A/n- Thank you for the reviews.

Chapter 8

( Anakin’s POV)

The sun glides along the curves of her delicate hips underneath the frail sheet wrapped around her waist. Her eyes are closed and her face is facing towards my own. She sleeps peacefully as I watch her chest rise and fall with every shallow breath she makes. I caress her cheek in the palm of my hand and she leans into my touch. A grin curves at the corners of her mouth and she whispers, “ Is it time to get up?”

“ Mmm- not unless you have a sudden engagement to attend to,” I joke with her as she stretches her arms and wraps them around my neck.

Her hands stop their wanderings and I moan in protest, not meaning to express my desire to have her here and now. Her eyes flicker devishly and she purrs out, “ You wouldn’t want to get up would you?”

My eyes flicker from her’s as my comm. link buzzes. I grumble and attempt to reach over her head and to the night stand, where my comm. link jingles in tune. She grabs my hand and states wickedly, “ Let them leave a message.”

I ignore her protests and reach over anyway. The comm. link blinks at me my son’s line. I sigh and sit up on my bed. My back is turned to her as I watch the words blink across the comm. I knew this was urgent if Lucas had to interrupt my sleep. I stand to my feet and without another word to Padme’, I step into the refresher and answer, “ This must be important, if you’re interrupting my sleep.”

Lucas’ familiar face appears onto the screen and he grimaces. “ Father I have news. It seems that there was a detonation in one of the Sith’s tombs.”

Raising my eyebrow in curiosity, I question, “ Did your team investigate it?”

He purses his lips and his emerald eyes narrow, “ Of course, but my men found something rather disturbing.”

I shrug and utter, “ And what would that be?”

He sighs and declares, “ They found signs of a possible meeting place- it was deserted about seven hours before we arrived. Father, I think we’ve found Sidious’ followers.”

Elation fills my soul. If I could end this strife here on Korriban, I could go back to the temple…. I can go back to the Jedi.

I nod, “ Excellent, let me know when you have more proof of their existence.”

His grim expression alters completely into a smirk, “ And father? Have you told Padme’ of her true mission here?”

I sigh, and explain, “ No- I haven’t had time to do so. Yesterday, someone attempted an assassination attempt on her life. I’m afraid that there’s danger around every corner of this palace. Someone among the staff has betrayed us.”

His smirk leaves his face and his eyes seem sunken. “ I see- please tell her. We have a limited amount of time and need her to be our ally, and not our enemy.”

I say nothing as his imagine flickers away.

( Padme’s POV)

Anger surges through me about the truth of my mission. Anakin is the informant. I frown as I stand at the door of the refresher. Lucas must be here to, if he’s working among us as well. So I was just another pawn in this mission, for him and the Jedi. My own family was using me as a pawn! I pull a white shirt over my head as I add the finishing touches to my wardrobe for the day. My black boots create sounds smashing against the floorboards. I bit my lip and await Anakin’s return.

I do not have to wait long, as mere seconds pass before his form returns to my side. He reaches for me and touches my cheek. I flinch back and for a second a flicker of hurt passes through his blue eyes.

I turn to give him my back, and fold my arms around me. I bite out, “ So you’re the informant the council sent me to find.”

I hear him sigh voluntarily. He utters, “ You have every right to be angry with me. But remember I’m only abiding the council's wishes.”

I whirl around seething, “ The council’s wishes?! Is this what everything is about? Am I just some pawn the council is using for their own will?! Why don’t you EXPLAIN it to me, Anakin!”

He purses his lips in a grimace and declares, “ What I am about to tell you is not for the council’s own good, but for Korrbian‘s."

Puzzled I bark out, “ And that would be?”

He plops his body onto my bed. My eyes drift to it as memories of last night replay in my mind. But my senses return as Anakin’s words hit me, like a ton of transparentsteel.

“ You were brought here for the protection of the royal line. Padma’ is not your cousin, she actually is you’re twin sister. She was placed under the Jedi’s protection these past five years because I had a dream about Darth Sidious attempting to murder the last known heir to the throne.”

Narrowing my eyes I demand, “ What else?”

His eyes hold mine and he finishes, “ As you know Padma is engaged to Lord Kolen and they are expected to marry in two days. Unfortunately the royal line will end with her.”

I hold out my hand in front of me to stop him. I step forward and ask, “ You’re telling me, that I have a sister whom I’ve never met- who cannot have children?”

He nods sadly, “ Yes. That is why you are here-”

I cut him off immodestly and sneer, “ You want me to sleep with Lord Kolen?”

His eyes fall away from me. I step closer and infringe upon his space. I lean my head down and his breath tickles my lips. “ Can you stand by and watch me sleep with a man, you know I would feel disgusted by?”

His eyes never leave the floor. I touch his cheek gently and his eyes link to mine. The agony shines through them. I cup his cheek in my palm and he kisses it as his head turns into my touch.

He whispers against my palm. “ I cannot refuse the council’s wishes and this is for the sake of your home planet, Padme’.”

I look away from him and try to hold back the rising tears. The walls in my heart for Anakin had fallen these past two days, and somewhere inside of me, I felt that I could forgive him for the past. Perhaps we could be friends if I forgave him. His eyes droop to the floor, I know he cannot stand seeing the pain in my own.

I swallow hard and say, “ I forgive you.”

My eyes dart to his, and I can see the rising shreds of hope. “ How can you forgive me for all the pain I caused?” He whispers.

A few tears fall onto my cheeks and I whisper, “ Because you have suffered enough as well. I see now you were just trying to protect me from the truth. You are a Jedi, and will always be my mentor and friend, I hope.”

The shreds of hope have filled his glowing blue eyes. His lips curl into a smile, and I kiss his cheek. “ You understand what needs to be done then?”

I nod and stand to my feet, outstretching my hand to him. Do I really have a choice in this game? Do either of us have a choice?

He takes my head and stands to him feet. “ Now, when is the Princess arriving back to the palace?”

His smile falls and he answers, “ Soon, she should be here by noon at the latest.”

I nod and reply, “ Then we should be prepared for her arrival, Captain Corden’.”

( Anakin’s POV- Princess Padma’ arrival.)

I stand at attention as I oversee the Princess’ ship in her private hanger. The hissing of the landing gear reaches my ears. It is one of the sounds I miss about flying. I haven’t been off planet since my arrival five years ago. Padme’, Maria and a few close guards of her highness gathered around to await her arrival. The landing pad’s door opens and out saunter’s Sache’, and Rabe’- the princess' ladies in waiting. They have served her well these past four years, since the Princess was able to claim her rightful position on this planet.

Sache’ is a small woman, although she looks nothing like the princess. Her hair is a light auburn, and her skin is pale, while her eyes are a brilliant blue. She is the younger of the ladies in waiting. She is a mere nineteen years I believe, since when I first arrived here she was just a young servant girl, hoping to find a position to feed her family with. Trailing behind her small form is Rabe.

Rabe’ is the exact opposite of her companion with black hair and deep brown eyes. The girl would give her life for the princess, but she is truly a selfish person when it comes to everything else.

Sauntering out after her ladies in waiting, comes the princess. She wears her hair high on her head, and her casual traveling gown reaches her feet. It is of a deep purple color, much like the crest that is on every guard and soldiers’ uniform, even my own. I haven’t wore Jedi garb in many years. Although, Padme’ stands beside me, glowing in her Jedi attire.

The princess reaches us and I bow in respect for her. “ Your highness, it is a pleasure to see you returning safely.”

She holds out her hand and I bend down and kiss it in greeting. I never enjoyed these political sentiments, but they are for my cover position. She smiles warmly, “ Captain it is an honor to be home.”

Her eyes drift to her sister and she nods her head in respect, “ And you must be Knight Naberrie’. It is an honor to finally meet a Jedi knight.”

Padme’ bows to her and replies, “ No your highness it is an honor to finally meet you.”

Her grin is affectionate to her sister, and Padma’ questions, “ Shall we adjourn for coffee?”

( Personal Library of Her Highness)

Padme and Padma’ sit across from one another, discussing the plans for the next two days. I sit faithfully next to her highness and listen to their discussions. They had been planning our moves for the last two hours, and my stomach growls louder ever minute that passes, but I have lived in war zone’s where we did not eat for days at a time. The hunger will subside for now.

“ Knight Naberrie’ do you think this plan is foolproof? I do not know if my fiancée’ will realize the switch until it is too late.”

Padme’s expression is grim and she replies dutifully, “ I know how to rouse the mind, your highness, I assure you he’ll never know.”

Padma’ gulps and peers over at me. “ Captain, you are a personal friend of mine, do you think this is the best choice for our planet’s safety?”

My eyes trail onto Padme’s and I can feel her brush our bond through the force.

I believe she’s asking you, if you believe I’m comfortable with this plan.

It is your duty as an heir to the throne, Padme’. If she cannot bear a child, than all is lost, the monarchy line must be stabilized.

I shift my weight on my feet and stand up. My eyes peer back at the future Queen’s and I answer honestly, “ She has every ability to make this rouse work. I have known her for sometime now and I believe she is up for the challenge, correct me if I’m wrong Knight Naberrie?”

My eyes fall again on Padme’s. Her eyes shine with determination and grief as well. I don’t expect her to enjoy this. It is all but for duty and honor to maintain her family’s line.

“ Of course, Captain. I will perform my duty for this planet’s safety,” She says bitterly, although I do believe Padma’ did not hear the bitterness in her voice.

“ Very well, now I must retire. I trust you have quarters, Padme’?” Padma’s questions.

She nods at her and says, “ Yes and they are lovely. But I believe I must give them up for you, your highness.”

Padma’ smiles at her and suggests, “ No- no, you can stay there. I have another room, awaiting for me. I shall see you at breakfast then?”

Padma stands to her feet and saunters out of the room. I am about to follow her when she replies, “ Captain, I trust you can see Padme’ to her quarters.”

I nod and answer, “ Yes your highness.”

( Padme’s POV- Padme’s Quarters)

I lie down on the soft warm bed and wipe the perspiration on my face. Everything is in place. Padma and I would switch places after the wedding reception, when the couple retires for the night. She would then return here, down a secret passage way, and await news from me. Then when Lord Kolen falls asleep from exhaustion, I’m suppose to return to my room and we switch again.

I glance down at my shaking hands. This idea is foolproof, and if it succeeds than I will be here until the child is born. Padma will have to play the role of a Jedi knight here to protect me for nine months then. I lick my lips fretfully, the idea of carrying Lord Kolen’s child is not what I had in mind. The idea of him even remotely making any sexual encounters towards me is revolting. It wouldn’t be hard for me to become with child either. I am within ovulation period, and most of my forms of birth control are the force. The healers taught me long ago, how to control my body for a certain period of time while during sexual encounters. Apparently only some female Jedi are capable of this type of control- namely I have this control.

My hands trail down to my abdomen and rub the place where a child could possibly be growing inside me, in the time of two days. I would know for sure if the pregnancy was a success or not. I would feel it through the force.

I felt it the first time.

My eyes close upon this thought. At least I know what to expect during childbirth. It is a hard grueling time, and you wonder why in the hell we go through such pain, and then you look upon your child’s face and know why you did. But this child, if successful, would not be mine, it would be Padma’s and Lord Kolen’s, I would never ask for the child to know the truth. It is hard enough keeping it from a child I know too well.

I bite my lips and think back. It’s been nine years. I was so young, and naive’ to the world of motherhood. Now looking back, I feel as if I made the wrong choice. She will never know the truth, she cannot. Tears sting my eyes and I shudder a bit. Here I am all these years later, regretting the life I gave her- the life I had no choice but to give her.

I cover my face with my hands and sob into them. I miss her dearly. What’s if something happened to her? I would never forgive myself.

I feel a hand on my shoulder. My sobbing ceases and I feel him attempting to sooth my sorrows through our bond. I shudder quietly and I feel his weight hit the bed. My eyes flicker open and look up at him. He rubs my temple in concern. The tears still filter out of my eyes and wet my cheeks. I sit up and set my head on his shoulder, and sob into it.

He sends more soothing rays of the force through me, as his arms wrap around my shoulders.

“ You shouldn’t have to do this. There has to be another way- I’ll find another way,” He whispers into my hair.

My sobbing halts abruptly, and I glance up at him. His azure gaze watches me- expressing the sadness and guilt he feels. I pull away slightly, and ponder his words.

Perchance there is another way.

His eyes are mixed with confusion as I place my hand on his cheek, smiling. “ I need to show you something.”

He nods, still perplexed, and he closes his eyes as do I.

( Nine Years Before)

The air is sticky and moist. I can feel the raging contractions running through me. I pant heavily and pump my agony into Obi-wan’s hand.

“ Keep breathing Padme’, it is almost over,” He soothes to me.

I scream out as the Jedi Healer presses me on, “ C’mon Padawan, I can see the baby’s head!”

I clench my teeth as I scream through the contraction. My head falls back onto the pillow and I can hear the sounds of a screeching cry. I turn my eyes to my Master’s and he chuckles slightly. “ I knew you could do this.”

My gaze then turns to the child, in the healer’s arms. “ It is a girl.”

I hold out my weak arms and request, “ Can I hold her, just this once- please.”

The healer places the warm being into my arms. My eyes fall onto my daughter’s. She stops her screeching upon seeing my face. Her force signature is strong - like my own.

“ What is her name, Padme’?” Obi-wan asks as the healer types into a datapad.

Chuckling I reply, “ Alyia Corden’.”

( Present)

My eyes flicker open and find Anakin’s filled with remorse. They never leave mine as he stammers, “ Your- pad-awan is your daughter?”

My eyes droop to the bed’s top comforter. I reply, “ Yes, and rightfully she is the next in line for the throne.”

To Be Continued.