chapter 1 - a long time ago...

Padmé stood on the balcony of her apartment, gazing absently across the city that spread across the horizon. Speeders danced through the glowing sky and transports raised from the floor like birds taking flight.

It was dawn but Padmé wished it was still the dark of night as she feared facing the day. The skyline of Coruscant seemed idyllic with the morning rays reflecting off their glass surfaces. Red, orange, and yellow beams danced excitedly though the sky. Yet, Padmé did not notice the beauty that lay before her. Her mind had wondered and was going over the many worries she now bore. The corruption in the Senate, the devastating war with the Separatists, and… and her baby. Something that should bring her so much joy instead brought her so much fear. Padmé sighed wearily and glanced down at her stomach. There had hardly been any physical change- there was only the slightest hint of a baby bump and her breasts had not shown any noticeable growth. She knew that this would change, however. And then everyone would notice.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Padmé jumped but quickly calmed down when she realized it was her husband. The man she could always count on to protect her and keep her safe. If it wasn’t for him, Padmé wasn’t sure where she would be. She dared not think about it as this man meant the world, no, the galaxy to her and she knew that she meant the same to him. She turned and locked eyes with the man approaching her and gently said, “Anakin.”

“What’s wrong, Padmé? I don’t need the Force to tell me that something is bothering you.” Anakin had a genuine look of worry on his face. He always cared about and worried for her, no matter the situation.

“It’s the baby,” Padmé took a slow breath and tried to keep herself calm, “I’m worried about our baby.”

Anakin shook his head and gave a faint smile, “It was just a dream, nothing will hurt you or our baby, I promise you.” Padmé felt reassured as she heard this but couldn’t wash away the obvious look of worry that stained her face. Anakin began to slowly move his hand down one of Padmé smooth cheeks.

“It’s not just the baby’s health. It’s us.” This conversation was becoming hard for Padmé but she stayed strong as this had been bothering her ever since Anakin returned a week ago.

“What about us?” Anakin now also showed worry, but also confusion.

“We’ve been married for over three years now and we’ve managed to keep it a secret but now I think it may become more,” she glanced down at her stomach, “noticeable.”

Anakin considered this for a moment then frowned, “I hadn’t thought of that.” He gave no further comment and raised his eyes to look towards the skyline.

“What are we going to do?” Padmé began to panic as she was really hoping Anakin would have suggested a solution, any solution. “Eventually my stomach will grow to the point where I might as well be shouting ‘I’m pregnant’. Even Jar Jar will be able to tell!”

Anakin was clearly in deep thought then shook his head. “I don’t know Padmé. I just don’t…” Anakin abruptly paused and his eyes began to widen.

“What? Tell me!” Anakin looked down at Padmé and frowned.

“You may not like what I have to say.”

“I don’t care! Just tell me. Please.” Padmé began to calm down as Anakin raised his hand to her cheek.

“So, you’re worried about the changes of pregnancy revealing our secret, right?”

“Yes, what are you getting at?”

“Therefore, the best thing we can do is make the changes look less like a pregnancy.” Anakin seemed to glance over Padmé with a look of what appeared to be Padmé to be regretful.

“What do you mean?”

“You gain weight.”