As the weeks passed, the Skywalkers made the move from the remnant of the Hutt palace to the old Bhraj palace that used to belong to Anakin's mother's family. Dormé could still recall the barge awaiting them. It was a surprise indeed, but graciously accepted. To turn down their gestures would be an offence. Though there was only one room at first that was suitable for the three of them to live in, with the help of loyal Tatooine natives and the Darklighters, who were the only ones Dormé would allow to watch Siac, the interior reconstruction rapidly came together.

Their belongings from their small apartment were also taken to the palace and today, Dormé was taking turns spending time with Siac and taking dishes of food to her husband who was working on the exterior of the palace. It would most likely be months before all the construction would be completed. Siac seemed to be growing so fast, though he spent most of his time sleeping. Dormé had been worried about becoming a mother again, but after his arrival, she no longer had any doubts. After putting him down for a nap, she once more reminded the older woman watching over him to alert her the very moment he awoke and needed her. For now, she fixed and went to serve Anakin a snack.

Anakin enjoyed working on the palace as it kept him busy and doing something productive. The palace was in a horrible state of disrepair but Anakin found the challenge to be enjoyable and relaxing. He was greatly appreciative for the help given to them by the colonists and was most thankful for their kindness. The Darklighters were equally generous and the former emperor felt so incredibly fortunate to be surrounding by such good people. Though his struggles with the Dark Side were only recently put behind him Anakin had faith that in time the temptation would once mroe become a distant memory. He was just so thankful to Dormé for helping him face the demons again and did whatever he could to show his appreciation of this as well.

But on this sunny day the former emperor found himself high up on a ladder putting together pieces needed to make the air control systems operational again. While he enjoyed this heat immensely he knew Dormé—nevermind their son Siac—weren't so eager to bask in it. As such the air coolant machines were the first to be repaired after the basic necessities such as running water, moisture harvesters and electricity was restored.

Though the war with the Hutts had only recently ended already Anakin was showing signs of improvement. His cheeks were no long so gaunt and the colour returned to his once pallor skin. Now as he worked long hours in the sun his body—now only garbed in dirtied light brown pants and boots—had grown quite built and tanned. Almost as soon as Dormé stepped outside Anakin noted her presence and was pausing in his work to give her an impish smile. Soon he was scaling down the ladder to join her as he pulled her in for an eager kiss of greeting.

Dormé wandered outdoors with a plate in hand, using her other hand to shield the suns' rays as she watched her beloved climb down to see her. She returned his kiss with a hint of mischief. 'For you,' she said, handing him the plate.

Anakin was eager to rejoin Dormé on the ground and soon was drawing her into a kiss which she returned with a hint of silent invitation. Though Anakin wasn't renowned for his observation skills when it came to Dormé he was more than aware of the things she would say without saying and was now more than a little intrigued for it. Graciously accepting the snack, he promptly thanked her and began to eat only then reminded of the fact he was indeed hungrier than he thought.

'I do hope you've been taking frequent breaks to drink. I didn't have this cooler made up just to take in the heat,' she lightly teased.

At her reminder to drink fluids he nodded finding her concern endearing despite the fact he really didn't think he needed as much fluids as Dormé thought he did. 'I had a couple bottles of the vita water earlier,' he admitted before adding with a chuckle. 'And I'll have another bottle soon lest you chase me down and beat me silly with it,' Anakin teased before swiftly finishing off the snack which was as always absolutely delicious.

She couldn't help taking in his form, which was much healthier than it had been a month ago. The colour was back in his skin, and his arms felt much stronger around her. It made Dormé feel like she was succeeding, knowing that he was healthier and eating properly, getting enough sleep...

Soon his thoughts too were moving forward as his eyes fell to Dormé's form as he silently took it all in. She too looked a lot healthier now that much of the stresses of the revolution had finally waned. Her beauty was breathtaking and it wasn't long before Anakin was drawing her near just as Dormé drew him closer. Though Siac still had a tendency to wake them in the middle of the night, it didn't seem to put much of a crimp in Anakin's needed hours of sleep. The lack of dark circles under his eyes was proof of that. And with thoughts of sleep, came thoughts of other things she would like to be doing with him in bed, which caused her to want to kiss him again, this time as though she were thirsty and he, the only relief she could get.

Needless to say, the palace was all but forgotten as Anakin hungrily kissed Dormé's lips as his fingers roamed over her petite form as he eagerly re-familiarized himself with her flesh. It didn't matter that they were outdoors or that their location was hardly comfortable all that matter was his goddess and the need to bask in her glory once more.

As eager as Dormé was to fully enjoy her husband's presence, it was not long after they were both fully unclothed that Dormé had to slow things down. Reluctant as she was to slow down, her body protested. 'Easy...I just—have to get used to you again,' she breathed between heady kisses.

Anakin was only too eager to lose himself in Dormé's presence and though he was aware of her healing condition and tried to go easy it was a struggling leaving him to be reminded by Dormé to go easy. He did his best to comply and for a bit used the Force to guard himself from her emotions lest he become lost in them again. This proved to be more successful and in time they were able to properly express their love without the use of words. Fortunately the cool stones of the palace entrance ensured they wouldn't have permanent and painful reminders of their love making session.

She exhaled and after a little bit was able to resume their previous pace, or as close to it as she could. Thankfully, they hadn't chosen to lose themselves on the scorching sand, for there would have been marks that would never go away had that been the case.

As their needs were momentarily sated, Anakin softly purred his contentment as he played with Dormé's hair and lazily kissed her neck and lips.

Dormé remained in his arms, kissing him and holding him close. 'You've got a nice tan line, by the way,' she teased.

At her teasing he raised a brow and grinned. 'I could work on the palace naked if you'd prefer, though I'm not sure the colonists would like that much,' he replied before chuckling. He could still recall their shocked expressions when he tore open the door to their home without a stitch of clothing and demanded they give him and Dormé some time alone together.

Dormé laughed. 'Well I definitely wouldn't mind the view, but we don't want you getting sunburnt in certain places, now do we?' She winked at him. If such a thing happened, there would be more than one of them that would need gentle sensitivity.

Anakin gave a lopsided grin though his cheeks warmed to her warning. That was one reminder Dormé would never have to remind him of to say the least. 'Point taken,' he said with a laugh as he pretended to wince.

She began working her lips along his tan line to illustrate her point.

Purring once more, he began to kiss her freckles. After all, it was only fair!

Dormé giggled at his reaction as she set about kissing his precocious tan line. Soon enough, she was being tickled by his freckle-kisses, trying to fend him off, but not fighting it too much.

Anakin chuckled and was soon trying to return the favour grinning as she laughed and attempted to fend him off which only encouraged him all the more.

'I wonder if it's possible to have just one small area with a garden in it…a small space, just so that Siac will know something of Naboo.'

It was a wondrous idea and immediately, his thoughts shifted forward as he envisioned giving Dormé a grand garden, complete with a pond and a waterfall. It was nonsensical of course but it didn't stop him from grinning to the thought. 'I think we could do it. It would require some engineering but I'm sure I could come up with an idea or two,' Anakin admitted in thoughtful tones. 'I know this sound probably silly, but I'd like to find a way to put in a small pond so we can grow some of your waterflowers,' Anakin shyly suggested.

'If it's in a small closed in area, I could try and see what I can come up with for hydroponics so the water is constantly being recycled and used. Perhaps we could use it to provide water for the entire palace?' Anakin offered finding this plan to become increasingly tempting.

She was glad to hear that he too thought fondly of the garden idea. It wouldn't be the same as the one he surprised her with years ago when they were dating, but it would have another type of fondness that she would love just as much. 'A pond! Oh that would be lovely.' She smiled broadly thinking on it and pulled lightly on the end of his hair where his Padawan braid used to lay many years ago. 'You have to let me help out, at least with the parts that aren't technical. I think this will be perfect!'

'I'm definitely going to need your help,' Anakin said in fervent tones. 'I wouldn't know where to begin when it comes to Naboo flowers and how they should be set up or the layouts of the pond and the waterfalls,' he continued before Dormé silenced him with a kiss causing him to grin.

'Well you certainly did a wonderful job last time,' she remarked, smiling fondly at the memory of the room he had built for her. Dormé pulled him in for another kiss. 'Siac is sure to love it too.'

Anakin felt his cheeks warm to Dormé's words as the memory of her old room returned to him. 'I can still remember how nervous I was about showing it to you. I was so certain you'd find something wrong with it or not like something I had done with it,' he admitted with a soft chuckle. 'I can't say it will be big but it will be something,' he admitted shyly before adding. 'The desert is hardly a place for a goddess of water, nor is it suitable for our little one who is sure to love the water as much as his ama,' he concluded with a wink before stealing another kiss.

However, what she took as a joke about water goddesses, made her laugh. 'I do hope that he won't fear water as you do, or else we'll have a time trying to get him to have a bath.'

Though Dormé felt his remarks of her being a goddess to be a joke Anakin was most serious though he didn't take it to heart when she laughed as he knew her thoughts on such things. Her humility only added to her attractiveness and it made his feelings for her grow all the more. However her teasing remarks were amusing and he grinned in reply and shook his head. 'Force help us all if that's the case. Though if I know you you'll find a way to charm him into the tub, just like you always seem to know how to get me into the water despite my fears,' he admitted before stealing a kiss.

Before she had a chance to say anything further, one of their employees—for their servants were paid and had signed contracts—came to inform them that Siac was awake. The poor maid was quite shocked to see them shamelessly lying there naked and out of doors like this, when the elder woman told her the queen was only serving the king a snack. 'Your Majesties—'

Anakin glanced up and gave a kind look not registering the woman's shock at their lack of garbs. 'It's alright, there is no need to use titles with us,' he said in friendly tones trying to alleviate a little of the woman's awkwardness but not understanding the true reasons for it.

'Prince Siac has awaken from his nap, Your Majesty,' said the elderly woman, bowing anyway before averting her eyes.

Dormé smiled at the woman as she rose and slipped on her gown. 'Thank you,' she said kindly before looking to Anakin once more. Though she knew how uncomfortable the titles made Anakin feel, she also knew of the importance it had for their people. They needed to feel safe and secure. By having superiors responsible for their welfare, it made them more at ease. For this reason, Dormé did not discourage their use of titles.

Anakin sat up then as he gave Dormé a glance before joining her to help her do up the back clasps of her gown before slipping into his own garbs. He wasn't comfortable with the titles as it reminded him of the past, but Dormé readily reminded him that in those titles held a sense of security and safety for the people they were to protect. Even so it was hard for him not to encourage their employees to refer to him by his given name and this time was no different. Truthfully the titles frightened him more than any of his other duties as it reminded him of who he was now and who he used to be. Fortunately Dormé had a way of balancing out his fears, assuring him that the past was behind them and this too made him love her all the more.

'I should probably let you get back to work, lest I distract you longer than intended.' She winked at him before giving him another kiss. 'I'll let you know when supper's ready,' she added before departing.

'But those are the best kind of distractions!' he teased with an impish smile before slipping his arms around her and returning her kiss. At her parting words Anakin grinned as he nodded before promising that he would start up the blue prints for the garden after dinner with her.

Siac immediately stopped crying as soon as he sense Ama approaching. Even so, Dormé could tell he had been crying and whispered soothingly to him as she took him into her arms.

Returning to his duties of before Anakin hummed one of Dormé's Uriashian lullabies though off pitch as he had no sense of tone.

Siac was only up for a little while between eating and exploring with some of the new toys they got him. Once he was asleep again, Dormé began on supper.

Many of the serving women were surprised that their queen still wished to cook her own meals when they were willing to do so for her. However, every offer was always turned down. Dormé was always pleased to have something good waiting for Anakin at home, even during their hardest times, she always made an effort to provide this for him.

Though Anakin had never wanted Dormé to work outside of their home, as he wanted to provide for her, she always made an effort to provide for him within their home. She was always glad to know that he appreciated her efforts just as much as she appreciated his. They made a good team.

Hours later after their dinner Anakin decided it was time to bring up the matter of the garden and with an impish grin took Dormé's hand to guide her to the more derelict regions of the palace. He wasn't certain it would be the best choice and was eager to hear Dormé's opinion on the matter.

As he led her to the more battle worn regions of the palace Anakin explained how he envisioned the gardens to look. 'It's hard to look at it and imagine how it will all look once its done. But its my hope that once we get started it will all come together,' he said in hopeful tones before waiting with baited breath to hear Dormé's assessment on the situation. Her reply brought a grin to his features as his eyes lit up eagerly.

It took a moment, but then she began to see it coming together before her eyes. 'It will be perfect!'

'Wonderful! When would you like to begin?' he offered eagerly already looking forward to getting things started. Even with his fear of bodies of water Anakin was looking forward to seeing it all come together as he knew how much Dormé would enjoy it.

'Tomorrow!' Dormé decided as she tossed her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss. 'Let the men tend to the rest of the outdoor work. We've got plans to draw up.'

Anakin beamed at Dormé's decision and promptly was wrapping his arms around her just as Dormé was pulling him in for a kiss. At her suggestion Anakin grinned finding he rather liked this idea or more exactly the idea of working with Dormé to complete this new project. He loved hearing her opinions and her insights and was already looking forward to beginning this project. 'Consider it done!' he purred in reply as he tightened his embrace.

Two months later, their plans were finished and they began working on the physical labour aspect of their new garden. Siac was growing bigger each day and staying asleep for longer periods of time which gave Anakin and Dormé more consistent time together to work on the garden. There were only a few minor squabbles about territory and recovery of Hutt-confiscated items being restored to people that previously owned them. However, all of these minor arguments were quickly resolved through their royal intervention.

Anakin relished the building of the gardens and wanted everything to be just perfect for his family. Their son was growing so fast and with things finally settling down Anakin was beginning to look forward to the future when the rest of their children would one day return home. Though it was not yet time the former emperor felt that it would not be long before it would become a reality.

As of late, Dormé was feeling lethargic again, though she assumed it was from the more intensive labour on their garden. It did not take long to find out that this was not the case, that in actuality, she was once again with child. The say she found out was just before Runa's birthday. She was turning seven this year, Laic eight...Aené eleven...

Just when things couldn't possibly be more wondrous Dormé discovered that she was with child once more. Thrilled beyond words Anakin twirled her around in joy despite the fact their joy was in reality bittersweet. Their eldest would not be witness to their youngest's arrival and like Siac their littlest one would not be meet her elder siblings, at least not yet.

Dormé sighed, thinking on her other children, longing to hold them in her arms, wishing they could be together and hoping they were safe and loved. She picked up Siac, drawing him into her lap and stroked his mess of blonde hair. She decided to tell him of his sisters and brother. Even though he couldn't understand her just yet, she couldn't help telling him. She wanted him to know about them, in hopes he would meet them someday.

Though it had been years since he had last seen their eldest children, Anakin's thoughts continued to turn to them and on this night it was no different. Emerging from his meditations out in their now semi-crafted gardens Anakin silently headed towards Siac's room where he heard the sound of Dormé's voice speaking of a tale to their son. He didn't enter the room just yet as he didn't wish to distract Siac with his presence and truthfully he wanted to listen to the legend just as much as their son did.

'You have two sisters and one brother, Siac. Your first sister was a courageous little girl,' Dormé began. She recalled to him the tale of Aené who unwittingly saved her little brother Laic, and ultimately the rest of their family.

Anakin found himself regretting the fact he had remained to listen to Dormé's tale but at the same time couldn't bring himself to leave either. In silence he stood with his back pressed against the wall beside the open door as he listened to the legend Dormé spoke of with arms wrapped tightly around himself. He hated being reminded of his past sins but at the same time knew the importance of the reminders and the warnings it held. Anakin just wished there could be an easier way to face the past and though he tried to remain strong in the end a few unwanted tears escaped his eyes before he had a chance to blink them away.

She spoke of Laic and little Runa and how they could not be together just yet, but that they would one day come home after their missions were completed. 'And soon we will have another little brother or sister for you to play with, Siac,' she concluded softly, kissing his forehead, though he was long since fast asleep.

As her stories drew to a conclusion, Anakin quietly forced himself to depart so as to clear his thoughts over the past and to ensure he didn't completely succumb to his sorrow and self-loathing.

Anakin departed silently for the semi-built gardens and remained there for some time. Leaning against the pillars that overlooked the gardens the former Sith Lord's thoughts began to wander as he began to imagine what the gardens would look like and their children playing in it. He imagined the sound of their laughter echoing off the walls the soft patter of their footsteps. Closing his eyes he envisioned Dormé amongst them laughing and playing, making wreathes of flowers for their daughters, while putting flowers in her hair that had been given to her by their sons.

Though he knew there was no way he could undo the past Anakin couldn't help but wonder how things might have been if he hadn't fell prey to the Dark Side. Swiftly he opened his eyes not wanting to dwell on it too long as it was a painful thought, one that encouraged sorrow and despair.

He could still recall his master and brother's words reminding him that the only way he could heal was to let go of the past, to move forward. But letting go of the past meant forgiving himself and that was something Anakin was certain he could not do.

After putting Siac to bed, Dormé's thoughts turned to Anakin. She knew he usually wanted to see Siac before he fell asleep, but had not made it this evening. Wondering what he was up to, she left Siac's room to find him.

He wasn't in their chambers or the meditation room, so Dormé sought him where she left him in the gardens they had been working on. She spotted him leaning on one of the pillars looking very deep in thought. Though Dormé did not want to interrupt, she also wanted to be near him, even if it was in silence.

Dormé drew closer and wrapped her arms around him from behind, gazing at their project that still had much work to go. In some ways, this garden reminded her of the challenges they faced throughout their many years together. Just as this garden was spring in the middle of a desert, so too had they conquered many odds against them, even when the odds were internal ones.

As he leant against the pillar, she leant against him in turn.

Anakin sensed Dormé's approach even before she neared him and though he did not openly express his relief it was evident in the way his body relaxed to her gentle touch. Immediately his hands slipped over hers and quietly he leaned into her embrace as he swallowed hard and stared ahead. 'I wonder if they will ever be able to forgive me for what I've done,' he murmured softly breaking the silence before continuing after a moments pause.

When he spoke, she turned her head to look at him, knowing he must have overheard her story to Siac. It was the only explanation for his change in emotion. They had been happily working away earlier. She did not regret telling Siac of his brother and sisters, but wished it hadn't upset Anakin. Had she known he would overhear and be affected like this, she would have exercised caution in telling it.

Though he could feel Dormé's eyes on him Anakin continued to stare ahead as he softly spoke his troubled thoughts. Dormé's words reminded him that the past was behind him, that it served no purpose now than to guide his future and give him wisdom. But it was hard to see ahead when everything seemed too murky and dark from memories of the past. 'I wonder if I'll ever be able to forgive myself—or if it's even possible.'

There was no use thinking about this, for it was in the past. This was something Anakin needed to deal with and had yet to do so. 'They will, Anakin. It will take some time, but I believe they will forgive you,' Dormé replied softly. 'And someday, you will be able to let go.'

He closed his eyes as he gave a shaky sigh to her assurances. 'I know I have to let go Dormé. If I don't it's going to destroy me—destroy everything I love. But it's just—'

Anakin fell silent then as he swallowed hard forcing his thoughts to clear. 'I just miss them so much,' he breathed softly as he tightened his embrace around her.

'I miss them too,' she murmured. 'I want Siac and our littlest one to know them...all of them, even if only through stories,' she said. 'I wish we had holos of their images. We had so many and all of them are gone.' It was one of the many sacrifices they made to protect their children.

Anakin fell silent before softly nodding in agreement. Dormé was right their youngest children deserved the right to know of their elder siblings even the one's lost and though it was painful for Anakin to dwell on the former emperor could not deny its importance. As she spoke of their old holo collection he gave a soft sigh to the memory. 'It was necessary,' he murmured sadly knowing that only in memories could the past remain alive. As always it was about balance and as Dormé tightened her embrace around him Anakin found himself once more being saved from the despair that even now was known to haunt him from time to time.

After a moment, she kissed his cheek. 'I love you.'

Though his statement said one thing, the meaning behind it was held far more weight and when Dormé kissed his cheek and spoke words of love, Anakin bowed his head and exhaled feeling as though he had been holding his breath the entire time. 'I love you so much, my goddess,' he whispered softly in reply.

Dormé shifted so they could mutually embrace, holding him close. It would take time, but she was confident that he would be able to forgive himself one day. She didn't know that it wouldn't be until after their children came home that he would be able to finally let go. 'I think we should have another space in this palace where we can preserve their memory. Just as we always recognise their birthdays, I think it might help...unless you think it would just make it harder?' she asked, looking to him for his opinion.

Her suggestion caused him to furrow his brow in thought as he took it into consideration. After a moment's pause Anakin swallowed as he gave a soft sigh. 'I think that would be a good idea. A memorial and reminder of sorts,' Anakin said softly as he nodded. 'I think it's not only a good idea, it's a necessary idea,' Anakin concluded as he silently played with her hair.

Dormé's eyes filled with unshed tears as he played with her hair. She rose on the balls of her feet to kiss him then.

Anakin leaned into her touch and soon leaned in to kiss her lips feeling her emotions through the Force and feeling so fortunate to have someone as wondrous as her. As she brushed her nose against his own Anakin chuckled softly as he couldn't help but steal another kiss from her.

After the kiss, she brushed her nose against his. 'We can start on the plans tomorrow. Right now, it's time for bed. It's been a long day,' she said, taking his hand in hers and giving it a squeeze.

Her fingers slipped into his own and Anakin gave is a gentle squeeze as he nodded to her words. 'Agreed,' he said before adding with an impish smile. 'Though I can think of more than one way to end it properly,' he purred as he leaned in to kiss her throat.

A/N: Coming up, we will catch up with Runa and Laic on Coruscant!

Now is a great time to remind you about the awesome LiveJournal Community and Dormékin haven. Check out the links in my author's profile!

This story, along with the other Dormékin stories on my profile are the product of my co-author Jody and my hard work and great love of this pairing. We want to thank everyone who has read this and the other stories. We love reviews, but we also love those who have faved or watched our stories for updates!