It had taken the emperor longer than a week to learn the simple Uriashian phrases his wife had taught him and even longer to learn how to phrase them correctly. One slip of the tongue or a missed pronunciation, Anakin, discovered could change the entire meaning of the words used. Tones and proper verbal flow was equally necessary, though this was entirely lost on the young emperor who still fumbling with the most basic phonics. In his opinion, Huttese, and even Basic, was far easier than this complex language.

Despite his inability to grasp the Nabooan dialect, Anakin was eager to learn what he could and make the most of what little he did know. He wanted to make a good impression on the younglings they would be visiting today in the empress’s home province. The schools they were to visit were just one of Dormé’s many projects and Anakin was eager to see first hand the end results of his wife’s hard work and dedication. All over the Coruscanti Empire, new educational and paediatric facilities were being built to ensure that no child would ever suffer from a lack of education or proper health care. It was but one of the many improvements made to the empire since Dormé had taken her rightful place as empress.

After her grandfather’s untimely demise, Dormé inherited rule over the mercantile town of Uriash on Naboo, however, the empire had already taken control of Naboo after Amidala’s execution. Dormé was quick to have Uriash undergo complete renovations. After child labour laws were reinforced, she had new hospital and paediatric facilities installed. A few years ago, a new school was built in her name. So much had happened since then that she hadn’t paid it a visit and now found it was high time she did. Dormé also wanted her family to see the town in which she grew up, despite the tragic memories the place bore. They wouldn’t bring their children on public outings, even with the increased security, for it just wasn’t safe for them.

‘Siliam...soom,’ he murmured with furrowed brow as hot water poured out from the shower soaking his dirty blonde hair. ‘Greetings,’ Anakin continued translating the statement to himself before further continuing his little speech as he attempted to introduce himself to the showerhead.

Muttering a Huttese curse, he frowned while struggling to recall his title. It was a simple word, he recalled, which was why he was certain he couldn’t remember it anymore as all the other words seemed complicated and a struggle to spit out. After a few failed attempts to recall the word, he softly sighed. He had no choice but to call upon the wisdom of his wife. Though it would have been easy to hop out of the shower and ask her in person, Anakin had a penchant for boiling hot showers. The cool morning temperatures hardly suited the Tatooine native’s taste and having to disentangle himself from the comfort and solace of Dormé’s arms was hardly enjoyable either, despite its necessity. For this reason, he shouted from the fresher, ‘Dormé? What’s the word again for emperor?’

Dormé was nearby, having showered before Anakin, knowing that Anakin would use up all of the hot water. She heard him trying to practice, even if he didn’t think she could hear him, and she thought it was terribly amusing. ‘Lugal!’ she called back to him in response, grinning at her reflection.

Anakin furrowed his brow at Dormé’s reply as he heard another word entirely. ‘Urgal?—Are you sure? I thought that was a swear word!’ He wasn’t about to give Dormé language lessons, especially considering it was her first language. He continued to practice, hoping to ease a little of his nerves over the visit.

Dormé giggled at his reply. ‘No not urugal! It’s LUGAL!’ she said with raised voice, but clearly he couldn’t hear her.

From the showers Anakin strained to hear Dormé’s laughter and reply. Through the pouring of the water he heard hulgul instead of lugal.

‘Thanks!’ he shouted back before muttering the incorrect translation evil ones repeatedly to himself as he put it to memory.

Considering all that had passed, Anakin was more than conscious of himself and how the public viewed him, or more exactly, his family because of him. But Anakin was determined to mend the damage he had done in any way he could and wasn’t about to let his nerves get the better of him. Recalling the rather public events that led to the Humbarine civil war and the even more public atrocities that shortly followed, the former Sith Lord gave a nervous sigh. While this was enjoyable in its own right, there was a part of him that couldn’t ignore the fact that this was punishment of another sort. The thought of facing the younglings after all he had done left Anakin feeling incredibly conscious of himself and nervous as well. Though he was tending to his demons and had reached a point where he could now see their children again Anakin still felt unclean and unworthy.

‘And it’s silim-ma he-me-en,’ she added, though heard no response.

Though his brother told him that a true recovery would mean learning to forgive himself, Anakin knew it was easier said than done. Even now he still struggled at times to be around their children and always felt so shamed and unworthy to any and all kind gestures shown to him by them. However despite his fears and nervousness Anakin was grateful to be able to join Dormé’s side and be involved in something that meant so much to her. He just hoped that his presence wouldn’t entirely ruin everything for their goodwill tour. The emperor feared that there would be no students for them to speak to upon their arrival to the schools.

But this thought was cut short as the water in the shower turned icy causing Anakin to curse loudly as he gave a shriek before using the Force to shut off the water as he rushed out. ‘Stupid echuta shower! Almost turned me into a damned ice cube!’ he groused not registering the fact he had been in the shower for some time now. Shivering from the icy water, he attempted to warm himself with the towels, but they were of no avail. The emperor rushed back into their bedchambers where he proceeded grabbed the blanket from the bed and swiftly wrapped it around him. Moving quickly to Dormé with an impish grin on his features, he attempted to wrap said blanket, and his arms, around her shoulders. ‘Force help me, it’s freezing out here!’ he admitted as he tried to warm himself by snuggling with Dormé.

Dormé had just finished doing her hair when he was enveloping her in the now sopping wet blanket. ‘Anakin!’ she protested. ‘I just finished my hair—and now you’re getting me all wet! We have to leave for Naboo soon—’

The emperor laughed at Dormé’s protestation as his thoughts turned impish. ‘We don’t have to leave that soon,’ he chided as he kissed her neck and nip at her ear. ‘Besides, I was only trying to warm up,’ he continued as he gave her an impish grin that about said what was really on his mind.

‘You’re terrible, you know...’ she said as he hit a particularly sensitive spot on her neck, causing her to gasp. Thoughts of frustration soon filtered away as she responded to his impish administrations and returned them in kind.

Anakin grinned at her words knowing she was only teasing and rather enjoying her reaction to his teasing. But despite her remarks her actions spoke louder and soon visiting the schools was the last thing on Anakin’s mind as he eagerly took advantage of the opportunity given.

---

As exhilarating as this diversion was, once Dormé’s thoughts returned to the present, she was quick to remind him of their duties.

Fortunately, Dormé was able to bring Anakin’s mind back to the present and remind him of their journey. In good spirits though a little nervous about forgetting the pronunciation of the Uriashian Anakin proceeded to get dressed. At the sight of their son sneaking into their room Anakin gave a warm smile as he slipped on a shirt over his black pants. He was only too aware of Laic’s hesitance and was mindful to give the boy a little space out of respect to him.

However on this day it would seem it wasn’t necessary and as Laic asked about Naboo and informed them that everything was ready Anakin grinned as he gave Dormé a wink. ‘See? I told you we’d have enough time,’ he gently teased before nodding agreement with his wife as she informed their son that they were almost ready.

‘Always,’ Dormé replied, giving him a kiss before slipping off to change.

Once Dormé was dressed, in a different gown than the one Anakin got all wet from his escapades, they boarded the imperial vessel and set off for Naboo. Dormé spent half the ride having her hair fixed while Runa watched and giggled. Runa enjoyed playing with the expensive, shiny headdresses.

Laic, who was no longer scared of his daddy, though he was still a little hesitant around him, snuck into their room and asked about Naboo. ‘Because the ship is ready to go and packed and everything,’ he explained.

Dormé smiled at their son, saying they were almost ready, though she still had to dress and would end up forgoing pinning up her hair until they were in flight.

Laic remained behind, studying his daddy. ‘What’s Maboo like?’ he asked, still mispronouncing the. ‘Uncle Obi-Wan says there is a lot of water, some that comes off the mountains.’

Anakin grinned as he knelt down to Laic’s height before growing thoughtful. ‘Naboo is exactly as Uncle Obi-Wan says but there is more to it than just waterfalls and mountains. I was once told it is the most beautiful place in the galaxy, I never believed them until I met your ama,’ he admitted in soft but proud tones.

‘When I first saw her I knew that they were right. Only the most beautiful place in the universe would ever be worthy of being the home to the most beautiful woman in the universe,’ he concluded with a proud smile. But knowing that this was hardly an answer to the question presented to him the emperor was soon speaking of the strange and unique animals that lived there and of the huge fields and forests where one could explore. He also told Laic of how it was just the perfect place for one to practice and play with the Force as it was filled with so much life.

Laic didn’t quite understand all that his daddy was telling him about the beauty of Naboo, but when he started talking about the creatures living there, he was incredibly excited and hoped to see some of them too, although he would come to be wary of the water creatures. While Daddy spoke of using the Force there, he immediately grew concerned, thinking Daddy would start using the bad Force more and grew quiet.

Anakin felt Laic’s excitement over the possibility of witnessing some of Naboo’s native animals and decided that he would have to find a safe way for their son to see some of sights. The thought of being able to spend some time outdoors doing some exploring would be most enjoyable for them and he grew a little eager himself. But as he spoke of the Force figuring Laic would enjoy the silent interaction between the animals and the life around him Anakin sensed a shift in his mood. The silence and concern could not be ignored even by the emperor and he immediately knew why. His expression fell as he was once more reminded of his behaviour from before. Furrowing his brow he softly clarified that perhaps he’d prefer to do that with Uncle Obi-Wan instead.

When Daddy explained that Uncle Obi-Wan would be exploring the Force with him, his anxiety lessened. He felt the sincerity in Daddy’s tone, which was reassuring.

Runa consequently continued to mess up her hair as she explored the ship and got into anything and everything she could, so had to have Daddy fix her hair over and over again.

The journey was an enjoyable one for Anakin who watched as Dormé did her hair before attempting to braid Runa’s—though failing miserably. In between, he continued to practice his speech while attempting to clear his thoughts of his nerves.

Dormé found it incredibly endearing how eager Runa was to have Daddy braid her hair. She always seemed to prefer him because Ama did it too tightly.

Though Runa’s braid was far too loose to remain in her hair for long, Anakin found it relaxing to braid her hair and was pleased that their daughter didn’t mind his failed attempts. It always warmed his heart to know she wanted him to braid her hair and though he repeatedly would fail, he enjoyed trying again and again.

The Uriashian school was modest in appearance, though they decked it out for the royal visitation. Dormé made sure their children were not present for the public outing, so they were safe and away from the protests standing outside of the school.

Though Anakin missed their children he knew it was for their own safety that they remained with the handmaidens. The protests though peaceful at the moment were hardly a stable environment for their children to be around and it once more made him conscious of the past and his responsibility for it. However knowing this mindset would hardly be useful Anakin focussed on the present and the introduction he was to give which was making him quite nervous. Fortunately, the protesters messages and words were in the local tongue and thus was missed by the emperor. However, he could only imagine what they were saying and immediately felt protective of Dormé.

Their security, though unnecessary in Anakin’s opinion, remained near Saché who was Dormé’s silent bodyguard. It was only at the insistence of the elder handmaiden that Anakin tolerated the idea—not because he felt he couldn’t protect his wife but to silence Dormé’s loudmouthed mentor.

Dormé was thankful Saché and Anakin didn’t spend too much time arguing over security matters. She ignored the harassment from those protesting their royal visit. The slurs and taunts would be enough to upset Lady Vader, but she refused to take it to heart. The protesters were ignorant and she wouldn’t acknowledge them.

The arrival to the school however was hardly peaceful and Anakin though used to having eyes on him at all times was extremely conscious of it now. Not because of the judgment it held towards him, rather how it would affect their views of his wife and family. Lady Vader was ever a lady and paid no heed to the rude remarks thrown at them though Anakin struggled not to glare at them, nevermind throw rude gestures at them with his hand.

Soon enough they were entering the school and escorted by the head mistress to the grand hall where they were to give a speech in benediction for the school. Dormé gracefully led the ceremony, using very formal Uriashian and offering her blessing for the school before Anakin was given a chance to speak. Though the school and the students and faculty were receptive to the royal couple’s presence, Dormé could see in their expressions that they were trying to be polite while struggling not to reveal their true feelings on the matter. It was, after all, a royally funded school, and they had little choice in allowing them to visit.

Following the headmistress the emperor silently slipped his hand into Dormé’s. But once she began her speech, the former Sith Lord stood back as he watched her with much pride. She was magnificent and lovely to behold leaving him once more breathless in awe and affection. Unfortunately, it also meant much of his practiced speech or rather the pronunciation of it was long forgotten and when it came his turn to begin the emperor felt a rush of panic. Forcing his thoughts clear he attempted to properly introduce himself to the children and teachers there. He couldn’t have butchered the language anymore if he had tried.

Dormé hated this feeling: that they weren’t welcomed, not really. She wished they knew the truth, and understood their true reasons for coming...to show their children Naboo and her hometown of Uriash. It pained her that even now this place was not home, nor remotely like one. Even so, she remained steadfast and gracious in her bearing as she spoke. She watched with loving and encouraging eyes as her husband spoke, but cringed at the mispronunciations that altered the meaning of his speech. It took all of the willpower in her being not to correct him as the students laughed at him.

Watching on from the background, Saché barely heard the words spoken and even if she did, she wouldn’t have understood. Her knowledge of Uriashian went only as far as the foul language she heard Dormé use upon occasion back when she was still a handmaiden-in-training. Her thoughts were not solely on her duties to the Vaders. Even now, it was hard to ignore the dark looks brought on by the protesters the disgust that was riddled on the school mistress’s expression upon seeing her. The woman knew she was a native of Naboo—her accent was a dead giveaway—and was less than impressed believing she supported the emperor’s rule. She couldn’t have been more wrong if she tried, but Saché was under oath and while her loyalties rested with Dormé, ultimately it was Mon Mothma and Lord Organa who were her masters.

However, when it pertained to the safety of Dormé’s children, loyalty took on a whole new meaning for Saché, which was, in reality, the true reason she was even here and fought Anakin on the matter of his security. Through her contacts, she received word that there would be an assassination attempt. While much of the details were denied to her, the former handmaiden learnt enough to know that both Laic and Runa’s lives were at risk. The rebels were unaware that Vader’s brought their children along with them, believing that they were still on Coruscant under the watchful care of Lady Sabé one of their many contacts.

Saché would have normally been proud to know that Soren’s security team ensured that little if any were aware of the fact the children had come along, but now only dread filled her thoughts as she struggled to find a way to reach the necessary people and contacts. She had to warn them that the younglings were with their parents and that the attack would have to wait lest more innocent lives be lost. Though she was respected amongst her colleagues, there were many who questioned her loyalty and Saché was certain that she would have to fight long and hard to ensure that the assassination attempt did not go through.

When Anakin concluded his speech, Dormé quickly apologised, explaining that the emperor was just learning Uriashian. She then took his hand and they soon departed. She was concerned by everyone’s opinions of them and though she was unaware of the assassination attempts in the works, she honestly wouldn’t be surprised by them. While her own life meant little to her in comparison to her children and husband, she wanted to get back to them. In family she would find peace and solace from this madness. The streets were more violent than before and she remained close to her husband, gripping his arm tightly.

Everything seemed to have fallen apart during their brief visit and the emperor was immediately watchful for trouble. As much as he enjoyed joining Dormé’s side for this tour, with things being as volatile as they were, he couldn’t help but look forward to returning home. Being here made him fearful for the safety of both his wife and their children. Dormé’s tight grip on his arm only confirmed his concern and touching the light side of the Force, Anakin did his best to ensure that he knew where any and all possible threats were and to be prepared for anything that would threaten Dormé and his family.

Once they returned to their temporary quarters in the nicest hotel in the district, Dormé was quick to check on Laic and Runa. Laic was going over his colours while Runa played with whatever she could get her hands on. After seeing they were content, Dormé took Anakin aside to speak of what they might like to do with the rest of their visit that would conceivably be safe for the children with what the situation was. ‘Perhaps we ought to relocate to Theed,’ she thought aloud, though she wished it were not the case. Anakin too was eager to look in on their children, to remind himself that they were safe and all right. Though he knew they were OK, it was a relief to see it in person.

‘I don’t see how relocating to Theed would be any safer,’ he remarked softly in concern. ‘Wouldn’t the resistance be expecting us to spend time in the Naboo palace? Unless you think it would be best to give the impression that we are the palace when in reality we’re elsewhere?’ he offered.

Dormé nodded in agreement. ‘They would expect it,’ she said.

Anakin grew pensive as he fell silent to Dormé’s words. She was right of course but Anakin knew something had to be done lest they constantly be living in this fearful mindset the entirety of their tour. ‘We could make a public departure of our ship—have droids operating it—while we remain behind. But then we’d have to lay low for a while,’ he admitted before nodding to Dormé’s question.

‘But how could we make them think we have left if we haven’t? And I hesitate to use any method of decoy, as it would put their lives at risk. Are we certain they do not know about our children?’

‘Captain Typho ensured that no one knows of the children, save our security. I checked up on it personally—despite your loudmouthed mentor’s needless attempt to defend the captain,’ Anakin concluded as he shook his head.

Again, Dormé found nothing to disagree with. She couldn’t deny how disappointing this was. ‘It’s hardly how I wanted this visit to go,’ she lamented.

Anakin’s expression grew troubled at Dormé’s words and silently he slipped an arm around her back where he gently rubbed it as she expressed her concerns. ‘I know what you mean,’ he admitted softly.

‘It feels as though their eyes are everywhere,’ she added nervously. She put a hand to her head, trying to think of what threat the resistance truly posed and what would be their best move, if they were to stay for the duration of their trip.

Anakin knew it was his fault and felt terrible for it but at the same time he knew Dormé needed his support just as much as he needed hers. Together they would get through this, both as a couple and as a family.

‘First we should get whatever we need off the ship and return empty cases to the ship to make it look like we’ve packed...’ Dormé wished such things were not necessary.

Anakin’s thought moved forward as he nodded in agreement. ‘That’s a wise idea. In the mean time, I’ll have our security prepare a smaller less noticeable ship to take us to our next destination. ‘I’m sorry it’s come t this,’ he said sadly.

Anakin gave a deep sigh at Dormé’s admittance. In truth, he felt much the same though upon their arrival on Naboo he promptly learnt otherwise and like his wife was now incredibly worried for the safety of their children.

‘I didn’t think things were so bad,’ Dormé admitted. ‘I’m just—’ She shook her head. ‘I’m worried about Laic and Runa.’

‘They’re going to be OK. We’ve done everything we can to ensure they’re safe and to guarantee their protection at all times,’ Anakin said in quiet sincerity.

Her hand slipped to the hair on the back of his neck, running her fingers through it.

He closed his eyes to her touch before opening them once more.

‘Their ignorance is not our fault,’ she murmured.

He studied her amber orbs intently. ‘I know it isn’t, but at the same time I know I’ve brought this, all of this, on us. If anyone is to blame for their anger and distrust it is me,’ he softly concluded.

‘Don’t say that,’ she murmured, continuing to stroke his hair. As much as she wished everyone else could forget about the mistakes of the past and move on, it was an impossible dream. Not many were as understanding as she was, even if they knew all of the details. Some wounds needed more than time to heal.

Anakin furrowed his brow and gave a soft sigh at her words as he silently pulled her near to him. ‘I’m just glad you understand and know I’ve truly changed,’ he admitted in soft and sincere tones.

At Anakin’s words, she kissed him before the two of them finalized plans for their feigned departure and went to spend time with their children.

As the day wore on and Anakin and Dormé contented themselves playing with their children, Dormé focused on trying to beat Laic at his holo game, though she was very unsuccessful at it. Laic just laughed in amusement, but soon was drawn to the game Runa was playing with Daddy. However, he wasn’t very keen on his use of the Force, even if it was the light side.

Anakin happily used the Force to float her blocks around her or skid away to hide behind her plushies while she squealed and laughed in delight.

Anakin pretended each block had personalities, pretending that the blocks were talking and mimicked them escaping from her grasp.

It was only when he picked up on Laic’s discomfort did the shame return and quietly he shifted the game to something less involved with the Force. The last thing he wanted was to make their son any more uncomfortable around him then he already was.

‘Laic,’ Dormé said, trying to get his attention as she noticed he was sidetracked.

Dormé looked to Anakin as though able to sense his shame and sadness over Laic’s reaction to Daddy wielding the Force. She tried to distract him, but didn’t succeed until Anakin was no longer using the Force as much. As much as she wanted them to see the sites of Uriash, which were far more enjoyable than they had been when she was a child, and cleaner too, she knew it would not be conceivable, at least not until the threat was gone.

---

When the day turned to night, Dormé tucked Laic and Runa in, singing to Laic as he requested and listening to Anakin tell Runa a story as she requested before they too headed to their bedchamber. Dormé was in the process of taking down her hair and undressing when a loud crash resounded nearby, though not in the direction of the children’s rooms. ‘What was that?’

It sounded like a window breaking, but she couldn’t be sure. Dormé had no idea what was going on, but trusted her husband’s instincts.

Anakin was in the midst of telling Runa a tale when he felt a shift in the Force marking that danger was near. Looking to Dormé he was about to excuse himself when he heard the sound of a crash. His heart lept to his throat and looking to Dormé he promptly rose to his feet.

‘I’ll look into it,’ he promptly said just as Sabé was entering her expression a look of concern. Saché too was near but appeared more stormy than fearful.

‘You grace we have a problem,’ she stated in terse tones to which Anakin just nodded. ‘Remain here, both of you. I’m going to find out what’s going on,’

Sabé nodded silently in reply, Saché frowned but also remained.

‘You’re supposed to be on that ship!’ Dormé objected to Saché, now thinking this was far more dangerous than she previously thought.

Laic was soon entering, rubbing his eyes, wondering, ‘What’s going on, Ama?’

A rather furious Saché tried to keep her thoughts together while reminding herself that she had done all that she could. But Dormé’s question drew her back to the present as she gave a frustrated sigh. ‘Our contacts informed me that they had caught word about an attack that was in the works. So I went under guise and returned so as to prepare for it as there wasn’t enough time or information to prevent it,’ Saché said softly as she furrowed her brow in agitation.

Laic’s eyes grew wide upon feeling the rush of panic in his daddy and those he took out via the light side. He clung to his ama’s gown.

‘I’m sorry, Saché,’ Dormé said, shaking her head. ‘I didn’t mean to yell...I just hate feeling—’

But before she had a chance to say anything further, Runa had awakened as well as was in a worse mood than Laic. She was crying and this further irritated Laic’s senses, making him tear up as well, though he didn’t vocalize his fears.

Sabé watched on wishing she knew how to use the Force to send soothing thoughts to Laic who was obviously frightened by the ordeal and more than aware of the situation. But this wasn’t possible and so gently she tried run her hands through Laics hair hoping to help sooth his thoughts in some small way.

Saché just shook her head and gave her an understanding look marking no apology was necessary. But before further words could come to her Runa woke up and was less than pleased at being awoken. Sabé assisted Dormé in whatever way possible as did Saché whose skills with children were limited but was no less determined to try and help.

Dormé did her best to comfort the children, offering to take them to the adjoining room to lie down together. She thought it would help calm them down.

---

Anakin swiftly departed for the halls in the direction of the Force signature he sensed entering their temporary quarters. It soon became clear to him that the destroyed window was to act as a distraction to divide his security. However, his Force sensitivity gave him the upper hand, leaving Anakin about to order the small security team to get into position. However, it would seem Saché had thought ahead as they were already in the appropriate stations and now were engaging in their enemies.

The rush of protective rage was hard for Anakin to ignore, but he managed to keep his thoughts under control. Reminding himself of the fact he had brought all of this on his family, the former Sith Lord forced his thoughts to clear. Moving swiftly to where the intrusion was occurring, he silently touched the light side of the Force and using a skill that his brother had taught him, proceeded to cause the attackers to lose consciousness one by one. It was a difficult task, as there was many of them and the panic it caused wrecked havoc on his senses, but in the end, he managed. Though the entire ordeal left him light-headed, the emperor was pleased to say not a soul was lost.

Once the intruders were all in a deep state of sleep, the emperor ordered his security to have them arrested and transported back to Coruscant. ‘I want none of them harmed or killed,’ Anakin clarified in weak tones, exhausted by the extensive use of the light side of the Force. Though Anakin was healed enough to comfortably use the light side, he was still getting used to using such large amounts in such a short period of time.

The clone commander nodded to the emperor’s request and informed him that he would be notified with any and all updates on the situation.

The emperor nodded before excusing himself as he departed for their living quarters once more. He would have to speak to Captain Typho about where to go with this matter next, as judicial matters were hardly his forte. Anakin briefly considered speaking to Saché about it, but knew her lover was far more informed than she ever could hope to be.

Upon returning to their private quarters, he was quick to check up on Dormé and their children but was stalled by Saché who demanded to know what had happened. ‘We have them all and all have been properly arrested. There’s quite a few so you better set about getting some transports ready to take them all back to Coruscant,’ Anakin stated briskly as he walked past her.

Saché nodded in reply, though this was missed on the emperor just as was the small hint of a smile crept into her features. If to judge his words correctly, it sounded as though he hadn’t killed them. Upon speaking to the clone commander, she promptly learnt that none had been harmed either and were all now unconscious and had been stripped of their weapons. Though she was loathed to admit it, Saché couldn’t deny that she was proud of Anakin.

While Laic appreciated the compassionate presence of Lady Sabé, ultimately it was his ama who provided the most comfort and once Runa calmed down, he was more at ease.

Dormé was grateful for Saché and Sabé’s help, but worried about what was going on. When she heard Anakin’s voice outside, she could hear the intensity of his tone, but not what he was saying. She continued rubbing Laic’s back and her hand through Runa’s hair, to keep them as calm as possible.

Anakin swiftly returned to his family with a look of tired relief. Nodding to Sabé, he sheepishly thanked her for keeping watch over them in his absence before joining Dormé. ‘Everything is under control and has been dealt with. The intruders—all of them—are now unconscious and have been taken to holding cells aboard the ships. I’ve ordered the Clone Commanders to have them shipped back to Coruscant where Captain Typho will take over the arrests,’ he admitted quietly as his eyes drifted to their children.

Upon Daddy’s entrance, Runa bounded over to him, hugging his leg, exhausted though she was. She called out to him, mumbling sleepily how happy she was he was there.

Laic remained close to his ama while she was stroking his back.

Anakin’s expression grew soft at the sight of Runa bounding over to him as best as her sleepy legs could carry her. Picking her up, Anakin kissed her cheek and gave her a loving smile. ‘Force, I’m so glad you’re all okay. That was far too close,’ he continued in obvious concern.

Dormé was so relieved to see Anakin, but his words also added to her concern.

‘I want to go home,’ Runa murmured.

‘Me too,’ Laic agreed.

Dormé looked remorsefully to Anakin, but she didn’t think that returning would be the best idea just yet.

The emperor’s expression grew troubled as he furrowed his brow. ‘We’ll go home soon,’ he agreed though as his eyes met with Dormé’s own it was obvious he shared her views on the matter. ‘But right now, you two should be getting some rest,’ he remarked softly as he tried to clear his thoughts of his fears and concerns. Now was not the time for such thoughts, as he too was tired and knew that making decisions on no sleep was not a wise idea.

‘I want Daddy stay,’ Runa mumbled sleepily, growing content in his arms and not wanting him to go.

Laic was too big for Dormé to carry, so she just held his hand and escorted him to his room, tucking him in again. She brushed his hair from his eyes and kissed his brow, remaining near until he fell asleep before going to her own bed. Her thoughts were heavy. However much she wanted to bridge this gap between their people, the worse it became. She had no idea what was in store for the future of their empire. Would there be anything left for their children to inherit?

Anakin kissed Runa’s brow as he nodded to her sleepy words. ‘Daddy’s not going anywhere little one,’ he softly replied before departing with her to her quarters where he tucked her in and kissed her goodnight.

Long after Runa had slipped into slumber Anakin remained near watching over her while his thoughts ran wild. It seemed Kei was more accurate in his assessment of the situation than Anakin would have cared to admit. But it seemed the more they tried to tend to matters, the more complicated it became. Anakin couldn’t help but wonder if there was any hope left for their empire, or was it truly on the verge of its downfall like so many others that came before it. In the end, he realized it truly didn’t matter to him anymore, so long as his family was safe and happy.

---

While Sabé aided with escorting the Vaders to Naboo, Obi-Wan remained on Coruscant tending for the moment with matters of the Alliance with Prince Bail Organa. Bail was insistent on the matter that the public, who was becoming more vocal against the Vader Dynasty was in need of action and thus the public protests, such as those Sabé spoke of in Uriash, were increasing in number. Obi-Wan was reluctant to have the Alliance step in and their views on political matters vocal, as he was still working with Anakin on managing his problems with the dark side and did not want to agitate the already tentative balance.

Bail disagreed with the majority of Alliance members and agreed with Obi-Wan on this, but when Captain Typho returned from Naboo with the members responsible for an assassination plot, they knew the time for holding off was quickly drawing to a close.

Obi-Wan did not feel this was boding well for a peaceful transition between political powers, but was also so relieved that his brother had not used violence or aggression against those threatening his family. He soon took off for Naboo to intercede and encourage his brother in his use of the light side of the Force. Whether or not other people, including Alliance members, were able to see or appreciate the change in Anakin, Obi-Wan was incredibly proud of his brother and wanted him to know it.

Dormé, meanwhile, was incredibly on edge and anxious about this trip, but was not about to disappoint her children, whom she had promised would be able to see at least some of the sights of Naboo. Their tour was no longer than a few hours and left Laic and Runa slightly disappointed that they didn’t get to stay longer, but the increased security and the paranoia of Dormé made it brief.

Anakin felt as though his heart was in his throat for the rest of the trip, however, as much as he wanted to return to the safety of the royal palace, he had promised to show Laic some of the animals. So, like Dormé, he too showed them what he could though making it far briefer than he would have liked. Anakin was more than a little fearful of their children’s safety and given the events from the night before, he couldn’t be certain they wouldn’t attack again.

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A/N: One more chapter before the fourth and final instalment of The Empire tetralogy, The Empire IV: The Skywalker Family begins! Remember to add 'Cariel' to your author alerts and check the livejournal community for updates!

Since this website has been a little on the fritz lately, in order to make sure you're kept up to date on chapters, I definitely suggest popping in to the LiveJournal community, where I regularly post all the newest fic updates... community(dot)livejournal(dot)com/anakin(underscore)dorme/profile