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Ever since the arrest of Queen Amidala, Bail Antilles had stopped at nothing to try to have the newly formed delegation help release her. Mon Mothma and he did everything they could politically, despite Padmé’s own words advising against it. She didn’t want them drawing too much attention on themselves and their secret movement and today, the senate convened for the trial of the Nabooan Queen.
When the emperor and empress arrived in their grandeur, the entire hall roared with cheers and applause in every native tongue. None of Padmé’s handmaidens and bodyguards were present, Bail noted, having a feeling it was because the Vaders didn’t want sympathizers present to sway public opinion. Bail swallowed hard as the noble queen gracefully took her place in the middle of the stadium. She was handcuffed and three clone troopers guarded her. From his viewscreen, he could see her stoic expression and during the questioning, her flat, sturdy voice and fixed gaze hardly conveying any emotion. Padmé knew it was a mock trial, of that, Bail was certain. But it was a slight hesitation and look in her eyes as the trial drew to a close that made him almost feel her disappointment.
The Empress stood, her scarlet gown folding garishly over her slightly swollen torso, to convict Queen Padmé Amidala, a verdict that was already decided before this trial began.
Anakin found the entire trial to be most boring and, in reality, only tolerated it because he enjoyed watching his wife in action. This was more Dormé’s arena and she excelled at it without even trying. The young emperor watched with pride as his childhood crush stood against his beloved. He knew without question that Padmé was guilty but there was something so satisfying to hear the verdict stated against her for all to know.
Just before the imperial pair killed the queen, Padmé said quite clearly, ‘It will take more than that.’ The words hung in the air.
Bail fought to keep tears from coming to his eyes, watching Padmé’s body fall lifelessly to the floor. ‘Mind your manners and keep your heads down. And keep doing all those things we can’t talk about. All those things I can’t know. Promise me, Bail.’ Queen Amidala, Padmé, was dead…she was dead…
While it angered Anakin that even in her final moments, Padmé showed no sorrow or remorse—that she would so openly mock justice by challenging them even now—it was a fleeting thought as immediately his wife drew her blade and the Naboo queen was dead even before her body hit the ground. Unable to resist a proud smile, Vader watched as the Empress openly challenged any who would dare to oppose them.
The empress looked around at the senators, her sword still dripping with the queen’s blood. ‘Are there any other objections?’
For a moment the silence was so thick one could have heard a pin drop and this too filled Anakin with such pride.
‘What about you, Queen Eekway?’ asked the empress.
The representatives of Wroona floated near the imperial royals.
Bail watched with guarded interest as Queen Eekway spat at the empress.
The spittle was deflected by the empress’s bloodstained sword before she sliced the queen’s lips. The cries of those on the Wroona platform seemed to annoy the empress who promptly slaughtered them all.
The foolish queen of Wroona had the nerve to spit at his beloved! Anakin almost lost control of himself as a result. However, Dormé was swift and thorough in dealing punishment leaving the Sith Lord to watch on as his beloved removed the entire Wroona platform.
‘You would do well to think of your people, the population of your planets! Think long and hard about the peace we have brought to the galaxy, where bureaucrats, corrupt barons and slave traders demoralize and persecute your people. The Empire seeks to end the corruption that has plagued the galaxy for centuries.’
The auditorium once again erupted in cheers in support of the Empire.
For Vader, it was thrilling to watch her attack and destroy their opposition, her body like a living weapon and her blade just an extension of her person. Watching her perform this strange blade dance left him feeling as though he were in the presence of a goddess. In his mind, Dormé also reminded him of a warrior queen, one who represented the face of justice, who would not stand or tolerate those who dared to oppose her. She was magnificent to say the very least. As the last body fell to the ground lifeless—their blood intermingling and trailing about the ground like streams of red—it took all of Anakin’s willpower not to have his way with her right then and there. But not wanting to interrupt her moment of triumph, Vader refrained and permitted her to once more address the audience, while watching her with eyes filled with pride, admiration and love.
‘Henceforth let this message be sent to all those who ignorantly oppose us: you will not be granted the peace our empire benevolently grants those in our domain.’ Dormé enjoyed ensuring the peace they had strived so hard for would be protected so that their children would grow up in an ordered galaxy and have a grand imperial legacy to inherit. The thrill of it all was enhanced by the feel of her beloved’s eyes on her as she personally took care of the insurrection. She couldn’t have done this without him. Once the trial concluded and Dormé ordered the clone generals to dispose of the bodies so that no memorial could be held for the traitors.
Now more than ever, Bail would strive to end this empire, the manipulations and falsehoods it fed the public. Or he would die trying. He vowed Padmé would not have died in vain.
After what seemed like an eternity, the trial reached its completion and now with the witnesses departing, Anakin didn’t hesitate to pull his wife into his arms. ‘You were absolutely magnificent,’ he purred between passionate kisses. ‘But I think the public has basked in your presence long enough, now its my turn,’ he said in throaty tones wanting to enjoy her right there and then not caring who might see them or what they might think.
Promptly pulled into Vader’s arms, Dormé melted into his embrace. She never could get over just how well they knew each other’s minds. She didn’t have to tell him just how much she wanted him at that moment. Hardly aware anyone could see them, Dormé pushed him back into one of the chairs as she continued kissing him passionately. As there was little room for manoeuvrability, she didn’t realise she had in the process of doing so, accidentally pressed the controls that made the podium lower into the office that once belonged to the Supreme Chancellor which Dormé made into her own.
Anakin soon lost himself in the embrace of his empress and could only purr in pleasure as she pushed him back into the chairs. How he had longed to do this ever since the trial had begun, but now it was all over and finally he enjoy his beloved. Holding her close and returning her kisses with hungry ones of his own Anakin barely even registered that they were being lowered into Dormé’s office. But even if he did he would have hardly cared as when Anakin was in Dormé’s arms nothing else really mattered.
It wasn’t until their passions were at least temporarily sated that Dormé registered their surroundings and wondered how they got there. However, she only giggled in response, giving Anakin another slow kiss.
As they paused from their passionate embrace -albeit briefly- Anakin caught Dormé’s giggle and furrowed his brow in reply before realising they were no longer in the main hall. Raising a brow he was about to ask just how they got here but at Dormé’s kiss he no longer cared. Eagerly returning her slow kiss he pulled her close as his fingers slipped to her hair, undoing the pins before the door parted and another entered. Sensing they were no longer alone Anakin scowled catching sight of the man attempting to quickly depart.
The security guards entered her office, not realising the emperor and empress were there, with intentions of leaving her a report of the popular opinion vote. Clearly taken off guard and embarrassed, the officer was about to turn on his heels and leave when he inadvertently alerted them of his presence.
Growling, he shifted in their seat and demanded to know the reason for his rude interruption and just why he didn’t have the sense to use the chime. If it wasn’t for the fact that Dormé was in his arms it was safe to say the man would have been dead before his body hit the ground.
If anything was indecent, in Dormé’s mind, it was the fact the young guard had not obeyed protocol by entering her office without permission. It was a mistake he would not make again.
‘I-I-er—’ the officer stuttered. ‘Ther—the—umm, results the empress requested—’
‘Oh yes!’ Dormé cheered, bounding off the platform quickly rushing over to take the datapad from the officer before shooing him away.
The officer promptly bowed to the empress, even though it went unnoticed and left the royals alone.
Dormé practically skipped over to Anakin, beaming.
Raising a brow in curiosity, he watched as his beloved returned looking most eager and pleased.
‘Look! Oh this is brilliant!’ She glowed, knowing they had won over the popular vote. It seemed almost too easy. It didn’t even matter what the senate thought. Their public loved them.
Grinning as her joy was addictive Anakin took a glance at the polls and was most pleased to see the results. ‘And here the senate is of the belief that we’re nothing more than devils that everyone despises. Fools.’ he said shaking his head in obvious amusement before pulling her back onto his lap as he leaned in to steal another kiss. ‘With peace restored and our opposition nothing more than a memory, I definitely say we have reason to celebrate, don’t you?’ he purred between kisses.
Dormé chuckled happily at his assessment. ‘Mmmm,’ she replied before kissing him back. Devils. As if those mindless bureaucrats who enslaved their people and cared only about commerce were any more than devils! ‘So much to celebrate,’ she said huskily before kissing him again. ‘Suggestions of where to begin?’ she whispered into his ear, grinning wildly.
Anakin grinned at her reply before eagerly kissing her back before her whispered suggestion was answered with another passionate kiss. ‘Let’s start with heading to the bedroom and we’ll go from there,’ he purred in reply as while he enjoyed being here Anakin knew it wasn’t exactly the most comfortable spot for such celebrations.
Dormé whole-heartily agreed with Anakin’s assessment and soon the pair were headed, albeit taking twice the amount of time it normally did, to the palace and their bedroom where they could more comfortably resume their well-deserved celebrations. This was only the beginning of what would soon mark another turning point in the history of the galaxy.
It was always very difficult falling asleep when Anakin was away from home and this past week was no different. She began feeling quite ill and though she visited the medical ward daily, she thought in the back of her head that it was more than morning sickness. Missing Anakin certainly didn’t help matters, but as the elite imperial doctors said there was nothing abnormal about her symptoms, she didn’t contact him. Though she was offered various herbal supplements to ease her nausea, she refused, not wanting anything to interfere with Aené’s development.
This morning, the sharp pains and bleeding began. Panic and despair overwhelmed Dormé as she sped to medical ward, fighting through tears and piercing aches, in her nightgown, praying to Nisaba to save her baby. ‘Our third little one, our little Aené, please don’t take her from me…please…’
‘…heartbeat irregular…’
Lying on the examination table, she felt the pangs of premature labour, but lost herself clinging to fading hopes and preparations for Aené’s future. Though she had been reluctant to become attached to Aené at first because of the first two failed pregnancies, Aené had made it past the first critical months and was now well into the sixth month. Why was this happening now?
‘…can’t explain what’s happening…’
They had nearly completed the designs for her room! What happened? Had Aené given up on her? Had she deemed Dormé an unfit mother? Everything had been normal until now. Why was she no longer able to stay?
‘There’s nothing more to be done…’
Dormé could barely registered what the warbling medical droid was saying. The doctor looked as perplexed as the attendant, but the contractions were blindingly painful and then it was over. The attendant cleaned her up and wrapped a warm blanket around her. ‘Aené?’ she asked.
Frowning, the doctor admitted, ‘We’ve lost her. I’m sorry.’
Whimpering, Dormé covered her mouth as tears flooded her eyes anew. Hardly caring about her own health, she tossed off the blanket and stood. Though her legs felt like jelly and she was shaking, she staggered over to where they had Aené. Dormé reached out to touch her tiny form, wanting to hold her, to kiss her, to ask why she couldn’t stay, to say goodbye, but upon seeing Aené, she collapsed.
In her dreams, Dormé was in a vast forest. A little girl with a ribbon in her hand was dancing and giggling a few feet away. Dormé called to her, trying to warn her about something, but the little girl kept dancing further and further away.
When they reached a clearing, she saw the little girl was wearing a long white gown and a tiara on her head. The ribbon was long since tossed haphazardly along the forest floor. She approached slowly and got onto her knees in front of the girl.
‘Aené, sweetheart,’ Dormé began, trying to reason with the precocious girl.
Aené reached up and took off the tiara, placing it on Dormé’s head, smiling an all-too-familiar mischievous smile. She then hugged Dormé.
Dormé hugged her back tightly as though if she were to release her, she would disappear.
Aené kissed Dormé’s cheek and wiggled out of her arms, tearing off again into the darkening woods.
‘Aené!’ Dormé called, chasing after her, but she was nowhere to be found. The trees seemed to melt away, leaving Dormé in darkness alone. ‘AENÉ!’
And somewhere in the blackened forest, a melody played. It took a moment for Dormé to recognise it as a Uriashian lullaby.
Initially he was too lost in the battle to notice it but the music grew gradually louder, demanding his attention. A strange sensation of pain began to course through his torso forcing the emperor to falter from the battle. His prey took advantage of this and soon sent him on the defensive. But the Sith Lord was stronger and soon was taking charge of the fight once more. That was until another sharp pain in his torso distracted him once more.
This time the Jedi decided escape was the wisest course of action. It was only because of the dark side that Anakin was even able to ignore the pain and continue the chase. Soon the pain was nothing more than a memory and his prey was once more cornered and within range of his lightsaber that thrummed with life and longed for death.
Snow blew all around them despite the fact that the rocky mountainside blocked the worse of the snow storm. The Jedi showed no fear, nor desperation only the strange sense of calm that always left Anakin feeling agitated and deep down envious. However just as he was about to swing his blade, to end the hunt, a little girl stepped out of the blizzard and in front of his prey.
Time seemed to move of its own accord in those moments and Vader could only watch in horror as though viewing his actions in slow motion. The youngling girl studied him intently with beautiful eyes of amber that didn’t entirely hide the hint of mischief encouraged by the freckles that decorated her nose. But before Anakin could register or comprehend who this child was or what she was doing here, his blade met her flesh and her spirit joined the Force, leaving behind only the body of the girl with the tussled blonde hair falling lifeless into the snow.
Staggering back in horror, Anakin finally realised who this strange youngling was and immediately deactivated his lightsaber in reply as a whimper escaped his lips. ‘Aené?...Oh no...Oh Force no...’ he whimpered as he choked out a sob as he leaned against the rocky mountain side. His legs felt as though they were made of liquid. He knew what had happened even before feeling Dormé’s crushing pain and sorrow that flooded his thoughts. Their little girl was gone, taken away from them by the Force that had only a short time ago blessed her to them.
Consumed with sorrow over the loss and fear for his wife, Anakin promptly raced back to his ship, not noticing nor caring of the tears that were already freezing on his cheeks. Leaving behind the lifeless Jedi he had so mercilessly killed to receive an icy burial.
She was normally grateful that Dormé’s beast of a husband was out of the palace given the situation, but there was a very small part of her that wished he were here, not for anything than to act as support for Dormé. Though Saché wasn’t one who was renowned for her empathy, the former handmaiden’s heart went out to Dormé nonetheless. She passed through the children’s wing where the Jedi younglings lived and played. Though it wasn’t her intention to remain long—as she was on her way to cross check security on this particular floor—Saché couldn’t resist the temptation of watching the little one’s play in the playroom for a bit. While she wasn’t familiar with any of the Jedi younglings, she did enjoy watching them play when the opportunity availed itself, which wasn’t very often to say the least.
Dormé made her way, albeit slowly, to the area of the palace they had begun to work on as Aené’s room. There was a blanket she had begun making for her by her own hands, a technique she learnt during her time in the factories, but this was a labour of love. Aené wouldn’t be needing it anymore. Why did the gods or the Force or whomever was responsible take Aené away? Why should she place her faith in gods if they were just going to destroy her? She was so angry and yet despairing, thinking of those younglings from the Jedi temple. There was no way she could bare to see them now. If Aené, her little princess, had deemed her unworthy, how could she possibly look after other younglings?
Lying the unfinished blanket back on the chair, she decided that she would have them sent away to Naboo. She would make sure someone placed them in good homes, without telling anyone they were saved from the Jedi Temple. She summoned an officer to relay a message to her former mentor to have the older woman meet her here, for she was too sore to move and yet not wanting to leave as if to do so would admit the truth, that Aené was dead.
‘Lady Maberrie, as you requested, Your Highness,’ the officer said, bowing after introducing her and quietly leaving.
Dormé did not move from where she stood, facing away from the door, staring at the half-finished blanket she laid on the chair. She heard Saché enter and it was only then that she slowly turned around to face her.
Saché remained silent watching Dormé already knowing what had happened and feeling terrible for it. She could only imagine how hard this had to have been for Dormé especially considering how young the empress was—just twenty-three—and the fact this wasn’t the first one she had lost.
It was almost a comforting sight, seeing Saché. She didn’t bother hiding her tear-stained cheeks from her. It was as though she was seeing her sister. Despite her attempt to be resolute and emotionless, it was hard. Her voice strained to remain even as she said, ‘I would like you to take the Jedi younglings to Naboo...find g-good homes for them...’
As the younger woman turned to face her, Saché’s expression softened further. She nodded in understanding, knowing how hard this had to be for Dormé and already vowing to do everything in her power to ensure the children had good homes. ‘Consider it done, Your Highness,’ she said softly before stepping closer and shyly pulling the young woman in for a hug. She tried to ignore her fragile state how frail and thin she looked. It troubled Saché deeply, leaving her wishing she could do something, anything to help her little sister with her pain.
‘Thank you,’ Dormé replied, a knot catching in her throat before she could say anything else. She didn’t feel like having to explain her reasoning behind it and knew she would if Saché asked. The hug caught her off guard and she stiffened slightly before hugging her back. She let out a shaky sigh, but forced herself not to cry, wanting to be strong.
Saché didn’t need any explanations for what little she knew was enough for her and silently she comfort her former protégé. Dormé’s shaky sigh caused the older handmaiden to lightly rubbed her back as though she were an older sister comforting her younger one. ‘If there is anything else I can do, anything at all just let me know, OK?’ she said softly wishing there was something more she could do to help.
Dormé pulled back though remaining in her arms as she nodded, fighting tears. ‘I just want them to have good homes. Don’t tell anyone they are from the Jedi Temple.’ This silent protection of Force sensitives, many of whom husband slaughtered without second thought, would speak for Dormé in the future. She couldn’t talk about what happened today and was thankful that Saché didn’t question her actions.
Saché fell silent as Dormé drew back. She nodded in firmly in understanding ,finding hope in Dormé’s request. This sort of protection was generally unheard of in the empire, as Lord Vader had made it a personal vendetta to remove all whom were associated with the Jedi. ‘Their secret will be safe with me,’ she admitted softly before furrowing her brow as she took in Dormé’s appearances once more. ‘You should probably rest. You’ve been through a lot,’ Saché continued in gentle concern. ‘Do not dwell on this matter any more it’s in good hands I assure you,’ she said softly wanting to reassure Dormé that her decision was the right one. That she would stop at nothing until every one of the younglings were in safe and happy homes.
Though she drew away, she found her legs were still unsteady and inevitably grasped Saché’s arm. She knew she could trust Saché and it was this hope that would help her in the future. Instead of ordered, Dormé merely requested, ‘Would you mind helping me—to my quarters?’ She was supposed to have remained in the medical ward, but couldn’t bear to stay there where Aené died.
‘Of course. You need not ask,’ she said kindly before helping Dormé to her quarters. Upon arriving Saché was quick to get her some ice water and asked if perhaps she could get her something to help her rest. She didn’t depart until she was certain Dormé was as all right as she could be.
As Dormé lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, she tried to clear her head, but finding it still reeling from everything that happened. She had started the day full of life and now it felt like she was dead inside, a shell of her former self. Her mind kept going over the silliest and stupid things that might have caused this to happen. None of it made any sense. Later she would remember how kind Saché had been, how she had offered to help in any way she could... But right now she was too consumed with Aené’s death to think of anything else. She wished Anakin was with her.
Showering the robot with questions about Dormé’s condition and the details about what had happened, Anakin desperately hoped to find answers. As always, the response was the same, leaving Vader even more despairing than before. Finding this to be yet another lost cause, the Sith Lord quietly departed without another word exchanged between himself and the machine. He didn’t bother asking where his beloved was for Anakin was fairly certain that he would know where to find the empress.
Anakin’s return home had been a painful one and though he hadn’t slept a wink during the entire trip he hardly felt tired as his thoughts were solely on Dormé and their daughter. As he roamed the hallways he soon picked up her Force signature and knew that she was in the playroom where the Jedi younglings often played. Unaware that Dormé had sent them away Anakin for a moment was hesitant to join her there knowing of their reaction to him and feeling too out of sorts to handle such rejection. But almost immediately he realised there was no powerful Force signatures to be found nearby and though he didn’t know the reasons for this Anakin wasn’t about to miss this opportunity to see his wife and promptly entered the playroom in silence.
Almost as soon as he stepped in, the Sith Lord found himself struggling to contain his sorrow. He didn’t need to see Dormé’s face to feel her pain, nor to see the effect this entire ordeal was having on her. Though her back was facing him Anakin could see the signs that marked her suffering. Her skin normally glowing was pale while her body already petite seemed even more fragile than ever before. However as hard as it was Anakin did his best not to dwell on it as it was too painful to consider where this was all headed. In silence, he approached her, unable to ignore the tears that were already beginning to spill down his cheeks. While he was able to keep his emotions somewhat contained during the journey home, the sight of her looking so broken tore at his heart and made it impossible to control any longer. Moving in front of her, the Sith lord wrapped his arms around her petite form and drew her close to him. There were no words to describe his sorrow, no words that could possibly comfort his pain…
Dormé was so lost in her grief that she didn’t know what time of day it was or how long she had been in the playroom in the exact same position. She hadn’t slept or ate, nor had she been able to if the chance was offered. She didn’t register Anakin’s presence until he was wrapping his arms around her. The physical pain from the ordeal had been until that point the only thing that made her aware that she was still alive, that Aené had passed, not her. Finally, now that Anakin was here, she was able to openly mourn for their daughter. She sobbed into his chest, feeling as though she were breaking in two. Never in her life had she known such pain as she did now. She had never looked forward to anything in her life, never made plans, never counted on such things and now... Now everything she had planned was in ruins. What were they fighting for? What was the point of this stupid empire and everyone in it? She didn’t care anymore. She felt so completely and utterly useless and ultimately missing Aené whom she loved so desperately.
Holding her close, Anakin soon fell prey to his emotions and silently wept in sorrow with her. He couldn’t help but feel as though they were both drowning in an ocean of sorrow, with no one to turn to and no hope in sight. How much more punishment must they endure? Had they not done the will of the Force? Had they not restored peace and security to the people? Why did the Force feel it so necessary to continually bless them with such joy only to steal it away again? His thoughts ran wild as his fears grew and blossomed into despair and confusion. Would they never know the joy of being parents, the loving responsibility that came with raising their own children? Or would this living hell just continue until they went mad from the pain of their losses.
As he clung onto Dormé, the Sith Lord silently begged the Force to answers his pleas, to end this madness once and for all, to punish him for his sins against the younglings at the Temple, not Dormé, who had done nothing to deserve this pain, this curse. As always, only silence answered his desperate pleas. After what felt like an eternity, his tears too eventually subsided leaving him gulping down shaky breaths of air as he continued to rub Dormé’s back and run his hands through her hair. Though his gestures were meant to comfort her, it also helped sooth him a little knowing that she was near and understood his pain as well.
Despite everything, Dormé was thankful that they had each other. She didn’t know what she would have done if he hadn’t returned home. ‘I saw her,’ she whispered, her voice barely audible against his chest. ‘She—Anakin...’ She caught her breath, unable to continue.
Anakin caught her whispers and furrowed his brow feeling new tears returning to his eyes as the lump in his throat returned with a vengeance. ‘...I know...I saw her too...’ he whispered in sorrow filled tones as her voice faltered. His embrace tightened around her and Anakin drew in a shaky breath as she spoke his name. Closing his eyes, he swallowed hard as the tears once more began to spill as the memory of his own vision returned with a vengeance.
‘Anakin...’ She knew she didn’t have to say anymore. She didn’t know what they were going to do.
Why? Why must you punish her like this? She is innocent! She has done nothing to deserve this! I am the one who murdered the younglings at the Temple not her. I am the one who deserves this pain, not her. Anakin inwardly pleaded with the Force as he clung onto his beloved feeling as though the entire universe was conspiring against them.
Once word reached the public about the death of Princess Aené, thousands of flowers were laid outside the palace doors. Some held candlelit vigils in her memory. There were many who hated the Empire and all it stood for who sympathized with the royal couple’s grief.
All of this was lost on Dormé who wanted her little girl back as well as the other two who returned too soon to the stars. They had a memorial created for her, in which Dormé placed the finished blanket she had created for Aené. Her only consolation was that at least Aené had company wherever she was. But there was solace to be found in this world, with her grieving husband. In time, Dormé’s body deemed her spirit ready to move on, as painful as that final step would be.
It was the first time they made love since the loss and it was a moment Anakin would never forget for as long as he lived. Hours later, he could still taste her tears on his lips, recalling how he kissed them away as they spilled down Dormé’s cheeks, not caring that his own mingled with hers.
Dormé cried for many reason. This meant they were moving on with their lives and she didn’t want Aené to think they would forget her. Dormé also cried because she loved Anakin so much and had missed this. It was a big step, but a move in a positive direction. Perhaps now, she would be able to forgive herself, to let go and stop punishing herself for things that were out of her control. Perhaps now, she would be able to sleep.
Her body, silky soft like the petals of the idaceae that decorated their bedchambers, was still intertwined with his flesh. Her arms were wrapped tightly around him, just as his own held her with equal fervency. It was hard to ignore the desperation of their embrace, the unspoken understanding that Anakin didn’t dare dwell upon but couldn’t deny. Much like the way Anakin couldn’t ignore the feel of her bones beneath his lips where soft flesh once was when he kissed her body, how fragile she felt in his arms.
Wrapped in Dormé’s arms—like a second skin protecting him from his broken heart—Anakin for the first time in what felt like an eternity was able to find a moments rest. Yet as the sun began to peer through the shades of their bedchamber, the young Sith Lord knew that this moment of silent security would soon draw to a close. Deep down he knew that the events of last night was more than just a gesture of love, it was the mark of two broken souls beginning to heal.
Though the storm was far from over, and hope just a distant dream, Anakin could already feel the results of Dormé’s healing touch taking effect. The tears he shed were like a healing balm for his wounded heart, just as the taste of hers was like medicine for his shattered spirit. Dormé’s touch, so gentle and so fragile, did more for him than anything in the universe ever could and never in his life was Anakin more grateful to be able to have her to hold as he was in that moment.
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