Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep - Being revamped!

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Chapter 20: The Circle is Complete

The babe within her was a heavy, reassuring weight now. As always, her loyal Noghri trailed behind her, their eyes ever watchful and alert. They no longer frightened her, their faces no longer seemed so alien and fierce. Rather, she had learned that they had a sense of loyalty unrivaled in the galaxy and a dry sense of humor that had made her laugh more than once.

Anakin – the Emperor – was due back from the Outer Rim any time now. He was making sure that his new anti-slavery laws were taken seriously. He had been gone for almost two months, but he knew that his presence would expedite the process of freeing the slaves. His first stop had been Tatooine.

So for now, Ree was left to her own devices. Her advancing pregnancy had made her feel placid and content, and above all, eager to meet her child.

The Imperial gardens were empty right now, so they were hers to roam at will. He had ordered that she be allowed to use the gardens in perfect privacy and of course, his word was obeyed without question.

A gust of wind blew back her hair, molding her dark green gown to the gravid roundness of her belly. From far away she heard chimes that sounded like feminine laughter and turned to see the source. A shadow in a far corner, a misty image that seemed to have settled near the big tree where Ree liked to sit and talk to the child within her.

As she drew closer, she saw the slight figure standing there, transparent but recognizable – not so different from the holo image she had seen of her. A gentle smile filled that beautiful face, a smile that was full of forgiveness and wishes for a future that she must have dreamed of for herself.

Her smile answered every question Ree might have asked. By Padme’s side appeared two small children, their hands clutching hers. They appeared to be about five years old, as old as they would have been if…

With a gasp, Ree realized that these were the children Padme had been carrying when Palpatine killed her. Twins… a son and a daughter. She wondered if Anakin knew and saw Padme give a small, sad shake of her head.

/One day, you can tell him,/ a voice whispered on the winds. /One day when he is strong and happy again, surrounded by the children he will have with you./

Ree bowed her head in acknowledgement, her hands going to her belly.

Tears running down her face, Ree looked up and shared a smile with the other woman who loved Anakin Skywalker.

“I will love him faithfully,” Ree whispered. “I will watch over him for both of us.”

/Anakin is blessed. He had my love in his youth, and he will have your love as he grows old./

The wind sang with laughter once more and Anakin’s wife and children were gone.

Ree turned back to the palace, never glancing back again.


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Anakin came back to her early that evening. She was sitting in her favorite chair on the balcony, overlooking the dazzling lights of the capital. She made a move to stand but he stopped her by kneeling at her side. His hands went to her belly and he laughed. “You’ve grown!” he said in delight.

“You mean your child has grown,” she corrected him. Then she kissed him deeply. “I’ve missed you.”

With a shake of his head, he admitted, “I’ve missed you, too.” He sounded surprised.

Then he stared at her curiously as he cradled her cheek in his callused palm. He tilted his head and smiled. “Something is different,” he murmured.

Ree kissed his hand and then took it in her own. “I will tell you when the time is right,” she whispered.

For a moment, his eyes narrowed, and he felt a surge of the old rage. Then he stared into her eyes and knew that the time for fury and madness was gone now, swept away by hope – hope for a future, for a family, perhaps even one day…love.

“I will wait,” he replied, gathering in her warmth to keep the cold shadows at bay.

“Thank you,” Ree said as she stood up awkwardly.

He offered his hand to her, helping her to her feet. Then his hand strayed down to her belly, where his child kicked at it impatiently. As always, a look of wonder crossed his face. “She is strong,” he commented.

“Yes, he is,” Ree retorted. He had forbidden the med droid to divulge the gender of the baby. It was a long-standing discussion between them, each secretly sure that they were right.

He frowned slightly as he looked at her. “You look tired,” he said in a concerned voice.

She tapped her belly. “Carrying around this load has proven exhausting,” she told him. “That’s all. Don’t worry.”

He nodded and then put his arm around her waist as she walked. “Are you hungry?”

“Starving!” She shook her head. “I’m always hungry.”

Anakin laughed and promised to order them some dinner. He talked of his journey while she ate. He laughed when a blissful look crossed her face as she devoured her evening meal. She did not each a great quantity of food, but she appeared to greatly enjoy what she did eat.

Later, she sat back in her chair with a satisfied sigh. “I feel much better now,” she said.

He laughed and leaned over and lightly kissed her cheek. “You didn’t eat much,” he admonished gently.

“Not much room,” she said dryly.

“Ah,” he murmured.

“Will you help me up?”

“Of course.” And once more his hands gently supported her as she stood. She walked ahead of him toward their bedchamber and then looked back at him over her shoulder. He was standing by the table, looking a bit lost and forlorn.

“Aren’t you coming to bed with me?” She asked with a teasing note in her voice.

He frowned, looking at the chrono. “It’s early yet,” he said in a distracted voice. “I know you’re tired, so you go ahead.”

Ree turned around fully and laughed. “Well, yes, it is early,” she agreed. “If I intended to sleep…” she added meaningfully.

He looked at her and his expression brightened. Then his smile faded away. “But the baby…”

“Is perfectly safe just where it is,” Ree informed him. “I already checked with the med droid.”

His eyes met hers and the familiar spark blazed to life. He took her hand as she led him to their bed. Meeting his eyes boldly, she let her robe slip from her shoulders and then slid her sleepgown off as well.

With a trembling hand, he reached out and touched the curve of her belly, stroked the silken flesh that sheltered his child. “You’re beautiful like this,” he whispered reverently.

Then he knelt before her and placed a tender kiss just below her navel, before slowly stroking his hands over her. She felt her body being gently lifted and placed carefully on the bed. His own clothes disappeared quickly, and then he was beside her.

His lips blazed a trail up her throat to her ear, where his tongue swirled and his teeth nipped. Long fingers began to slowly stroke her sex, coaxing a response from her that made her want to squirm. His touch was light, almost too light. But he would not be hurried, nor would he increase the pressure of his caress.

“Shhh…”

That was his only response to her murmured protests.

She put her hand on his cock, felt it quiver at her touch. He moaned and his hips jerked into her touch. “Touch me…” he whispered. “Gods, yes.” She stroked him as slowly as he touched her, wrapping her fingers around him and letting her hand glide along his hard flesh.

His mouth moved down to her full breasts, explored the new curves there, his tongue flicking at her sensitive nipples. She cried out, pulling him closer.

Then he turned her on her side and moved in behind her. Supporting her belly with one gentle hand, he slowly slid his cock inside of her. His movements were tentative at first, but as she thrust back against him, moaning his name, he began to move deeper and harder inside of her. The pace was slow, the strokes deep.

Slowly, he stroked in and out of her body with exquisite care. His fingers moved from her belly to between her legs, where his fingers swirled and teased. Soon she was crying out her completion and shuddering against him.

He followed her a few strokes later, grunting with satisfaction as his seed exploded inside of her. She felt him trembling as he gathered her into his arms, felt his hand move down to cradle their child.

The Emperor fell asleep holding her close.

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I'll be posting the last chapter later this week! Thanks so much to all of those who read this and encouraged me. You all made writing this a true joy!