinked her eyes open, looking at him with sleepy confusion.
Feeling her amber eyes studying him in confusion, Anakin felt his cheeks warm as he honestly didn't know what to tell her. The thought of admitting to having a nightmare he couldn't remember left him feeling foolish and weak but at the same time he couldn't just pretend nothing happened either. 'It's nothing. Just a forgotten dream,' he admitted in soft tones as he gave a weak smile. Though he knew it was a dream, one that was hardly worthy of his attention Anakin couldn't deny how real the emotions he recalled from the dream were. Despite the fact it was hardly a vision, it was real enough to frighten him and inwardly he hoped he would never feel that way again.
Despite his words, Dormé could tell there was something more to it. But she didn't know and didn't want to know. Dreams, after all, were just dreams to her. Whatever it was, it wasn't real. She pulled him closer and gave him a sleepy kiss on his shoulder. 'Go back to sleep,' she murmured. 'Think of pleasant things...'
The young emperor couldn't help but envy Dormé's detachment to all that was spiritual. He wished he could ignore the nagging feeling that what he felt would one day become a reality. But his wife was an anchor, and despite his fears, Anakin soon was drifting back to sleep only find his dreams to be nonsensical and bizarre. Stirring awake at the sound of the chronometer chiming, Anakin soon realized that it was time to return to the temple and begin his long day of training with the Jedi and later the Sith Lord. Though this was what he had chose to do with his life, the young emperor couldn't help but be filled with dread at the thought of parting ways with his wife.
Though the evening started out quite nicely for Dormé, celebrating their third wedding anniversary, she awoke in the middle of the night feeling abnormally cold. This wasn't the first time in the past few months that she woke to find Anakin out of bed. Even though she wasn't Force sensitive, she was conscious enough to notice the subtle changes in his features become more pronounced, the dark circles under his eyes, and sallow-looking skin. But despite her growing concern, Dormé didn't ask what was on his mind. She knew he would open up about it when he was ready to. There had been times over the years since she first met him that he had had what he referred to as prophetic dreams, where something he would see in his sleep cycle would haunt him until it came true. Though Dormé was hardly a spiritual person, let alone someone who believed in such nonsense, she did have the courtesy to respect that Anakin did. She told him plainly on more than one occasion that she had no desire to know of the future. Originally, it was a way of avoiding disappointment. Now it was a defence mechanism of sorts, a way to defend herself from facing some fatalistic inevitability. If one didn't know one's fate, then they wouldn't intentionally seek out ways of making it come true, or so she adamantly believed. It gave her more freedom this way. However, now that these dreams or nightmares were keeping Anakin up night after night, Dormé wished she had the power to make them stop so that he could get the good night's rest he so desperately needed. Her presence used to help. She used to only have to hold him and now it seemed as though she wasn't enough.
Ever since he agreed to follow the tutelage of Darth Sidious, Anakin, or Darth Vader as the older Sith Lord called him, found his time no longer his own. By day he would serve the Jedi Order, posing as a Jedi Padawan, while at night he would train with his new mentor in the ways of the Sith. It was exhausting and though he did his best to hide it, Vader knew it would only be a matter of time before the ruse would come to its untimely end. Though he continued to play the role of a Jedi it was becoming an increasing struggle to use the light side of the Force, whereas the dark side was becoming far easier to channel. There were times when he found himself feeling almost physical ill after channelling the light side to accomplish the simplest of tasks, and then there was time when he was. Such moments frightened him more than he wanted to admit, not because of what it meant, but of the attention it could possibly draw. Fortunately, no one spoke a word of it and if they did, he always shrugged it off saying he was under the weather. If they believed his flimsy lies, Anakin would never know. Anakin felt as though he was being pulled into a million directions at once and while he knew what he was getting himself into Vader had no idea just how exhausting it would be both emotionally and physically. He felt aged beyond his years and worn beyond repair and though Dormé was silent about it, Anakin knew she was worried for him as well. Which in turn made him long for her comfort and understanding all the more.
Dormé had thought she was cold before, but as the young empress rose from their bed, she quickly reached for a robe to wrap around her lithe form. Even without the ability to sense other people's Force signatures, Dormé knew where her husband was. Approaching the veranda, she spied him sitting rather uncomfortably on the corner of one of the small couches, looking out over Coruscant's vast cityscape. For a long while, she just watched him, not wanting to interrupt his thoughts by approaching, forgetting that he could sense her presence. Finally giving in to temptation, she walked out onto the veranda and curled up on the couch behind him, hoping she wouldn't interrupt.
He wanted to tell her about the confusion he felt even now, how tired he was and how all he really wanted to do was rest in her arms. That he felt as though he were spiralling out of control when everything was going according to plan. Or why he felt so excited to expand his skills only to feel so out of sorts and uncomfortable in his skin when he tapped into the immense power that was the DarkSide. Or why it left him hungry for more so that he could never be truly satisfied. But one of it really made sense to him and so how could he speak of them to her? It was because of this that he refrained believing when the answers came he would then share it with his beloved and hopefully, find peace in the process once more. However for now answers couldn't have been more further away and as he stared outside in silence he could sense her presence, so soothing and healing in its own right, approaching. He wanted to turn back to face her, to hold her close, but felt frozen in place, as though fearing should he turn around she would disappear or fade away. Of course, he knew this would never be the case but he was so prone to paranoia from lack of sleep and constant dark side use that it was hard to define what was foolish fears and what was real concerns. So in the end, he contented himself to feel her eyes on him, like a goddess protecting her mortal love, and attempted for the millionth time to meditate.
Though she thought she probably wouldn't be able to sleep anymore tonight, it helped to have Anakin nearby and soon Dormé found her eyes closing.
When the meditations failed, due to his exhausted but troubled thoughts and the fact his feet were almost numb from the night chill, Anakin finally mustered the nerve to join his beloved. Though she was sleeping, he could still feel her concern and this filled him with guilt. If only he knew how to explain to her what was happening to him. If only he knew himself what was happening. Gently, he lifted her up into his arms, being mindful of her bare feet which he used the Force to adjust her robe so as to cover them, Anakin carried her back to their room. He knew he would have to get up in a couple of hours to begin his day at the Temple and wouldn't be returning until the late hours of night from his training with Palpatine. As such, he wanted to make the most of his time with Dormé and because of it he took to watching her rest instead of resting himself. Though he knew he'd pay for it in the morning, right now, it was worth every minute.
When Dormé awoke sometime later, she was much happier than when she awoke in the middle of the night because this time, when she opened her eyes, Anakin was there looking back at her. But as her sleepy eyes adjusted, she could tell he hadn't slept at all. If there were anything she could do for him, Dormé knew he wouldn't hesitate to ask.
Anakin couldn't resist a smile as Dormé stirred from her rest. He could feel her mood lightening and this helped lighten his mood as well. Touching her cheek, lightly he gave a gentle sigh as his expression turned apologetic. 'I'm sorry for waking you up last night,' he said softly feeling bad that his attempts not to interrupt her rest fell through.
Knowing he had to leave for the Temple and that she also needed to begin her day as empress, she touched his cheek, giving him a kiss before rising from the bed. She thought when she had the chance, she would ask one of the servants to fetch some sleep aids, thinking Anakin might want to try them. It wouldn't do to have him make a mistake in his extensive training sessions with Palpatine after an already busy day as a Jedi.
Anakin put the taste of her lips to memory. The day was going to be long and he was already looking forward to its end.
When Anakin finally stumbled home that evening, she had a concoction waiting for him. Though one of her handmaidens got it for her, she ran it by an analysis droid to make sure it was safe. She had another medical droid examine it and the conclusion was that it would ease him into an eight-hour sleep cycle. She mentioned the sleep aid to Anakin offhandedly, if he wanted to use it, and was glad he agreed to at least give it a try. Anakin soon found sleep in her arms and she followed a little while after him.
Though he wasn't one who liked to take medicines of any sort, he was desperate for a chance to rest or at the very least a moment's peace from his churning thoughts. Upon taking the aids, the fallen Jedi soon found them taking effect and with an appreciative but sleepy smile, he soon snuggled with his beloved and prepared, with much relief, for a night of rest. He couldn't have been more wrong.
His dreams started in the usual fashion: a mixture of mystery and romance that always involved Dormé in some way or another. But as he continued to rest, his thoughts began to take a dark turn and soon frightening images that made no sense to him began to haunt his mind. Soon he found himself wandering through a dead forest that overlooked a poisoned but frozen lake that was filled with dead flowers while a phantom of his beloved wept over them. His hands were covered in blood and at his feet were the indiscernible bodies of millions of people, old and young, half-buried in the snow.
Frightened by this sight he tried to escape but to no avail. He tried to reach the weeping phantom of his beloved but something wouldn't let him near her. Anakin promptly realised it was the doppelganger of Dormé, the very one that he imagined the priestess was the night she died. Desperate, he tried to break free but the Dormé in the red gown only smiled mischievously intriguing him further until he began to confuse this Dormé to be the real one who now wept by the dead waters. The result was disastrous for as he kissed the doppelganger the real Dormé that was more a shell of her former self began to die and with her passing Anakin began to die as well. Torn between saving her and escaping from the incarnation of her, Anakin desperately tried to touch the light and dark sides of the Force. It was to no avail for despite his best efforts no matter what he did nothing could save them both and soon both Dormé and himself were dying, drowning, in the inky black tendrils that exuded from the doppelganger's body.
In the real world, the young emperor thrashed and tore about the sheets as he cried out incoherant mumblings about phantoms and poisoned water in Huttese. Through the Force, the fallen Jedi was a complete mess of light and darkness giving the impression he was a drowning man clinging to anything and everything that might save him. Black tendrils intertwined and soon choked out the small rays of light that exuded from his form while the lights in the room popped and the windows exploded. Furniture in the room began to vibrate while the sheets and blankets writhed and twisted like living serpentine beings.
The windows shattered across the room, causing Dormé to awake in shock. Anakin had her tightly locked in his arms and he mumbled and then began crying out in Huttese. She couldn't understand what he was saying, nor what was going on. 'Anakin—' she said, trying to break free as well as wake him up. 'Anakin! Wake up!' she begged as the bed began vibrating and the sheets twisting and turning like possessed water creatures. 'Anakin—' He wasn't waking and she didn't know what to do.
His screams grew worse at the sound of Dormé's voice for in his dreams she was begging for his help but like her he was far too entrapped by the creature that was the doppelganger of Dormé to do anything. Struggling further, he began to cry out to the heavens begging to free his beloved, to save her, to stop the creature that had trapped them both. But the creature only tightened her embrace as their environment began to shift causing Anakin to find himself being pulled into the poisoned lake where from the shore, still trapped, Dormé begged him to wake up. Nothing seemed to work and the more he tried to use his powers to save Dormé the more trapped he became until he was entirely consumed in blackness with only the sound of his beloved's weeping to further haunt him.
Finally she struggled against him, able to break free from his embrace. She ran to the fresher to get water, which she splashed on him, but it was to no avail. She grabbed his shoulders and shook him, but there was still no response. In her panicked state, she began to cry, not knowing what else she could possibly do to wake him. 'Wake up, wake up...'
After the shouting and violence shaking the normally inanimate objects in the room subsided, his body became very still as the drug slowly wore off leaving his exhausted body to finally know a little rest.
Dormé didn't know what was worse, when he was calling out in Huttese and unrecognizable words or when he grew very still, almost catatonic. At first she took it as a good sign, but then she checked for breathing and a pulse. But he was resting finally and she breathed a sigh of relief as she remained vigilant should another episode occur.
It wasn't long after before his eyes snapped open as he drew in a sharp breath. 'DORMÉ!' he cried out with eyes wide and filled with fear and shock unaware that the dream had drawn to a close. His brow was sweating, despite the fact the sheets were long kicked away and she had doused him with water and soon his chest was wet with her tears.
'Anakin, it's all right. Anakin...' She touched his cheeks, straining to situate herself in such a way that she could meet his eyes.
Dormé's voice began to pull this thoughts back but his mind was still lost to the nightmare leaving him jittery and frantic as he stared at her in concern. It was only when he registered her Force signature did he allow himself to believe it really was his wife not the creature that appeared as his beloved. Without warning, he wrapped his arms around her and clung almost desperately as though fearing this was the dream and that the nightmare was real. It was only when he buried his face in her long hair and breathed her scent in deeply that he was able to properly register his surroundings and that he had only been dreaming.
It wasn't until he registered her presence and pulled her tightly to him that she knew he was all right. 'It's all right,' she murmured, stroking his hair and his back as he breathed her in deeply.
As his breathing began to steady, Anakin felt his cheeks beginning to burn. He had yet to take in the disaster that was their sanctuary, although he did register that he was freezing despite the fact he was covered in a cold sweat. Still holding onto Dormé as though she were a life preserver in the midst of a storm Anakin remained silent unable to bring himself to speak or to pull away. There was solace to be found here and though he was still exhausted this was the most peace he had in a very long time.
Dormé exhaled in relief, though after a moment, felt that not only was artificial arm cold, his entire body was doused in cold sweat.
As she stroked his hair and back, Anakin felt his thoughts begin to clear and regain a sense of coherency. Her words too eased a little of his fears and soon Anakin was shyly drawing back a little as he couldn't help but wonder why the room was so cold suddenly. His eyes drifted briefly to the broken windows only to widen at the sight of them.
Touching his cheek, she whispered, 'You're freezing. Let's get these blankets over you, all right?' before shifting to sit up. Swiftly, she pulled the covers over both of them before lying back down and kissed his forehead. It was then she began feeling awful for having given him the sleep draught, realising it was no doubt the cause of all of this.
He could only nod in confusion as he began to register the rest of the damage he had caused during his nightmare. However while this embarrassed him it was the sight of Dormé's wounds that really left its mark on his mind and filled with him with concern and shame. 'By the Force, you're bleeding,' he whispered as she kissed his forehead. Turning on his side he gingerly reached out to touch her wounded arm only to notice more bruises on her.
Dormé hadn't even noticed the bruises cause by his nightmares and it wasn't until he said something that she looked and then her arm and side began to ache. 'It's nothing,' she assured him.
'What have I done?' he said in sorrow as he bit his lip obviously concerned for her. 'We should get that looked at and tended to,' he murmured feeling more than a little ashamed of himself even though he knew he wouldn't have been able to stop himself as he was asleep when it happened.
'Just rest now. I'll have it looked at in the morning.' Dormé wanted to add that she hoped he would get looked at as well, just in case there were any other adverse side-effects to the sleep-aid she had given him.
'At least let me look at it before you rest,' he said gently with an apologetic look as he clamber out of bed to get something to clean the cuts on her arms. After a bit, he returned with some bacta solution swabs and a thick blanket.
'I'm sorry...' she said softly. 'I didn't think about your Force sensitivity and how that would interact with the sleep aid.' She paused, letting out a heavy sigh. 'I've just been so worried about you,' she admitted, though she knew she didn't have to say why, that he would understand it was about his inability to sleep through the night.
He covered her with the additional blanket before joining her. Anakin just shook his head as he gave her an understanding look. 'It's not your fault, after all, it's not exactly something people are generally aware of. I should have been more careful,' he admitted as he tried to clean and tend to her wounds as best he could. 'I'm so sorry,' Anakin apologised again as his heart sunk at the sight of the deep cuts.
'I thought you could try it and hopefully it would help, but even with this, I've failed,' she added, indirectly facing the truth of the matter: that she felt like she was failing him for not providing the solace he needed to get the rest he needed.
Anakin paused in his administrations to study her intently. How he wished he could speak his thoughts, how he wished he knew just what those thoughts were exactly. 'Dormé, you are the calm in the middle of this storm,' he admitted referring to everything from the war to his own personal struggles. 'You have helped, and are helping me, in more ways than I could ever truly explain,' he said gently as he gave her a hint of a smile while reaching out to touch her cheek.
His touch was reassuring, as was his small smile. Dormé needed to know she was doing everything she possibly could do to help him and this let her know that she had been and was. The bacta was cool and soothing and she thanked him for applying it for her.
'The only person failing to help in this situation is me,' he concluded with a sigh as he returned to tending to her wounds. This simple statement, like Dormé's, held more than one meaning as he knew she felt as though she was on the outside right now. But no matter how much he wanted to open up to her, the confusion within wouldn't permit him to do so and so he was forced to refrain out of his inability to make sense of it all.
When Anakin said he was the one failing, she said in a slightly teasing voice, 'Start succeeding then.' She most certainly was not married to a failure and if he didn't believe in himself, then it would be hard to convince him otherwise.
He felt his mood lighten and he couldn't help but chuckle as he made a face. 'All right then. Where should I begin?' he teased back as his expression grew mischievous.
Dormé smiled when he chuckled, unable to pretend she was being completely serious any longer. His proposition made her giggle, thinking that perhaps the drought had accomplished some good after all. At least he seemed more rested anyway.
'Perhaps I should start with you,' he purred as he kissed her throat. Anakin grinned at her giggles and for the moment the nightmares was forgotten. He purred at her teasing words and wink before moving to slip his arm around her waist, though mindful of her wounds, and lean in for another kiss.
'Oh?' she queried as he kissed her throat, already knowing very well where this was leading.
'…with my goals of success being to seduce you to our bed—although we're already there so that's half the battle won,' he concluded between kisses as he gave her a wink.
'And you think it would be that easy, do you?' she teased after his wink.
'Well I do love a good challenge,' he said in mischievous tones, 'it makes the success all the more enjoyable,' he said as he kissed the freckles on her nose and cheeks.
Dormé was hardly about to deny that fact, laughing, but then blushing shyly when he kissed her freckles. There had been a time when she was conscious of them, for compared to the other handmaidens with their clear skin, she had spent more time out of doors than the noble-born and consequently had more. In addition to her calloused hands, it was an additional reminder of her lower class background. But ever since Anakin became her friend, she began to see it in a different light. Instead of a mar, it was an accent to her appearance, just as Anakin's scarring accentuated his features as well.
Anakin honestly had no idea why Dormé used to be so conscious of her freckles. In his opinion, they were quite attractive and downright irresistible. 'It was these little things—' he once remarked to her in the early days of their friendship, 'that adds to your mystery.' Of course, at the time, he was also referring to her calloused hands which was another trait she was conscious about. Though he knew the reasons behind it, Anakin couldn't help but regard it as a sign of strength and he didn't hesitate to tell her as much. He too had calloused hands from hours of training to be a Jedi and it pleased him to know his friend bore similar marks. Had he been able to comprehend it further, he'd realise it was also an unspoken connection, one that brought them together despite the different worlds they came from.
Smiling shyly at him, she touched his cheek and leant in to give him a proper kiss.
Her shy smile warmed his heart and brought a smile to his features as well as he felt her hand against his cheek. Leaning in to close the space, he returned her kiss eagerly while tightening his embrace around her. Moments like this made the exhausting work of the day worth while. It also was the only thing that kept him sane when his thoughts threatened to scatter and completely drive him mad. Dormé truly was a sanctuary of peace and this moment only proved it.
After being away from Coruscant for a week on his latest mission with the Jedi, Dormé hoped she would be able to see him, but as hard as she tried to wait up for him, Dormé inevitably fell asleep before he got home. She briefly awoke when he climbed into bed and sleepily welcomed him home, apologizing, saying she had had an excruciatingly busy day in the senate or else she would have stayed up longer. She nuzzled closer to him and soon drifted back to sleep. Though her dreams were far more pleasant in the comforts of his arms, she awoke very early the next morning, far earlier than she wanted to, only to find that the other side of the bed was empty. Dormé sighed and stretched her hand over the spot Anakin previously inhabited. She closed her eyes again, exhaling again before rising from the bed.
Anakin turned his attentions to the small water fountain that gurgled and splashed in front of him. Sighing deeply, he tried for what felt like the millionth time to clear his thoughts with the intent of meditating. It was a battle that was lost before it even began, and soon Anakin gave up trying. Still too awake to return to bed, though physically exhausted, the fallen Jedi took to watching the bustling city from their balcony. Though he knew it was a selfish thought he couldn't help but wish that Dormé was near to talk to, or at the very least, to hold. But his beloved was resting and he was loathed to wake her for he knew she had a busy day herself and decided that ultimately it could wait until morning.
He could still hear Obi-Wan's words upon the completion of their last mission. Much like the way he could still feel the gentle pride that exuded from the Jedi Knight's Force signature. Supposedly he was now ready to become a Jedi knight -or so his brother believed and with the Council's approval, Anakin learnt he would be undergoing the ceremony of knighthood as of tomorrow. The young emperor knew he should have been proud; this was after all something he had longed to achieve ever since he was a youngling. But all he felt was a rush of fear, confusion and doubt. The ruse had been kept for too long and now he had finally reached the dreaded fork in the road, the one day he knew was coming but could never really believe would ever really happen. But it had and with it the confusion of his mind -the struggles he couldn't entirely comprehend suddenly became crystal clear rendering the young emperor speechless upon hearing the news. It was only with much struggle that Anakin was even able to collect his thoughts long enough to stammer out a polite 'Thank you.'
Nevertheless, the day passed into night and the hour was late when Anakin was finally able to return to his quarters. Today felt even longer than usual; though training with the Jedi and later with the Sith Lord was always a gruelling endeavour. But it was all over now and he couldn't have been more grateful. Leaning against the uncomfortable ledge of the couch Anakin once more began to contemplate his situation and wondered if he'd ever know a moments rest again.
As he stared ahead to the towering skyscrapers and passing ships in the distance, Anakin felt as though the weight of the universe was now resting on his shoulders. He knew he had no right to bear the title of Jedi Knight, just as he knew he wasn't really worthy to fight along side his brother as a member of the Order. But the thought of facing Obi-Wan, telling him that he no longer belonged amongst the Jedi filled him such dread. While he hated disappointing his brother, what Anakin truly dreaded was the inevitable battle and the outcome that it would bring. It wasn't that he cared about offending the Order or of even being caught anymore for he was confident in his skills and training. He also had no qualms about taking on his compatriots or even the members of the Council. It was the idea of having to look his brother in the eyes and tell him that he was now a sworn enemy that left Anakin struggling. There was also the fact that sooner or later Anakin would eventually have to face him in battle.
Swallowing hard, he tried to ignore the lump forming in his throat, while closing his eyes to prevent the frustrated tears from collecting in his eyes. Anakin knew now that his brother was the only reason he was able to go along with the ruse for as long as he did. But he also knew now that this wasn't reason enough to continue playing this game of pretend. Even so, he wasn't certain he was ready to turn his back on Obi-Wan -in truth Anakin couldn't be certain he'd ever be ready.
Despite his decision thus far, he always looked up to his older brother and was quite close to him. He admired the older Jedi for his eternal calm and generous spirit and secretly wished he was more like that himself. But the fallen Jedi wasn't, and the harder he tried to be the perfect image of calm that was Obi-Wan the more he failed. In the end Anakin had to face the fact it just wasn't who he was, much like he found himself facing the awkward truth that he was never meant to be a Jedi. Yet despite the simplicity of the facts and the decision that resulted from it, Anakin was hesitant to reach a decision. He knew what he had to do but it was too painful to contemplate and so he did as he always did –he tried to think of a way to run from it.
Donning a robe, Dormé padded her way to the veranda, knowing she would find him there, hoping he had at least been able to sleep for a few hours. Seeing that the sun was just now rising, in her opinion, it was too early to be alive. She approached and touched his back, checking to see if he had his eyes closed in meditation before speaking. Finding that he was merely gazing out over the landscape, she said, 'I'm sorry I wasn't able to stay up last night to give you a proper welcome home.' Wrapping an arm around his shoulders, she leant her head on his shoulder, exhaling.
Though he sensed her approaching, Anakin initially didn't respond. His thoughts were elsewhere and it wasn't until he felt her touching his back was he able to return to the present. At her words, he glanced back at her and gave a tired smile while moving to touch her cheek. 'It's OK. It's been a long day for the both of us,' he admitted quietly before staring back at the fountain for a moment longer as he slipped an arm around her petite form.
'Been a long week,' she added, having missed him very much. She watched the water in the fountain as he slipped his arm around her waist. Over the years, she had come to learn more about the Jedi, but though they seemed more flexible with Anakin as a royal and as their Chosen One, lately he had been having such a hard time with all they asked of him, as well as his training with Palpatine. She knew all of his hard work was in order to gain the title the Order was about to bestow on him.
The fallen Jedi gave a soft sigh as his fingers instinctively slipped to her long hair. Twirling strands of it between his fingers, his thoughts growing more coherent and his courage returning. Her sigh seemed to say it all without realising he sighed softly as well. He nodded in agreement to her words as he gave a deep sigh 'too long if you ask me,' he admitted in tired tones. With Dormé absence, time always moved at a crawl leaving Anakin almost dreading missions that took him away from her. This past week was no exception and in reality was even worse than normal. But the reason for this he already knew and now found himself in the process of sharing with Dormé.
'My brother seems to think I'm ready to become a Jedi Knight and has already spoken to the council about it,' he began quietly while gauging Dormé's emotions before continuing. 'Apparently, tomorrow I'm to return to the Temple to begin the ceremony that will mark my entrance into the Order as a full fledged Knight.' He fell silent then as he couldn't help but wonder what Dormé thought about it. Though Anakin felt this wasn't the path for him he was willing to follow it if that was what his beloved felt would be best.
Dormé's world was Anakin. If everything was taken from her, so long as she had him, she would have her life. Titles didn't matter to her, but it was something she thought was important to Anakin, which made it important to her too. However, his tone seemed to indicate he wasn't excited about this news. For some reason, Dormé wasn't shocked by this. After everything he had been through for this past year, she didn't blame him for being hesitant about it. She didn't doubt that he would make a brilliant Jedi. She thought he would be amazing at anything he set his mind to, from his mechanical and flight skills to his ability with a lightsaber, she even teased him about being able to cook. Dormé didn't know his brother very well, but he was always cordial to her. If he believed Anakin was ready for the knew responsibilities, then no doubt he was. Her thumb made semi-circles on his shoulder as she listened, encouraging him to tell her everything that was on his mind. Sometimes talking things out was a good way to figure out what your heart already knew the answer was. 'And you want me to talk you out of it,' she said quietly.
Her silent understanding was encouraging just as her gentle touch helped him further relax. But it was her words in that moment that held the most effect on him and closing his eyes he gave a slight nod in reply. '...I can't keep doing this, Dormé. It's not just about balancing my time, though it certainly isn't helping either,' he began. 'The Order believes that I'm the good Padawan who has finally earned the right to stand amongst them as a Knight—' Anakin furrowed his brow as he corrected himself. 'Obi-Wan believes that I am anyway. But he doesn't know the truth and I—' he fell briefly silent as he studied the fountain ahead. If he knew this was the right course of action, then why did he feel so guilty about it? 'I just can't keep up the balancing act between the light and dark side anymore—' he hesitated.
Dormé continued listening intently, though she was just as concerned as he was about this balancing act he had been struggling with. Whatever the Jedi believed about what he was supposed to do or be, it was taking a toll on Anakin and she did not support that once bit. There were a lot of concessions made on Anakin's behalf, things that Jedi, proper Jedi, were not allowed to do or have, such as attachments, possessions, significant others, and, gods willing, children someday... How could he have possibly followed that path when his upbringing hardly encouraged such a life? What about his rule as emperor? How would he be able to fully commit to a holy order when he had his own subjects to think of?
'I just don't think I was ever meant to be a Jedi. I lack the control demanded of me, and the interest. The light side is meant for people like my brother, not me,' he sighed as he furrowed his brow. 'I just don't want him to be disappointed in me, to think that I failed him or that he failed me. He is the only reason I've been able to play this balancing act for as long as I have,' he admitted sadly before adding, 'And I know if I chose to become a Sith Lord I will become his sworn enemy. Because that is always how its been...I just don't know if I'm ready to turn my back on him. I don't know if I'll ever be ready,' he concluded in troubled tones.
It was his brother that had practically been a surrogate father to him and this guilt of even of considering leaving the order made him feel so torn. 'But he is your brother. Wouldn't he respect your decision and love you anyway whatever you chose to do?'
He was so thankful to have Dormé by his side and was even more grateful for her support. Though this was clearly not her arena or interest, Anakin appreciated that she respected the fact that it was an important part of his life. It was also because of this that he was able to speak so freely on the matter despite the awkwardness of the situation. While one would believe that her lack of understanding of the Force would place a rift between them, the effect in was in fact the opposite. Dormé kept Anakin grounded and balanced providing him with a more tangible outlook on life as opposed to the heavily spiritual that was provided to him by both the Sith and the Jedi cultures. As such, when she spoke of Obi-Wan and his relationship, her words reminded him of what he knew to be true. Remaining silent, he drew in a deep breath as he warred within himself and the lingering doubts. 'I hope you're right,' Anakin said quietly. Though his expression was still troubled his body began to relax a little as the weight and meaning of her words left its mark.
Dormé shifted to stand in front of him, while keeping her arms around him. 'I wish I understood more about the Force and Jedi and all of that, but I do know that I want you to be happy,' she said with a timid, early morning smile.
The fallen Jedi couldn't resist a gentle smile. Having her near helped in more ways than Anakin could ever say and at her words he gently reached out to touch her cheek. With amber eyes still sleepy and lips turned up in a shy smile, hair slightly dishevelled from the night's rest and freckles, Dormé was the epitome of beauty. For a moment, Anakin remained speechless as he studied her in silence taking it all in. His smile turned shy as he realized he was staring and bowing his head sheepishly for a moment he soon returned her gaze as he gave a soft sigh of contentment. 'With you by my side, Dormé, anything is possible,' he paused as his expression turned more serious. 'Thank you for this, for everything.' he said softly hoping she would understand all he could not say.
Anakin looked so tired as she studied him, his hand caressing her cheek. It seemed as though he hadn't slept a wink while he was away and she hoped that reaching a decision about this matter would finally allow him much needed rest. 'You're welcome,' she replied softly, glad to see that familiar hint of a smile.
Falling silent then his thoughts began to move forward as he realised that it wouldn't be long before he would have to depart for the temple. Suddenly the thought of returning there alone was a frightening one and he couldn't help but wonder if he'd truly have the courage to go through with it. 'I know this is short notice—' he began as his cheeks warmed, 'but, would you mind joining me when I speak to Obi-Wan?' Anakin asked in timid tones. Though he felt embarrassed by his request, he knew that with Dormé by his side he wouldn't falter. However, he also knew that if she chose to refuse -as this wasn't her faith after all- he would respect her decision and speak to his brother alone.
His glowing cheeks and humble request warmed her heart. Drawing closer to him, her smile broadened. 'I wouldn't mind,' she replied, brushing her nose against his.
Feeling her pull him near the fallen Jedi's smile too widened at the sight of hers just as her gentle reply gave him immense relief. Grinning as she brushed her nose against his the young emperor steal a kiss before drawing back as he grew painfully serious once more. 'There is one last thing I must do,' he said quietly as he moved away from her arms. Drawing his lightsaber he furrowed his brow knowing fully well he was on the precipice of a great turning point. Then holding out his Padawan braid, he activated the lightsaber and staring Dormé in the eyes proceeded to slice off the braid.
It was as though time was moving in slow motion at the turning of the tide. This symbolic action was like a silent oath of loyalty, a physical representation of how everything in the universe could change and yet the two of them would remain.
Though the action itself lasted but a second Anakin felt as though he had just completed a great and long battle. With the tips of the braid still glowing from the burn that severed it from his head Anakin de-activated the lightsaber and hooked it back on his belt. 'We should get ready and leave soon,' Anakin said knowing if he postponed this any longer it was almost certain that he would lose his nerve whether Dormé be by his side or not.
Snapping back to the presence at his words, Dormé nodded and promptly returned indoors to get ready for what the rest of the day would bring. She forewent putting all of her hair up, settling for half down and wore a rich green gown.
As the young royals entered the Jedi Temple, all eyes were on them. The Temple, once warm and welcoming, seemed foreboding for the fallen Jedi who now entered with only slight hesitancy. Instinctively, he reached for Dormé's left hand, wanting, needing, to feel her calloused fingers against the smooth metal of his right hand. Just knowing she was near, gave him much courage and though no one said a word he could feel all eyes were on them. While the young emperor was normally used to this, on this day, it left him feeling as though he were under a microscope. But as his eyes fell onto Dormé, his fears began to fade as he gave her a nervous smile. No matter what was to come, they were in this together and reminding himself of that, he tuned his thoughts to his brother's Force signature. It was where he imagined it would be and soon he was leading Dormé to his former mentor's location feeling more nervous than ever of what he knew had to be done.
It was something Dormé had gotten used to since she first began dating Anakin, and now, bothered her little. When Anakin reached for her hand, she gave his metallic hand a squeeze. Though he normally wore a glove to hide his prosthetics, in this moment, it was fitting he didn't. He no longer had to hide anything. Dormé was proud of him for being true to himself.
Obi-Wan had just returned from his own meetings in preparation for Anakin's knighting ceremony. Though he had expected Anakin would be surprised, he had also expected he would more excited about being knighted. After all, the boy had complained about being ready for the trials for years now, despite the other duties he had as a prince and now an emperor. Sensing Anakin's approach, as well as another person's Force signature he vaguely recognised, he walked to the door to let the emperor and empress inside. Before even opening the door, a sense of foreboding overcame him. It was a shock to see that Anakin no longer had his Padawan braid and this confused Obi-Wan. Something was not right.
Her silent reassurance was just what he needed and soon Anakin found himself approaching the room where his former master and brother was now. As the door parted, Anakin's right hand tightened slightly against Dormé's left. His thoughts immediately scattered but shortly after cleared as he picked up on Obi-Wan's confusion. It was now or never. Without a word of greeting or a polite bow of respect, Anakin drew in a deep breath and unclipped the small pouch that hung from his utility belt. Then in much the same fashion as he did when he first removed the braid, the fallen Jedi looked into his brother's eyes and gave him the pouch. He did not need to say what it held for he knew Obi-Wan would already know.
The pained expression on Anakin's face ought to have said it all, but it wasn't until he gave Obi-Wan the small pouch that he knew what was happening. Though he didn't know that Anakin had chosen to follow the dark side, Obi-Wan knew that Anakin no longer wished to be a Jedi. Obi-Wan opened his mouth to speak, to say something in order to object and have him reconsider this decision, but before he was able to say anything the young couple was departing.
Obi-Wan stood for a moment, speechless, before palming the door closed and turning to dump the contents of the pouch on a nearby table. As was expected, it was Anakin's Padawan braid. Upon seeing it, Obi-Wan turned away as his eyes welled with tears he did not shed. 'I'm sorry I've failed you,' he whispered to his former master. Whether their father could hear him or not, Obi-Wan felt this was somehow his fault.
Anakin knew the minute he gave his brother the pouch he had to leave. To stay would mean certain failure to commit to his decision and so he left without uttering a word. Though he was immensely relieved to have finally done what he knew had to be done Anakin couldn't help but feel a bit sad about it all. He couldn't help but wonder if he'd ever see his brother again or what words would be exchanged between them if they did. He could only hope that Force willing if their paths did cross again it would be on peaceful terms. He had a sinking feeling that it wouldn't.
Later, Dormé wrapped her arms around Anakin's torso as they boarded the transport that would take them back to the palace. 'I'm very proud of you,' she said.
Anakin's thoughts were so consumed by the brief interaction that Anakin barely even registered his surroundings or that he was boarding the transport home until Dormé spoke up. Finally registering his surroundings, Anakin studied Dormé intently for a moment before giving her a shy smile. 'I couldn't have done it without you,' he admitted softly as he wrapped his own arm around her waist and gave her a squeeze.
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