The Empire
Part Four: The Skywalker Family

Once in space Anakin quietly set the ship into autopilot as he set course for the one place he was certain they’d be able to disappear for a time, Tatooine. With the complications of the Rebels and the public as well as personal complications that were for now resolved the Hutts were able to take full advantage of the Empire’s crumbling state. Now they were in full control of Tatooine and while this for intents and purposes was a danger Anakin knew that anyone who wanted to disappear need only come to this dusty sand bowl. Tatooine was the last place in the galaxy anyone wanted to spend any time in, nevermind live. But for now it would seem it was about to become their home.

Slipping his arms around Dormé’s petite waist, Anakin remained silent as he struggled against the despair and sorrow that flooded his thoughts. It was only when the dusty planet came into view that the former emperor found the strength to speak once again. ‘Tatooine will be safe for us at least for now,’ he whispered hoarsely before falling silent as he knew any further words would only encourage tears.

Watching the planet come into view, she struggled against tears, exhaling a shaky breath. ‘I suppose the palace wouldn’t be a good idea,’ Dormé said softly, figuring it would only give their position away and lend to the rebellion finding them or the Hutts attacking them.

Anakin nodded weakly at Dormé’s words though he couldn’t deny that it was his first option, despite the fact it had been years since the palace was last in use. It was hard to think clearly with emotions running so high and his thoughts always turning to the past, to the little ones who could not be with them. Silently he tried to think of the regions of Tatooine that would be safe to live without the constant threat of the Hutts or worse the rebels. There was few places he knew of that would prove safe enough for them and it was with them in mind that he began to guide their ship in the proper direction. It was Dormé’s words that drew him back to the immediate matter of collecting supplies and food to which he nodded. He knew he would have to find a job and was grateful for the fact he did have some skills that might prove handy and might serve to help support them in the coming days.

Dormé struggled to think logically and in the moment, not to think about what they left and who they may not ever see again. ‘I’ve got credits and some jewels to barter with.’ Her hand slipped to her arm where she bore her wedding band. She was loathed to part with it, but if it was absolutely necessary, she would. Hopefully the rest of their hurriedly packed wealth would last them long enough.

His eyes wavered in sadness. He knew how much it meant to her and gently he slipped his hand over hers. ‘It won’t come to that. I’ll sell everything else I can before letting it come to that,’ he whispered in sincere tones.

‘Even the clothes off our backs,’ she attempted to joke as she shifted her hand to take his and give it a squeeze.

Anakin gave a sad smile at her attempt to joke appreciating the fact she was trying to lighten the mood. Feeling her hand squeezing his eased a little of his nerves. Though it was painful and he knew this was just the beginning it helped to know he wasn’t entirely alone, that they had each other to help guide them through this hard time. ‘Besides, Tatooine isn’t renowned for being up to date. Anyone who is on the run from the law, from their enemies or even themselves can find refuge here. I’m certain it won’t be hard for me to find a job under a pseudonym. No one will know and we’ll be able to begin again,’ he gently assured her.

Begin again. Dormé swallowed hard, fighting back tears as she nodded. ‘I know how to cook. I could learn the local favourites and attempt to work at a restaurant if they need someone. I can sew and embroider if there’s a textiles shop...’

It shamed him to think that his own skills wouldn’t be enough to support both his Queen and himself but he knew that life on Tatooine was harsh. That this was very much a possibility and one that he could not afford to ignore, it was only when she spoke of working at a textile’s shop that his expression grew dark as he shook his head. ‘If our options are that bad that you are forced to work then so be it. But I will do everything in my power to ensure you never set foot in a textiles factory or shop again. Some lines have to be drawn and I think we can both agree that you’ve been through enough already without having to return to the memories of that past.’ he said in gentle but firm tones. He knew enough of about the horrors of Dormé’s past to know he’d rather die than force her to relive them again.

Dormé disagreed with Anakin, but kept her thoughts to herself. She knew Anakin hadn’t truly worked a day in his life. He had no idea what it was like living outside of a palace, aside from his times on the frontlines. All of his life he had been spoiled and treated specially because of his title and noble blood. She had a feeling things were going to get much worse before they became any better.

Their arrival on Tatooine began on a quiet note but there was much to do and little time to do it in. As Dormé predicted, Anakin had little if any experience with life in the real world. While life on the frontlines was brutal in its own right it hardly exemplified everyday life for those who lived outside the palace.

Noting the time of day, the former emperor knew they would need a place to stay soon. Life on Tatooine was hardly safe during the day nevermind night. Scouting the small town near to where they had landed Anakin with luggage in hand approached the nearest inn they could find and demanded to speak to the one in charge as they would need a place to rest.

Dormé was wearing one of her expensive gowns and the innkeeper immediately recognised her. The man quickly obeyed out of fear, unaware of the circumstances that brought the Vaders here.

Had Dormé not been so distraught over the loss of their children and their lives, she would have been more aware of the innkeeper’s reaction. Unfortunately, she only went along with Anakin, not moving from his side.

Anakin was relieved that the innkeeper didn’t put up a fuss or make any demands over the credits he gave. It would seem despite the fact the Hutts ruled this territory Imperial credits were accepted. It gave him hope that they might be able to survive for a bit till he was able to find a decent job to readily support them.

Placing his hand onto the security card, their room was activated, permitting them access to it right away. Collecting their luggage Anakin silently departed to their quarters with Dormé by his side.

Unfortunately the Vader’s arrival was hardly subtle and soon everyone was a buzz pertaining to the reasons for the royal family’s journey here. To say most were less than pleased was an understatement, but it wasn’t to say there weren’t others who knew how to make the most of this situation. It wasn’t long before word reached the Hutts pertaining to the arrival of their less than welcomed guests.

Once the door shut behind them, the truth hit Dormé without restraint. Looking around this pathetic excuse for a room, which had one small bed and literally nothing to make it look like home, Dormé felt her eyes filling with tears once more.

The room was hardly what Anakin was used to and the sight of it caused his heart to sink. It too was a silent reminder of all they had lost and how far they had fallen. Lowering the bags to the floor, he gave a soft sigh before his attentions turned to Dormé who spoke his name. As his eyes met hers it wasn’t long before his own tears started to spill.

‘Anakin,’ she murmured moving in front of him as the tears spilled down her cheeks. ‘Anakin... How can we--’ she began, though she was not able to finish her question.

He just shook his head to her words as he pulled her near struggling not to completely break down. She didn’t need to speak what was on her mind as it mirrored his own thoughts. Holding her tight the former emperor bowed his head and softly wept. Not for this, but for their children now millions of miles away, for his wife who longed for them as much as he did. And for the sins he tried so hard to undo, only to watch as his family paid the price for them.

Sleep didn’t readily come for Anakin who held onto his wife tightly as they rested or rather tried to rest. His thoughts were filled with sorrow, regrets and concern for the future as he struggled to think of how they’d be able to move on. Their children were their life and now they were gone, how could go on without all they held dear. It was then that he was once more reminded of how fortunate they were to have each other. Even when Anakin was about to drift into a very light rest, his embrace around Dormé never faltered.

How could they move on? How could they start a new life without their children? For hours, Dormé just laid in her husband’s arms, not speaking, unable to fall asleep. It felt as though the entire universe had it out for them. It wasn’t until early that morning that they found out just how true this was.

The door flew open. Dormé inhaled sharply. Blaster fire rang out, just missing her head.

Anakin’s eyes snapped open as he moved quickly to cover Dormé just as door flew open and blaster shot was fired barely missing her. ‘What the iquicha is going on?’ he breathed in shock before swiftly leaping to his feet. Instincts took over and swiftly he used the Force to grab his lightsaber which was activated as soon as it met his hands. Staring at the alien he couldn’t help but wonder who this person was and just what they thought they were doing.

Dormé had no idea who was after them or what their affiliation was. It was a Saurin, but that’s all she could tell.

‘Get the echuta out!’ he hissed in Huttese but the man was hardly unnerved and soon was firing at him. Anakin swiftly blocked the attacks before using the Force to cause the bounty hunter’s blaster to slip from his fingers. He had no idea what was going on and was more concerned for Dormé’s safety than anything else.

Dormé was too shocked to cry out or even defend herself, let alone reach for her clothes as Anakin’s crimson blade lit the room. Upon seeing there were more of them, Dormé looked around the room desperately for a way to escape.

‘Get out!’ he growled only now using the Force to mind trick the man into leaving. However it was too late as behind him were many more and they too held weapons of equal strength and looked both unamused and hardly fazed at the sight of their emperor garbed with only his lightsaber.

Seeing that there was no escape, she asked the attackers, ‘What do you want from us? Do you want us to leave? We’ll leave—Please, don’t shoot...’

Anakin stared in disbelief at the people that now surrounded the entrance. At Dormé’s words Anakin lowered his lightsaber cautiously to mark that he wasn’t about to attack unless he had to defend either Dormé or himself.

The locals were hardly impressed by the empress’s words though it was obvious they were uncertain as to why they were here or what brought them to this place. It was strange that there was none of the usual collection of masked stormtroopers or officers, nevermind security but for the moment it didn’t matter. One spoke up and some of the others began to chuckle in reply. ‘Is this what the empress is reduced to?’ asked one. ‘Begging?’

Anakin scowled in reply as he took a step further. ‘You dare to burst into our chambers, rouse us from our rest and then threaten my queen! Who in the blazes do you think you are?’ Anakin snapped. ‘If you wish us to leave then so be it but surely you could at least have the decency to go about this properly instead of breaking down the doors and threatening us like a bunch of thugs!’ he challenged.

The ringleader smirked as he drew his weaponed and powered it up. ‘Fancy that it never bothered either of you before when it was us staring at the other end of your blasters.’

Others chuckled at the fact they burst in on them in the nude, finding it made them more human instead of untouchable royalty.

When someone made a crude remark about this, Dormé was furious. She stood beside Anakin, taking his free hand with her right hand, facing them unabashedly. If they were going to make a mockery of them, they would be the base ones, not Dormé and her king. She stood noble and tall before them as she asked them to allow them time to collect their belongings and that they would leave without qualms.

It took all of his willpower not to unleash his rage, to lob off their heads as they mocked both his queen and himself. But Anakin knew if he did he’d only prove to them that he was what they believed him to be and not wanting to stoop to their level he clenched his jaw and fell silent as Dormé politely spoke. The result was disastrous as the ringleader laughed shaking his head.

‘Why should we show mercy when you have shown our families? Our children none?’ he snapped only to fall silent as his eyes glossed over. Anakin silently had touched the Force and through it suggested in their minds that they leave and return home to their families. Giving Dormé’s hand a squeeze he softly explained what he had done as the crowd departed from the halls.

‘It won’t last long and they’ll be back but at least it buys us time to collect our things and leave with some dignity,’ he admitted sadly.

Dormé hoped she would be able to appeal to them, but it was clear they were having nothing of it. Thankfully, Anakin touched their thoughts and they departed. She agreed, knowing as well that they would have to depart. She was tired, still exhausted from having hardly any sleep the night before, but it would not be long before she was completely worn out from the extent of their journey.

Anakin swiftly got dressed and helped pack what little they had in the ways of belongings. He did his best to ignore the exhaustion that plagued the both of them as he tried to focus his thoughts on their next destination.

She quickly dressed and packed up what little they had taken from the luggage, prepared to depart. At least they had already paid for the room so there was no time wasted there. She wondered where they would go next and just what sort of reception they would receive there. ‘Perhaps we should purchase some local attire to have a better time fitting in?’ she thought aloud.

‘Definitely a good idea, although how to go about it without causing a stir?’ he asked tentatively. ‘The minute we enter any town all eyes will be on us. Although I could a mind trick again,’ he offered feeling awful that things were proving to be worse off than he had initially imagined. While Dormé kept a strong face, Anakin could already see how all of this was wearing on her.

Though it was early in the morning, Dormé was already finding it incredibly hot compared to Coruscant let alone Naboo. ‘What about getting cloaks out to be less conspicuous? I know it’s really hot...but I can’t think of a better idea...unless you’d rather just one of us go?’

Anakin didn’t mind getting cloaks and truthfully found the warmth to be incredibly soothing. But he knew this was hardly the case for Dormé and at her suggestion he only one of them go he nodded. ‘The Tempest isn’t very cool, but it’s more comfortable than what it will be like in a couple of hours,’ he admitted.

‘I’ll leave it activated when I’m gone so the cockpit’s temperature is kept at cooler levels. I’ll be as quick as I can and I’ll try to get us some water as well. We’ll need it,’ Anakin admitted. He hoped this time they’d have a bit better luck but he didn’t count on it.

‘Are you sure?’ Dormé asked, now feeling concerned about even letting Anakin out of her sight, even though she knew he was more than capable of taking care of himself.

Anakin nodded at her question as he gave her a reassuring smile. ‘I won’t be gone long and I know its only going to get hotter from here,’ he admitted feeling concern over her health. Dormé hadn’t had a chance to sleep nor eat. And under the Tatooine suns such simple factors were not only dangerous but deadly.

Dormé nodded in understanding, already knowing what Anakin intended to say. He didn’t need to finish his statement. Once they arrived back at the ship, she agreed and climbed in, waiting for him to try lowering her body temperature. She didn’t feel the effect right away, but before he left her hands felt colder which was a good sign. ‘Maybe we should save the The Tempest’s energy for later if we need it.’ She didn’t want to be wasteful and was worried about running out of supplies as well as a means of escape if necessary.

‘You’re right. It’s just you haven’t had a chance to sleep nevermind eat and I’m worried the heat is going to get to you, I just don’t-’ he faltered but soon continued forcing himself not to dwell on such things.

She kissed his cheek, hoping he wouldn’t run into further entanglements on his short trip. It made the most sense for him to go, as he was more familiar with Tatooine, was fluent in Huttese, and was familiar with the local customs and foodstuffs.

Promising to return as soon as he could he kissed her lips and swiftly departed.

While he was away, all Dormé could think of was their children. She was so worried about them. She hoped nothing prevented Saché from getting away safely...nevermind Obi-Wan for even though he was a Jedi, they were considered enemies of the empire...not that it really mattered anymore. What if something happened? What if they were already dead? What if all of their efforts were in vain? She covered her mouth as she once more succumbed to tears. Dormé cried until the exhaustion caused her to fall asleep.

The journey wasn’t long but it felt like a million years for Anakin who was hardly familiar when it came to tending with the locals. His formal stance and air of arrogance ensured he would come by nothing easily. In the end it was the sight of his lightsaber that forced him to return prematurely to The Tempest as the threats and recognition elevated to the point where mind games were necessary. Ultimately he was able to barter for some clothes for Dormé and himself and get some food as well as water. He had been hoping to find some fresh blue milk as it was said to lower one’s body temperature which was at this point more important than the fact Dormé enjoyed it as much as him. But things had grown too desperate for that and silently he decided it would have to wait till they made their next journey to the next nearest town.

Upon returning, Anakin caught sight of his wife sleeping and decided to complete the last preparations to camp out as she rested. As much as he wanted to find another inn, he didn’t dare after the last incident at least not till tomorrow. For now it would seem the Tempest was the safest place to be. Once he had things all properly stowed away he quietly entered the cockpit with a large bottle of water that he intended to give Dormé whenever she woke up. He knew she would need it and would most likely accept it before accepting food. But for the moment he was content to watch her rest as he silently played with her hair finding comfort in this small gesture as well as peace.

Anakin smiled at her as she awoke and looked up at him. ‘I’m glad you were able to get soem rest,’ he admitted. ‘I got you some water as well as some clothes and food. Nothing great but enough to keep us going for a while,’ he admitted though at her question he shrugged not wanting to trouble her.

‘I didn’t know I fell asleep,’ she confessed, blushing. ‘How did it go?’ she asked.

‘It went better than the last town though I wasn’t able to get any blue milk unfortunately,’ he explained before touching on the more lighter aspects of his journey.

She smiled softly at him, touching his cheek and giving him a kiss. As he spoke, she stroked his cheek. ‘That’s OK. We have plenty of time to get as much blue milk as we should ever want,’ she said, trying to remain positive, though it was incredibly difficult.

Her smile warmed his heart and soon he was readily returning her kiss as he leaned into her touch. He felt bad about being unable to get them some blue milk and quietly apologized for it. He nodded at her words as he gave another apologetic look. ‘I did get you some water,’ he said with a smile as he offered it to her.

Though she hadn’t thought she was thirsty, this proved to be incorrect for as soon as she had a taste of water, she drank quite a lot. This was unexpected and she apologised. ‘I didn’t think I was thirsty,’ she admitted, her cheeks glowing. ‘Thank you.’

He chuckled as she drank it down pleased to have been able to quench her thirst, he took it as a good sign and hoped she’d be able to eat as well. At her apology he just grinned as he stole a kiss. ‘That was the whole point of me getting it, I’d have been offended if you hadn’t,’ he said in good natured tones. ‘I just hope your appetite is just as good,’ he said kindly. Anakin knew how she reacted when under stress and though she had been taking care of herself during the last days she had lost some weight and this concerned him. Dormé wasn’t a big woman to begin with and when she was under stress her weight was known to drop considerably which had frightened him on more than one occasion.

The mention of appetite left something to be desired. Dormé was in truth not very hungry, but made an effort to eat some of what Anakin brought. Even though she had been on Tatooine before, she dined in the palace with his mother most of the time and then there had been plenty of variety in things to choose from. This was far from the case now and the food looked and tasted strange to her, nevermind the fact she was hardly hungry to begin with. ‘It’ll take some getting used to,’ she said, putting the other half of the food down.

Anakin did his best to encourage her to eat knowing Dormé would need food as much as she needed water. His appetite too wasn’t near to what it should be but he managed to choke back a bit himself before offering a weak smile at her words grateful to see she did eat at least half of it. ‘It could be worse, I could have cooked this,’ he remarked attempting to lighten the mood.

At his joke Dormé’s eyes watered, remembering happier times. Her thoughts grew distant and she leant her head on his shoulder as she looked out onto the dunes. Dormé reached for his free hand and gave it a squeeze as she stared out the cockpits window. She wasn’t really looking at anything. Her thoughts were far away from Tatooine.

Anakin slipped his arm around her petite form as he stared to the still bright night sky of Tatooine. His thought turned to their children as he calculated the hour it would be on Coruscant. They would be in bed by now most likely being tucked in by their new caregivers. He forced himself to bury such thoughts as he swallowed hard. ‘Tomorrow I’m going to see if we can find a place to stay for a while. Maybe if we can locate something along the outer ridges of the town things will be more quiet for us,’ he suggested in soft tones as his fingers began to twists the strands of her hair.

‘That’s a good idea,’ she remarked. She had a feeling things would be very quiet for them for some time, but quiet in a very unpleasant way.

Were they safe? Were they coping? Would they have a chance to see each other or was that too much of a risk? Would they ever get to see their parents someday?

Softly he sighed as his eyes drifted to the still brightly lit night sky. It was only too easy to dwell on the past to lose himself in the memories of another time but reality made such things incredibly painful and thus he forced himself to refrain.

There would no longer be sounds of children laughing, learning to talk, asking questions and demanding their attention. There would be no more messy faces to clean, protestations about going to bed, begging to be read a story after being tucked in at night... Dormé turned as best she could in the cockpit to embrace Anakin, burying her face in his chest. If it weren’t for him, she knew she wouldn’t be able to take it.

He kissed her forehead. ‘We’re going to get through this, Dormé. I know we will and before you know it, they’ll be returning to us as though—’ he faltered as his voice caught in his throat. Speaking of the future was hard when the present seemed so hopeless. ‘We’ll get through this, I know we will,’ he finally spoke in a voice thick with emotion.

Dormé eventually fell asleep once more, in his arms, in the cockpit of The Tempest. The lack of food made it easier to fall asleep. It was hardly comfortable, but in her dreams, their children were with them, which made it that much more uncomfortable to wake up. But hours moved on and it was time for them to do so as well. They had no choice.

Anakin did his best to find the swiftest way to the next city but the terrain was hardly forgiving.

Donning more appropriate garb, though still wearing her heels that were hardly suitable for the dunes, Dormé followed Anakin into the city where they would try to find a place to stay and more water. She couldn’t help complaining about her feet, which were now getting blisters from her heels.

Anakin couldn’t help but feel awful that he had been sent out of the city before he was able to collect decent footwear for Dormé. As they trudged through the desert sand Anakin did his best to focus his thoughts on what they needed and would be able to gather.

Though the city looked to be near Anakin knew Dormé’s feet had taken quite a beating and he wanted to tend to them first. He was far from a healer but did have some basic supplies on his utility belt that he had always carried about with him out of habit rather than need. The former emperor hoped the bandages would help as well as some cleansing ointment.

‘I’m sorry for all of this, I wanted to get you some proper boots, but the locals were more keen on getting me out of there then trading things with me towards the end,’ he admitted sadly. ‘I should have used the Force to ensure they let me finish what I was doing but I was concerned if I used it too much word would spread and then we’d have a real mess on our hands,’ he concluded quietly.

She was in a foul mood and his apologies were not helping, nor making her feel any better. Dormé was grateful to have a chance to sit down and remove her shoes, but upon seeing the damage, it made it hurt worse.

Anakin did his best to clean the cuts but the sand had gotten into the blisters and he had no water to properly cleanse them. Gingerly he tried use the Force to draw them out but he was hardly trained for such delicate matters and in the end only the ointment proved to be the most success.

Dormé was not expecting the cleansing ointment to sting so much. As she was unprepared, she let out a pained yelp and dug her fingernails into Anakin’s arm as she cursed.

‘Echuta-we! Dormé, please! I still have use for that arm!’ Anakin cursed in pain.

‘Boots. Lovely.’ She rolled her eyes.

‘This isn’t Coruscant. Everyone dresses more for practicality than beauty,’ he admitted.

She tried to slip her now bandaged feet back into her heels. She soon found that it wasn’t going to happen and that she would have to walk barefoot...or so she thought.

He frowned as she attempted to put her heels on. ‘Dormé what are you doing? Are you mad? Your feet are only going to get even more cut up than they already are! Just let me carry you!’ he exclaimed as she attempted to walk in them.

Dormé continued to grouse as she attempted to walk barefooted in the hot sand. This was an incredibly bad idea and she slipped her heels back on, ignoring his objections.

‘Please Dormé, just let me do this,’ Anakin said in sincere tones.

‘I will not be carried,’ she said. Though she didn’t admit to it, the reason why she refused his suggestion was because after so many years of being a princess and then empress, she was not used to displaying weaknesses. These last few years, she kept a strong front for their children as she tried to help mend the relationship between the royal house and the people. It was silly to object to his offer and somewhere in the back of her head, Dormé knew this, but she would have to get over this herself.

Anakin did his best to ignore Dormé’s words and curses as he struggled against his own frustration. Though he continually tried to suggest he carry her Dormé would not listen and would not tolerate his gestures of help. Uttering soft curses of his own Anakin forced himself not to be bothered or offended as he understood Dormé’s pride as it mirrored his own.

She continued to complain, mostly cursing in Uriashian and inaccurately pronounced Huttese as she marched slowly through the sands. At first, the pain took her mind off their children, but once her thoughts drifted back to the part of them they were forced to leave behind, Dormé stopped suddenly. She sighed. ‘All right,’ she said, giving in, ‘you can carry me.’

Anakin was swift to join her side and gently scoop her up into his arms. ‘Thank you,’ he said simply not out of sarcasm, but humbled sincerity as though in this simple gesture held many meanings that only they understood.

Though she had been prideful, she sighed in relief as he picked her up. Her feet throbbed as she carried her shoes in one hand. Eventually this position reminded her of a scene from ages ago. In the spirit of things, she tossed her elegant, now damaged heels into the sand, leaving them behind.

Her sigh of relief spoke volumes for Anakin who held her near and gave a shy smile as she slipped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

‘My hero,’ she said sincerely, smiling softly.

He blushed though it was obvious he was touched by her simple statement and the love it bore. ‘Anything for you, my queen and my love,’ he murmured softly in reply as it was then that he recalled that fateful days years ago when they were but children in search of adventure. How far they had come since those days and how much further they would have to go, but in the end what really mattered was that they had each other. And it was with this thought in mind that Anakin found the weight of the world that always seemed to rest on his shoulders growing just a bit lighter.

In response to his soft words, Dormé gazed up at him with loving eyes. ‘This reminds me of a certain escapade in a cave,’ she remarked light-heartedly.

‘I was just thinking about that actually. Although thankfully I’ve since learnt how to land a ship,’ he said with a chuckle before his expression softened as she explained the reasons behind her tossing her shoes away. Pausing, he leant in to steal a kiss as in that moment she looked to irresistible not too.

‘Or else I’d never fly with you again,’ she teased back. ‘Which is why I just had to toss the shoes. After all, you are replacing them with boots, right?’ This also made her recall the first time she visited Tatooine, under better circumstances.

‘Only to tear them off your feet along with the rest of your clothes,’ he murmured as for a moment his thoughts were entirely on her and not their situation or reasons that brought them here.

‘You promise?’ she replied huskily, giving him a look that revealed her own desires as she wove her fingers in the hair at the nape of his neck.

Leaning in he kissed her lips before purring at her husky reply as her eyes studied him with the same intensity he held in his own gaze. Suddenly their journey no longer matter, nor did the heat of the suns of the rough terrain. All that mattered in that moment was Dormé’s gaze, the feel of her lips, the gentle touch of her skin against his own.

To Dormé, it felt like an eternity had passed since she was last able to fully lose herself in her husband’s embrace. She too easily forgot their location, or even that the sand was incredibly hot and got everywhere.

Leaning in he promptly began to kiss her once more. This time however his kisses were no longer gentle or careful rather hungry and desperate as though he were desperately clinging onto the last and only joy of his life.

She was just as desperate to touch the only thing that made her feel alive anymore that she was hurriedly moving to free them of their restrictive clothing, hungrily kissing and touching him. For a brief moment in time, nothing else mattered, save for her god and king. And in truth, it would not be long before he was the only joy in her life, what made her life worth living.

There was something incredibly bittersweet about it all though Anakin wouldn’t allow himself to dwell on such things, to do so would only remind him of all he wanted to briefly forget. In that moment all he wanted was to embrace his goddess, to explore her body as he so often used to do before the harshness of reality made it too painful. But she was here now and the moment as unexpected as it was, was just right leaving the former Emperor to eagerly bask in the presence of his dearest beloved and queen. Though there was a sense of desperation to it all, as though they were caught in a storm with only each other to protect themselves there was something beautiful about it too.

Though the gestures made were of physical form Anakin couldn’t help but feel as though their very souls were healing from it. As though with each kiss exchanged, with each touch shared was but medicine for their hearts and their spirits. How could he have known that in time his need to bask in the glory of his wife would become something so much greater than the need to express his love physically? That in such a short time he would come to unconsciously understand that this silent means of communication would ultimately save them both from complete and utter despair and sorrow.

Hold Dormé close Anakin couldn’t help but smile as he studied her in peaceful silence. Running his fingers through her hair Anakin soon began to register the heat of the sand and was about to suggest they get moving.

Coming down from her reverie, Dormé smiled at her husband, stroking his back. It took a little while to register just how hot the sand was. Dormé chuckled, but then it turned into laughter. She couldn’t help it. Thinking about just how insatiable they were, how they couldn’t even wait to get to a town—anyplace that would be more comfortable.

‘What’s so funny?’ he asked as he gave her a lopsided grin.

Dormé just continued to laugh and shook her head.

Though confused Anakin didn’t question it and soon found himself chuckling despite not knowing what it was that Dormé was laughing about. ‘Am I burnt in odd places now because our little moment in the sun?’ he teased with a wink.

Brushing her nose against his, she asked, ‘Would you like me to check?’

Anakin stole a kiss as he gave her an impish grin. ‘Only if I can check you afterwards,’ he remarked with a wink.

She gave him a kiss before having a look. ‘Nope, not that I can see,’ she surmised before reaching for her gown.

Taking his time he examined her before surmising that she too had earned nothing but a tan. Collecting his clothes Anakin asked about her feet hoping that their time in the sand didn’t utterly ruin them.

As she dressed, she figured they ought to have a nice long shower the first chance they got, for it felt like sand was everywhere, not that she was complaining.

‘May I?’ he offered once they were dressed as he moved to slip his arms around her with the intent of carrying her once more.

She nodded to his offer as she slipped her arms around his neck in preparation to be carried once more.

Picking her up with much ease, he beamed proudly when Dormé nuzzled against his neck and as they continued onward he too was only too happy to share kisses with her. Despite the heat and the distance—not to mention the sand that still covered him Anakin couldn’t help but find the journey was only too short and he was reluctant to set Dormé on her feet once more—even if it was so she could try on new boots.

Dormé was as reluctant to be out of her husband’s arms as he was to set her down, but necessity required she be fitted with gods-awful boots and thus, she complied. Thankfully the fact the boots were incredibly comfortable compared to the heels she tossed made her less argumentative about having to wear them, despite how unfashionable they were compared to Coruscant standards.

Even as Dormé tried on her boots Anakin remained ever near and always kept his hand to her lower back or intertwined with her own. While Dormé found the boots to be hideous Anakin was relieved to know she wouldn’t be cutting up her feet further and was hardly caring of their fashion sense or lack thereof.

Soon enough, they found a small apartment that was available for temporary rent. It was hardly worthy of a royal couple, but with their new outfits and Dormé’s polite demeanour, they were able to move in rather swiftly without any questions.

Once inside Anakin was pleased to discover that their shabby apartment actually had fresh air conditioning. While he enjoyed the heat he knew Dormé didn’t and was grateful to know she’d at least have this simple comfort.

‘First order of business,’ Dormé began once they were inside, ‘is to shower off this sand.’

‘Agreed,’ he purred as he slipped his hand into hers before attempting to find the fresher while looking forward to doing a little more than just showering off sand with his beloved.

The shower and the time spent in her beloved’s embrace made everything else in the universe pale in comparison and melt away. Though it seemed as though everyone was in a conspiracy against them, for those all too brief moments in time, only they existed. As their bodies gave pleasure to one another, their souls helped to heal each other, so that in spite of the odds, there remained the hope only found in each other’s embrace.

In her arms true peace and solace was found and for a time Anakin was only too happy to lose himself in the heaven that was Dormé’s embrace. The feel of her touch was soothing to both his flesh and spirit alike, while the soft scent of her hair and skin warmed his heart and her soft moans and loud cries was like music to his ears.

Holding him close as they lay catching their breath in the tiny bed that seemed to only have been made to fit one person, Dormé whispered words of love to him in Uriashian and Basic. She felt closer to him than she had been in a long time, too long for her soul’s liking. She knew there was a light at the end of the tunnel, she just wasn’t sure how far away it was. Just as Anakin was visually relishing her body, she was enjoying the view of his, smiling contently as her eyes met his once more. With renewed determination and hope, she eventually fell asleep in his arms, the scent of desert spices lingering in her senses.

Hope was found in her arms and in her arms the feelings of despair were nothing more than a memory briefly forgotten. As their bodies remained entangled on the bed that was far too small for Anakin’s liking the former emperor couldn’t help but sigh in contentment. It was strange to think that despite everything they had been through, after all they had lost he was still capable of feeling joy. But as his eyes fell onto Dormé’s petite form Anakin smiled as he knew the reason for it and knew that in the end his dearest beloved had once more saved him without even knowing. He just hoped that in the end he too would be able to save Dormé from her own suffering and despair.

Coming soon: Anakin, former emperor and Jedi prince, has to find a job... How long will it take before Anakin gets over his ego? Will they ever see their children again?

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