The next morning spent leisurely, despite the fact Anakin insisted on going to look for work. Dormé argued, saying that she wouldn’t mind finding occupation, as she already had experience, namely with textiles.

Anakin in turn tried to explain that he didn’t want her working in a textile factory as the memories it encouraged for her. Nevermind the fact that he felt her skills were meant for politics and governing empires not working in some dead end factory.

‘It’s beneath you,’ he argued before giving a soft sigh of relief when she finally agreed. He didn’t want to openly admit that he wanted to provide for her as he didn’t want Dormé to be offended. Nor did he want her to believe that he thought of her as being anything but his equal. In truth Anakin truly regarded his beloved as his queen and was loathed to have her do anything that was beneath the title he felt she wore.

She gave in, but only on the condition that she kept his lightsaber.

‘But why? I always carry it with me wherever I go,’ he balked.

‘After all, it was what gave us away the last time, I’m sure of it,’ she said, holding it in her hand, even though he could easily use the Force to take it back from her.

Frowning, he glanced away as he bit his lip unable to resist sulking at the prospect of having to go unarmed. ‘But what if I need it?’ he argued, ‘its not like things are safe around here,’ he admitted.

‘It’s not like I’ve got my blade, Anakin. At least this way I’ll be somewhat protected. You have the Force,’ she said, though she hadn’t any plan of using his lightsaber to protect herself.

Though he knew his wife had little training with the crimson blade the former emperor knew she was quite skilled with a blacksmith’s blade and didn’t doubt these skills would shine through if needed. At this he grew more serious and practical as he nodded in understanding. ‘You know you could have just told me that from the start,’ he said calmly as he found himself being pushed towards the door which soon caused him to laugh.

‘But where would be the fun in that,’ she teased with a wink, giving his arm a squeeze before pushing him over to the door.

‘That eager to be rid of me already?’ he teased.

‘Very eager,’ she said, giggling. After all, she wouldn’t be able to start cleaning and decorating their new home to surprise him until he was gone. ‘Besides,’ she said, pushing him towards the door with her free hand. ‘If you want to get a job, they’re not going to allow weapons anyway.’ She looked at him knowingly.

‘I guess so, its just I’m so used to having it on me at all times that its just strange to be without it,’ he admitted before his expression softened as he leaned in to steal a kiss.

‘You’ll have to get used to it and it will be safer here with me,’ Dormé added before returning his kiss.

‘Safer with you? Why you think I’m going to lose it?’ he gently teased with a wink before giving a resigned sigh as he shook his head. ‘I guess you’re right—as always,’ he lightheartedly teased knowing that she did have a point and no longer able to deny it. Anakin made a face and pretended to be annoyed but failed miserably as his lopsided grin gave him away. ‘Wish me luck.’

She smiled to his words, saying, ‘Good luck,’ before giving him another kiss and watching as he departed. Turning back to the empty apartment, she put her hands on her hips. ‘I see we have a lot of work to do,’ she remarked.

---

The former emperor departed for the central regions of the town in good spirits and feeling hopeful for the future. However finding a job he discovered was the easy part, actually keeping it on the other hand was not.

The first job the former emperor received involved the rebuilding of old starships that would be repaired and sold as refurbished designs. THe thought of building things for a job thrilled Anakin but in the end he was sent on his way as taking orders was hardly something he could tolerate. In his opinion he knew far more than the old master of the shop ever did and had no patience for the elder engineer’s polite corrections. The result was disasterous and after throwing a fit and punching out one of the other mechanics who defended the old man Anakin was sent on his way.

The second job was equally infuriating as he was supposed to fix racing pods and rig them for the games to ensure that the Hutt’s choice would always win. While Anakin was hardly innocent of committing crimes himself but the thought of aiding in such conspiracy sickened him and soon he told off the shop keeper and promptly stormed out.

The third attempt had yet to earn any results as it was later in the day when he finally discovered it. ‘I’d let you start today son, but we’re just about to close down for the afternoon. Perhaps you come back tomorrow and I’ll see what I can do for you,’ the elderly man remarked in pleasant tones causing Anakin to give a hopeful smile.

‘All right. I’ll return in the morning,’ Anakin said eagerly. But as he headed home with his thoughts in the clouds, it never once occurred to him that in order to be a proper spice merchant he’d have to know a thing or two about spices. More importantly he’d also need to know a thing or two about culinary crafts.

---

Dormé spent the entire day cleaning with the help of the R2 unit from The Tempest. Once the hottest part of the day passed, she went to the markets to try to barter her gowns for curtains and decorations as well as food for their dinner. Ultimately, no one wanted her gowns, despite the finery, so she ended up using them to make her own bedspread and curtains. She then set about fixing a grand meal for the two of them, accented by a small bottle of apsinthos she acquired after selling a necklace. Their apartment was as nice as she could have it before he returned and the main course was almost finished cooking. Dormé was exhausted, but thought her efforts were well worth it. Dormé even procured some sacred candles, which she currently used to light the kitchen and the bedroom.

Though he had earned no money Anakin was in good spirits when he returned home to his wife at the end of the day. The prospect of having a job waiting for him in the morning was wondrous indeed and he looked forward to telling her all about it. As he stepped inside, he smelled the familiar scent of Dormé’s cooking and realized then just how hungry he was. But as his eyes adjusted to the lighting of the room he gave a gasp at the sight that greeted him. Though their temporary home was quaint and hardly a palace in any sense of the word to Anakin is looked wondrous. Beaming he took it all in as he studied the curtains and the table’s settings. It didn’t even look like the same run down apartment they had moved into the night before. ‘By the Force, Dormé, this looks amazing!’ he breathed in awe as he rushed to join her side, to draw her in for a rather passionate kiss in greeting.

‘Welcome home,’ she said, proud of her accomplishments and that he was pleased with the results.

Holding her close Anakin beamed at her words before pulling her in for another tight embrace. ‘I love what you’ve done here,’ he admitted once more as he followed her to the table. At her question he grew sheepish as he admitted to the events that had passed during the day.

‘Since you already know what I did today, tell me about what you were up to,’ she prompted, leading him over to the table.

‘I did find a job though with this spice merchant. I have no idea what it involves but it’s work and from what I can tell, it’s honest work at that,’ he said as he eagerly dug into his food. ‘The merchant said I could start tomorrow if I liked as at the time he was shutting things down and didn’t want to start training,’ he said before enquiring about how she managed to find apsinthos of all things on Tatooine.

Grinning, she told him about her day, leaving out the bit about where the curtains and bedspread were from. She kissed his cheek before returning to her own food. ‘A lot of pointing and gesturing,’ Dormé replied to his question about how she got around the language barrier. She made some gestures wildly in the air to mimic what she did earlier. ‘After all, the only Huttese I know is curses.’ She chuckled.

Anakin chuckled before bursting out in laughter as Dormé mimicked her actions of earlier. ‘Well you must have done something right, as it looks like you were able to get a lot of things,’ he remarked. ‘Nevermind that but the decor? Last I knew this place was renowned for its lack of taste nevermind colour!’ he said in amazement.

‘I’m glad you like it. It’s not much, but there’s always tomorrow.’

‘I think it’s excellent actually, but then you have a natural talent of making wondrous creations out of the impossible,’ he said proudly as he scarfed down his food as though it was gourmet.

Dormé blushed at his words feeling as though they were teenagers again and this was the first meal she cooked for him. She did not know just how much her skills would be put to the test as the months wore on.

It was only when he saw the bedspread that Anakin couldn’t help but comment that he loved the shade as it reminded him of one of her more memorable gowns.

‘I wonder why that might be,’ she remarked, her blush deepening to a red shade as she poured them another glass of apsinthos.

Dormé’s reply to his remarks about the colours of the curtains and bedspread took a moment to process but upon seeing her crimson cheeks it all fell into place. His eyes widened in surprise though it was more out of awe than anything else. ‘You made them from your—that’s incredible!’ he remarked before growing impish.

Dormé nodded to confirm his suspicions. She was thankful to hear that he didn’t mind she had used the gown to create a little colour in this apartment. ‘The gown didn’t seem to be of worth to anyone around here, but so much the better. At least I was certain you already liked the colour,’ she said, leaning in for a kiss.

Anakin gave a soft sigh at her explanation as he already knew that the gowns probably wouldn’t be considered of much use or worth here. ‘The locals are more concerned with practicality over beauty,’ he admitted quietly though giving her an impish smile as he closed the distance between them just as Dormé did. ‘I on the other hand am far more appreciative of such things.’ To his suggestion he too raised a glass in reply to her agreement before downing it and slipping his arms around her so as to pull her onto his lap.

Dormé giggled, wrapping her arms about his neck. ‘Good. I should say it would be a complete waist if you didn’t appreciate beauty.’

‘You do realize that we will have to break in our new bedspread,’ he suggested. In his mind the loss of the gown was hardly worth mentioning, as he enjoyed having another excuse to bask in his beloved’s beauty without the restraint of clothes.

‘Agreed,’ she said.

Anakin purred as he began to kiss Dormé’s throat. At her words he just chuckled before touching her cheek as he leaned in to give her a passionate kiss that held invitation for what was to come. Home wasn’t their apartment for Anakin rather it was in the arms of his beloved. When he was with her nothing else mattered save the memory of their children which would continue to haunt him until they returned home. But for now in her arms there was hope to be found as well a sense of second chances. Anakin had no idea just how bad things were about to become and just how fortunate they were in this moment.

If only things in the world outside could be so easily mended as it was in their apartment. If only a love such as theirs could heal the hatred and threats to the lives of their children. For now, Dormé was content to lose herself in the arms of her beloved, not realising just how bad things would have to get before they would have any chance at redeeming their name or that she would have to scrimp and save in order to have anything on the table for them for even one meal a day.

The next morning, she wished him luck once again as he set off to begin his spice training. Dormé spent her time organizing and unpacking what they brought with them, deciding on other additions they might like to have to make it more like home. In the markets, she got into an argument with a species she was unfamiliar with who assumed she said something in Huttese that she hadn’t said. Though she was familiar with the curse, she most certainly hadn’t said it as a means of addressing anyone.

As he departed for his new job the former emperor was once again in good spirits and was already looking forward to what he might learn and more importantly being able to support his queen. But his lack of training and even less experience at living in the real world proved to be his folly and though the merchant was a good man in the end even he couldn’t keep Anakin employed. The former emperor was not used to taking orders and was even less accustomed to dealing with customers. And when one made the mistake of commenting he looked liked the infamous Vader everything went to chaos. Anakin panicked by the discovery blatantly denied the matter and grew angry for it. Though the client hadn’t meant it in a serious fashion soon grew defensive and soon a verbal fight broke out. It was only when the man in question insulted the former empress that Anakin lost utter control of himself. Needless to say he soon found himself back on the streets looking for a new job.

The pickings grew slim as the man he had punched out was a renowned merchant himself who ran a few of the shops Anakin attempted to find work at. In the end he was forced to return home empty handed with the hope that tomorrow might bear some better results.

---

Dormé was about to lose her temper as well and it was only for the sake of their cover, which would protect their children that she refrained from physical violence. Nothing further was accomplished with their tiny apartment that day, but she was able to procure more meat and vegetables for their dinner that evening.

‘I hope your first day went better than mine,’ Dormé remarked once her husband returned.

‘Why what happened? Are you okay? Did someone try to hurt you?’ he asked in concerned tones fearing that his lost temper of earlier had affected Dormé somehow.

Dormé bowed her head and her hair fell into her face as she shook her head. ‘No, just that some--I don’t know what he was--thing thought I cussed at him, when I didn’t even speak to him. Do people enjoy picking fights around here?’

Anakin silently brushed back her hair with his fingers as his thumbs did half circles against her cheeks. Falling silent for a moment he couldn’t help but nod in agreement. ‘I was beginning to wonder the same thing myself,’ he admitted sheepishly before pulling her into a tight hug.

She exhaled an exasperated breath before furrowing her brow curiously. ‘Why? Did something happen today at work?’ she asked.

At her question, it was Anakin’s turn to deeply sigh as he bowed his head. ‘I... ran into a client who recognized me or rather thought it was amusing to mock my appearance. I took it as best as I could but when he insulted you I—’ he gave an apologetic look. ‘I lost my temper and punched him and well the master of the shop let me go because of it,’ he admitted in shame. ‘I just couldn’t stand by and let him speak poorly of you.’ Anakin tightened his embrace around her as he closed his eyes willing himself to forget about everything for even but a moment. Just feeling her in his arms reminded him that he wasn’t alone, that there was still hope, that together they would make it through.

Dormé’s eyes softened. ‘Oh I missed my king vanquishing our enemies!’ She pouted, though in truth she would have liked watching him defend her name, tarnished though her name might be.

Dormé’s pout brought a hint of an impish smile to his features as his gaze fell to her lips. ‘It was the the least I could do, my queen,’ he purred as he leaned in to steal a kiss.

---

Evenings proceeded to unfold in a similar fashion the rest of the week until it became concerning for Dormé. Certainly holding a job wasn’t that difficult. Though Anakin’s excuses seemed reasonable at first, it became clear that his inability to retain a job was more to do with his upbringing and personality than actual difficulties with the work itself. Though Dormé tried each day to council him on his people skills, it seemed her efforts were ineffectual and they were forced to move house once more.

Having lived his life being served and waited upon only to find himself being forced to serve another was difficult to say the least for the former emperor. Though Anakin tried Dormé’s words of wisdom in the end his temper and pride proved his downfall. If he wasn’t fired for knocking out his supervisor because he couldn’t have his way Anakin was losing his job for his inability to listening to instructions or attempting to do things as he saw fit. In the end they were forced to move again because Anakin not only wasn’t able to keep a job, but he had made a great deal of enemies as well.

The next city held little hope as well and Anakin began to wonder if he’d ever find a job where his skills would be appreciated. Though frustrated at his lack of luck he tried to focus on the positive and decided to check out a few places he thought would have potential.

Dormé was at her wits end. She didn’t want to have to move again because of Anakin’s issues. Once morning as he was getting ready to set off to attempt to find work once again, Dormé suggested, ‘Why don’t I look for work today?’

‘I will find a way to keep a job, Dormé,’ he said softly feeling the familiar rush of shame.

Though she was aware that Anakin was doing this so that she wouldn’t have to return to the memories of the past, she also knew just how little they had left in the way of bartering coinage and jewels brought with them from the royal palace on Coruscant. Dormé stroked his cheek. ‘I know you will,’ she said, ‘but until then, why don’t I look too. At least we’d double our odds of having some sort of regular income that way.’

Her gentle assurance eased a little of his shame though it was clear she wasn’t about to give up iwthout a fight either which caused Anakin’s expression to grow troubled. ‘But this is beneath you,’ Anakin said softly as his hand slipped over hers. ‘You’re my queen, Dormé. For you to work menial labour is just beneath you. I can’t allow it. Please let me find something. I promise I’ll do whatever I can to keep a job. I won’t mouth off at the masters. I won’t punch them either. Please don’t do this,’ he pleaded quietly. In his mind, Dormé was truly his queen, his goddess, Anakin wanted to support her properly, to show her that he was serious when he said that she was his life, that he lived for her.

Dormé sighed. How many times had they had this conversation about manners? ‘We cannot make friends here because we cannot allow others to get close to us, but most of all, we cannot make enemies. We already have so many...’

Anakin furrowed his brow as he bowed his head in apology. He knew Dormé was right but it was so hard to keep a clear head when it seemed everyone was treating him as a slave. All of this was so new to him and though it was something everyone took for granted Anakin had yet to understand the fact that starting a new job meant he had to earn the respect of his colleagues. That he had to prove himself to be a good worker if he wanted to move up and be the one giving the orders. ‘I know. It’s just hard. I’m not used to this,’ he admitted in shamed tones.

As Dormé’s hand shifted so it was holding his, Anakin gave it a squeeze before growing concerned at her suggestion. Dormé was already suffering the signs of malnutrition which only added to Anakin’s guilt and the fact she was beginning to visibly show signs of this troubled him more than he dared to admit. While it added to his determination to keep a job, thus giving them food and a means of paying the bills he couldn’t deny that she had a point. But his pride wouldn’t tolerate it, she was his queen and as such this was all beneath her. But in more practical matters there was also the fact he feared that in her weakened state -which she would never openly acknowledge- Dormé would only grow worse as the stress of her duties and tasks took its toll.

Dormé believed in his vow that he would do whatever he could, but also felt that her abilities could be of use to them. ‘What if I find something that is part time? Something I can easily quite once you’ve found something?’

‘Why do you want to work so badly? There is nothing here that is worthy of your skills or would appreciate your talents,’ he argued quietly. Anakin spoke from pride as he knew Dormé wouldn’t take his fears seriously and try to shrug them off. Anakin knew Dormé was right and while he appreciated her words his pride demanded he properly served his queen. As in his mind it was just but one of many ways he wanted to earn the right to stand by her side. To prove to her that he was worthy to call himself her husband. ‘Politics and leadership is your arena. You’re an empress. Even if we have no empire to lead, you are a noblewoman, Dormé, and all of this is beneath you. Please let me prove to you that I am worthy to stand by your side, that I can provide for you,’ he said softly in almost pleading tones.

Dormé disagreed with Anakin. Though she had been living in a palace for thirteen years, before that she lived thirteen years in Uriash, seven years of working in a factory. In this hot and miserable place, it was easy for her to recall worse circumstances. Though she had been prideful of the past few years, it was easy to slip back into her serving role, far easier than for the former emperor who never served. She never thought herself above her husband. ‘We are equals, my love. Is it not fair for me to do my fair share of work to support the both of us?’ she asked.

‘You already have done so much, please just let me do this,’ Anakin pleaded not wanting to offend her but at the same time wanting to prove himself properly.

Dormé was just worried that his noble intentions were not going to be enough, that his desire to provide would only hinder. ‘Very well,’ she replied, giving his cheek a kiss. ‘Good luck, my king.’ She had no idea that the next time she thought of working she would be too weak to be of any use.

At her acceptance the former emperor gave a grateful smile before drawing her in for a tight embrace as she kissed his cheek. At her parting would he gently touched her cheek before leaning in to steal a kiss. ‘I will not fail you, my queen,’ he murmured in sincerity before departing once more only to fail once again as his pride would not part ways from him without a fight.

---

It seemed like a lifetime ago when they were the emperor and empress of the Coruscanti Empire. They no longer went by the surname of Vader. Anakin and Dormé lived on Tatooine, in Mos Entha. As it was a relatively large city with many spaceports, it was more diverse and easier for Anakin and Dormé to fit in without being noticed. It was for this reason they were able to maintain a small apartment here for the past few months, keeping a low profile, or as low as one could expect from the former emperor.

Anakin seemed to have difficulties landing a job and keeping one. Dormé gave as much advice as she could and insisted she didn’t mind working, but Anakin maintained that he didn’t want her to have to work. He wanted to be able to provide for her and though this didn’t bother her, the fact he was having little success in holding a job left her stressed and worried.

They used to have servants and droids. The Tempest’s R2 unit had been sold a few weeks ago to some Jawa traders so they could pay for their rent. Dormé cleaned their apartment by hand, despite the few fainting spells over the insects she struggled to keep outside. She did her best cooking meals for them, having finally learnt more about the local foodstuffs and spices. Anything remotely Nabooan was extremely expensive and therefore out of their budget. Oftentimes she had to make do without key ingredients and everything tasted horrible compared to the gourmet meals they used to have at the palace.

Dormé didn’t mind the hard work as it kept her mind off things, namely their children. The suns made her skin darker, her freckles were even more pronounced due to her gaunt features. She worked harder physically than she ever had in her life and was eating less due to circumstances which hardly helped.

She hated fighting with Anakin over stupid things, but there were times when he frustrated her so much…when he wouldn’t get over his arrogance and obey his bosses. Every time he was fired, she couldn’t help rolling her eyes as though it was expected. But they always made up before going to sleep. She knew as well as he did that the only thing they had was each other.

Today was supposed to be their anniversary, though Dormé hardly felt like celebrating. It had been such a trying time since they left the palace and their children behind. Nevertheless, Dormé was so thankful to have Anakin in her life that she wanted to do something special. They never celebrated their birthdays, for Dormé in truth did not know which month her own was in, but their anniversary was always recognised. As much as she wanted to do something special, it was now more about being able to have something for supper. Noting the empty containers of food and the bare cupboards, Dormé left their home with single-minded determination.

She went to a tapestry maker and attempted to sell her imperial gown.

‘This is fine quality material, almost royal— Where did you get this?’ the old woman asked.

‘I made it,’ Dormé lied, though if she were asked, she could accurately copy the design.

‘Very nice…but I’m sorry, we’ve got no use for it.’

‘Surely you could cut up the fabric—use bits of it, I’ll give it to you for half price—’

‘My dear, even if you were giving it away, I have no use for it here. You can try Garsd’s shop down the bend, but I doubt you’ll even get an offer.’

‘Well, thank you for your time,’ Dormé said, her eyes downcast as she left. She had nothing else to barter with, aside from her wedding band, but she was loathed to part with it.

The next shop proved just as fruitless as the first. However, as she turned to leave, the owner stopped her.

‘But your hair—let me see…’ Without asking her permission, he took out the pins holding it up and ran his fingers through it. ‘Ah yes, now this I could definitely use…’

‘My hair?’ Dormé asked.

The gruff man nodded, leering as he examined her long locks.

Dormé paused for a moment before meeting his eyes once more. ‘How much?’ she asked professionally.

---

A/N: Things are about to get worse...