2.2k words

༻✦༺

(Y/n)'s POV
You would think I would feel sorry for being the reason a man is sentenced to die. But I was not. I do not feel any remorse, not even when I watched him shed tears of regret. Or when I listened to his forced apology.

Does that make me horrible?

He tried to hurt and take advantage of me, the Princess and future Queen of Naboo. Death was the only way this was ever going to go. I knew that the moment I was saved and he was taken away, but hearing it said aloud is what finally made it real.

We all stood from our chairs and watched the man get taken away. Chains around his wrists, tears created puddles on the floor, "Are you alright Princess?" Anakin asked from behind me, his hand resting softly and protectively on my shoulder.

"Am I a bad person for not feeling sorry for him?" I ignored his question, asking my own. I could still feel that vile man's breath on me, his hands on me, his intentions sickening me.

Ani squeezed my shoulder and brought his mouth to my ear to mumble as everyone else spoke among themselves regarding the trial, "No, just because he stopped when he realized who you were, does not mean he would have stopped for anyone else." He was right, "He is only sorry because he got caught, he is not actually sorry because there is no doubt in my mind he has succeeded before. Always remember that if you begin to doubt your morals."

I took a deep breath and nodded, "Thank you." I closed my eyes so I could no longer see the man that was demanding eye contact with me. As if he thinks the pity behind them will guilt me into reversing his sentence. He is wrong.

"Princess," I heard a familiar voice and I felt Anakin stiffen. I opened my eyes and almost stepped back in surprise when I saw Anthony standing in front of me. He held a sad smile and took my hand in his to place a kiss on the back of it, "I came as soon as I heard, are you okay?"

I smiled back, as much as I could, "I am," I felt a small flutter in my stomach, knowing he came all the way over here just to see if I was okay. He is a King after all so leaving his kingdom for anything is most likely difficult. So for him to drop it all and come here... well it meant a lot, "Thank you for coming to check on me, it is rather sweet of you."

Do I have deep feelings for Ani? I can not deny that I do.

But do I also feel something for Anthony? That I also can not deny. He is a good man and a perfect choice for me and for my people. Caring, loyal, charming. The only thing that is really wrong with him is that he is not... him.

"Of course Princess," He looked up at Anakin who I am sure is staring daggers at him. He has also not removed his hand from my shoulder, but instead has tightened his grip. Any tighter and I would have a bruise, "I hope you know that if I am the one she chooses, I have every intention of keeping you in your position." My heart fluttered to that as well, more profoundly, "I have a hard time believing there is anyone who can protect her as well as you."

Anakin snorted, "Should I be flattered, your highness?" His voice dripped with sarcasm.

I slowly turned and shot him a warning glare. He pretended to not notice, but I know he did. His eyes slipped away and met mine for a split second, giving it away, "Excuse him. With everything that has happened, he is a bit on edge." I said, turning towards Anthony's calm gaze. That is one thing I happen to really like about him, he does not let Ani's attitude affect him. I wish I had the same power.

"Rightfully, so." Anthony gave him a nod of respect.

"Anthony!" My mothers squeal of joy nearly burst my ear drums. I flinched and moved to the side before she bumped into me to get to him. She pulled him into a hug and his eyes slightly widened in surprise until he hugged her back, "It is so good to see you again, did my daughter invite you?"

I shook my head as Anthony answered. Their hug ending, "No my Queen, news travels fast. I wanted to be here to support her and to make sure she is okay."

"She is-" Anakin started again with his incessant jabs, so I stomped on his shoe with the back of my heel to shut him up. He did, if we do not count the low groan of pain. Luckily no one noticed he even began to talk.

"Well you must join us for dinner," My mother who is oblivious to the violence that just took place, said.

Anthony smiled at her offer and shyly looked to the floor, "That is a flattering offer, but I would not wish to impose."

"You would not be imposing," She assured him.

"Not at all," My father chimed in, approaching us at a slow and steady pace. His hands rested behind his back as he stood by my mothers side, Obi-Wan not far behind them, "Right, my child?" He looked at me, a glint of mischief in his eyes,

I shook my head, holding a smile that mirrored my Mother's. Her and I have also looked exactly alike, just a few wrinkles and older eyes are the only differences we hold, "We would love for you to join us for dinner." I placed my hand on his shoulder. His eyes darted to it, before they met mine and he swallowed nervously, "If you have the time—" All of our heads whipped to the side, following the sound of a loud crack that made my Mother and I jump.

"Weaker than I thought," Anakin held a piece of broken wood in his hand. Wood that came from the chair I was just sitting in. It was missing from the back of it, like he had squeezed too hard and it snapped in his hand.

I knitted my brows, and my Mother spoke before I could, "Anakin dear, why did you break the chair?"

His eyes met hers and he held the most innocent smile I have ever seen on him, "My apologies your highness, I was merely leaning on it and it broke. I think it was already a bit on the weak side."

I narrowed my eyes, I can always tell when he is lying and this is clearly a lie. He had that mischievous twinkle in his blue eyes. They were nearly hidden behind strands of his sandy blonde hair. His gaze shifted to me and I know that he knew I knew he was lying.. he broke it in a fit of rage.

✦

"Hold on," Anakin stopped me before I took a bite of my food. He grabbed my fork from my hand and took the bite I made for myself, "It's fine." He handed me the fork back to me. Normally he does not taste test my food because of the bond we have all grown to the kitchen staff, we trust them. But the usuals were on a vacation, so the temporary replacements were not on Anakin's trust list.

I stared up at him with a soft smile after setting my utensil down and resting my head on my hands, "If I am lucky, it is slow activating. Let us give it a minute, shall we?"

He took the seat next to me and kicked me under the table, not hard, but enough to make me jump.

"(Y/n)," My Mother tilted her head, "Be kind, he is the only reason you are alive."

I rolled my eyes, "I doubt I would have died Moth—"

"I do not just mean today. He has been there for you on many occasions, so show him some gratitude." She continued to scold me as she usually does if she bears witness to our quarrels. I decided to stay silent, there is nothing I can say that will change her mind about her little golden boy. Unless I mention the numerous kissing, but even I do not have a death wish.

The next hour or so consisted of eating, small talk and glares from Anakin that were almost always directed towards Anthony.  He does not like him and he lets it show without little to no shame.

"So Anthony," My Father dropped his used napkin into his empty plate, "How serious are you about winning my daughters hand? She is my only baby, and I only wish the best for her. I do need a King for this kingdom, but my daughter needs a loyal and loving husband as well."

"I have thought about marrying her since the moment I met her," He revealed, and I found myself blushing from his sweet words. I did not dare look in Anakin's direction, I could already feel the steam rising from him. Anthony then looked away from my smiling parents, to me, "You are a woman made from dreams."

I sat there for a moment in bewilderment with my mouth ajar. I had no idea how to respond to him, but luckily I did not have to, "Princess," Anakin spoke up sternly. I blinked rapidly, as if I was pulling myself from a trance. I looked over to meet my guards emotionless expression, "It is seven-thirty, you have your ballet lesson in half an hour." He informed me of something I had completely forgotten about, I guess I had not realized what day it was. It may seem odd to have ballet lessons at this time, but to me there is no better sleep remedy than a good work-out. So I opted to have my lessons in the evenings, rather than mornings.

I nodded, "Thank you." I broke my eye contact with him and glanced back to Anthony who was smiling proudly. He knew his smooth words startled me into being speechless, "I am sorry Anthony, this was lovely and I really appreciate you coming here, but I must to go." I stood up from chair that Anakin pulled back for me; prompting Anthony to stand up as well.

He slowly came over to me, Anakin was about to step forward, but I held up a hand so he stayed behind me, "I hope to see you soon." Anthony leaned forward and pressed his lips to my cheek. He was soft, gentle.

He pulled away from his sweet gesture with a smile, his eyes meeting mine when he did, "You will," I assured him before bowing to my parents leaving, with Ani following behind me. I walked quickly to my room so I could change into my outfit for my lesson, worried I would be late and have to listen to my instructor lecture me on punctuality.

Also, Anakin and I did not speak the entire walk there. But the silence was loud, he was angry.

We stepped into my room and I walked straight to the closet to grab a leotard. Anakin leaned in the closet doorway and eyed me as I began to carefully take the dress off.

My eyes met his while I was started to pull the straps off and I paused, "Are you going to watch me change?"

He smirked with a shrug, "Why not?" He tilted his head so it leaned against the wall, his eyes never leaving me.

I gave him a sheepish look, "Fine," I quickly undressed and pretended that he was not there, although that became difficult when he was suddenly behind me.

His hands cold fingers were firmly placed on my naked hips, making me freeze in place, "You're not meant to be in dreams Princess." His breath hit the back of my neck and the goosebumps on my arms sharpened as he contradicted Anthony's words, "You're meant to be a treasured reality." His grip tightened as he pulled my back against him.

Once again, a mans words today have left me speechless, "I-" I tried to form a sentence, but the intoxicating feeling of his lips on my neck stopped me and I closed my eyes to enjoy his gentle touch.

After a few seconds, his lips broke away from me and I found myself wanting more, "Finish getting dressed so you are not late. I will be waiting by the door for you." He whispered while he gave my hips a gentle squeeze, then he let go and I heard the sound of his footsteps leave the closet.

I stood there for a moment with a racing heart. His words blew Anthony's words out of my mind, like they were nothing in comparison. I let out a heavy breath and pushed the events away before calming myself down so I could get ready for my ballet lesson.

༻✦༺