WHAT IS REAL

XXIII

Vader stopped laughing, and turned to Padme and kissed the top of her head. "You still do speak your mind don't you angel."

She softened at the kiss because when he kissed her it always made her heart melt. She lay down on the bed because all this fighting was wearing her out, and he lay next to her. "Padme you must understand I have not settled to be an apprentice, but I also have not learned all I can from Palpatine. I will know when I am ready to do what I will need to do."

"What do you need to do?"

"I am going to get rid of him. You think I don't know he has kept things from me. He has lied to me, too, many times and then what he did to you was just enough to make me hate him just for still breathing. My hate always makes me strong but I have not yet learned something I need that will be very important. Masking my presence when I am around him. He is ever wary of me and some sort of treachery that I may one day deal him. I need it planned at the right time and in the right way and also I need to be faster than him. You know he beat Yoda back 3 years ago and I know I am not ready to face him yet." He paused before finishing his thoughts. 

"What you saw me do today was just a way to keep order among my men. I must have complete obedience and I expect nothing but the best from my men. The man you saw has failed me too many times. He was just too much of risk to me. He could cause my death by his mistakes and I will not allow that to happen. Do you understand?"

"I am not so sure I understand but I will say I can't change it. You are not the man I married and I am not the woman you married. Our changes are irrevocable and I will accept you as you are. I can't do anything else. I still love you." With that said, She snuggled into his embrace and closed her eyes so she could get some much needed rest.