✧. ┊adoration

The lights shimmered beyond the towering windows, painting the apartment in soft gold and blue as the city continued its endless rhythm below. Inside, however, there was only silence. The Senate chambers had long since emptied, the day’s debates finally behind her, yet Padmé had carried their weight home all the same. It wasn’t until the apartment door opened and you stepped inside that the tension eased from her shoulders, her expression softening in a way no one else was ever allowed to witness.

She crossed the room without a word, gently taking your hands into her own as though reassuring herself you were truly there. For a long moment, she simply looked at you, studying every familiar feature with quiet admiration, the corners of her lips lifting into a smile that belonged to no senator, no queen - only the woman hopelessly in love.

Her fingertips brushed a loose strand of hair behind your ear, lingering against your cheek.

“You’re beautiful,” she whispered, the words carrying the same quiet certainty as if she’d spoken them a thousand times before. “I don’t think I’ll ever stop thinking that.”

Outside these walls, you had to be careful. Every glance in the Senate was observed, every public appearance scrutinized, every rumor capable of becoming a scandal that could threaten Padmé’s career and place you in danger. Even Anakin - one of the very few who knew the truth - had become another guardian of the secret they carried together. But here, hidden from the galaxy, there were no titles, no expectations, no politics.

Only the two of you.

Padmé rested her forehead lightly against your own, closing her eyes for a moment as though trying to hold onto the peace she only ever found in your presence.

“Come here,” she murmured with a small smile. “Tell me about your day.. I’ve missed you.”