To be perfectly honest, I started this without having any idea where I was going with it. I just winged the hell out of it so hopefully it's to your liking lol enjoy!

2.3k words

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(y/n)'s POV
His hands brushed against my skin.

His lips pressed softly against mine.

His tender words of love floated into my ear as he peeled away my clothes and—

"Princess," A firm grip on my shoulder jolted me awake, "We have arrived. You must awaken."

I blinked against the bright light streaming through the small window, "Please, dim the sun," I yanked the curtain shut, shielding my eyes from the harsh glare.

I reclined my head back, gazing at the carriage ceiling with a heavy sigh. The dream lingered, invading my every thought. Longing for his closeness was the last thing I needed at this moment. The thought of stepping outside filled me with dread. I would see him, and dismissing the dream would prove nearly impossible.

The door swung open, revealing Anakin's stoic face as he extended his hand toward me, "Let us take you inside. The sun is bright, but the air remains chilly." I placed my hand in his, and he guided me from the carriage into the brisk winds, "Your mother would not forgive me if you fell ill."

He escorted me from the carriage to the palace entrance. There, a man awaited us, but Anthony was absent, "Princess, it is a privilege to have you here."

I accepted his hand with a gentle smile, "It is a privilege to be here."

The gentleman led us into the palace, his demeanor exuding a quiet confidence that suggested he was well-versed in the art of hospitality. The grand entranceway was adorned with intricate carvings and soft colors. As we stepped inside, the air was filled with the faint scent of polished wood and blooming flowers that seemed to be from the garden outside.

Several servants, dressed in uniforms, approached us promptly. With respectful nods, they took care of our luggage, their movements swift and practiced. I exchanged a few polite words with them, appreciative of their efficiency, but my thoughts were focused on Padmé. I held her close, hoping she could enjoy this moment beside me, free from the burdens of her duties as my handmaiden.

Anakin trailed behind us, his senses heightened and alert, as he usually was in unfamiliar environments. His eyes darted around the room and beyond, examining every corner and shadow, "Always so dramatic," I said silently, he is acting as if something is going to attack us here and now.

"Welcome!" A voice echoed through the air. It belonged to Anthony and we watched as he descended the staircase with a smile.

Yet, the palace's interior spoke for itself, magnificent and awe-inspiring. The high ceilings were covered with intricate frescoes, their colors vibrant and alive. Crystal chandeliers hung like stars, casting a warm glow across the marble floors. Ornate columns lined the hall while rich velvet tapestries draped the walls. Every detail, from the gilded moldings to the plush furnishings, spoke of luxury and refinement, creating an atmosphere that was both inviting and also overwhelming.

It nearly put my own palace to shame.

"Princess, a pleasure to see you," he said, his voice smooth and rich. The way he pronounced each word made it feel as though he were savoring the very essence of my being. He graciously grabbed my hand and kissed the back of it.

"Your Majesty," I said, my tone unwavering as I observed his actions, "The pleasure is all mine."

Next, he approached Padmé, his demeanor shifting to one of charm and grace as he offered her a similar greeting—a gentle kiss on the back of her hand, his lips barely brushing her skin. "Ms. Amidala, a delight to see you once more," he said, his voice smooth and inviting, as if he were weaving a spell around her.

She acknowledged him with a polite nod, her eyes sparkling in a way that felt unfamiliar to me, a light that seemed to dance with warmth and admiration. "It is a delight to see you again as well, King Anthony," she replied, her tone gracious, and I couldn't help but notice the way her cheeks flushed slightly.

Then he turned to Anakin, who stood rigidly beside us, his posture tense and unyielding. The king extended his hand, a gesture of camaraderie, but Anakin made no move to reciprocate. "I do not engage in handshakes, with all due respect your Majesty," Anakin replied, his tone icy. The atmosphere shifted, the warmth of the earlier exchanges evaporating as Anakin's defiance became the focal point of the moment.

King Anthony's smile faltered for just a heartbeat, a flicker of surprise crossing his features before he masked it with a practiced composure. "Of course, I respect your wishes," he said, his voice steady, though I could sense the tension radiating from him.

Padmé glanced between the two of them. "Anakin, perhaps a handshake is merely a formality," she suggested gently, trying to diffuse the situation. But Anakin remained unmoved, his gaze locked onto the king with an intensity that spoke volumes.

"I prefer to keep my distance," he replied, his voice low but firm.

"Excuse his behavior," I chuckled lightly at Anakin's attitude, trying to diffuse the tension in the air. "He is not a fan of me staying so far away from home, especially in a place he is not familiar with. It makes him uneasy and therefore, he acts like an imbecile." I could feel Anakin glaring at the side of my face when I added that last part.

Anthony acknowledged my explanation with a nod, his expression shifting to one of understanding. "I respect a man dedicated to his work," he remarked, his smile reappearing, brightening the atmosphere. It was a welcome change, and I appreciated his ability to see beyond Anakin's brusque exterior. He clapped his hands together, the sound echoing in the spacious room. "You all must be famished after such a long journey. Come along. Let's make our way to the dining hall. Supper should be almost prepared."

We walked through the grand corridors. Anthony led the way, his enthusiasm infectious as he pointed out various artifacts and shared snippets of their history. I could see Anakin's interest piquing, his curiosity momentarily distracting him from his earlier attitude.

As we approached the dining hall, the rich aroma of roasted meats and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation. The large wooden doors swung open to reveal a beautifully set table, adorned with silverware and a few flickering candles that cast a warm glow over the room.

"Welcome to the heart of my home," Anthony said, gesturing for us to take our seats. "Tonight, we feast like kings." He joked, a warm smile spreading across his lips.

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"Dinner was wonderful, thank you," Gratitude flowed from my tongue as Anthony and I strolled toward my temporary quarters. Padmé received her room first, situated close to where we were going now.

He nodded, a smirk playing on his lips. "Pleased you liked it, despite the near mishap." A chuckle escaped him.

I felt heat rise to my cheeks. A piece of carrot of all things had lodged in my throat about halfway through dinner. Anakin had to slap my back to get it to come out, sending it tumbling onto Padmé's plate. "Let's forget that ever happened," I managed to say, my laughter tinged with embarrassment. Thankfully the lightheartedness of the moment helped to ease my mortification.

"Certainly, Princess." He paused beside a door. "This belongs to you and him." He pointed to Anakin, who had followed closely behind us this entire time. "I didn't prepare a separate room for him. I assumed he would insist on remaining with you. The couch converts into a second bed."

The thought of staying with Anakin here all night made my chest constrict, a tightness that spread through me like a creeping vine. All night thus far, the air between him and I was thick with unspoken words and unresolved tension. What we were dealing with already felt difficult enough and this situation—room sharing—felt like adding fuel to the fire of what I called 'us.'

"You assumed right,"Anakin strode past us, his gaze sweeping the room with an intensity that suggested he was searching for something hidden.

I exhaled softly, a sound that did not escape Anthony's attention. "He has good intentions," I murmured, careful to keep my voice low enough to avoid Anakin's ears, "but honestly, he can be a touch too theatrical at times."

Anthony waved his hand dismissively, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I am not offended," he said lightly. "Goodnight, Princess. Tomorrow morning, I look forward to breakfast with you, and perhaps a stroll through my kingdom. I hope to show you all that it has to offer, should fate deem me your chosen one." With a gentle grasp, he took my hand and pressed a soft kiss upon it, then turned and walked away, leaving a lingering warmth in the air.

I have a fondness for him, a genuine affection that warms my heart. Yet, the question lingers—could I ever truly love him?

With a heavy sigh, I entered the room, carefully shutting the door behind me. "Princess—"

"There's no need for discussion, Anakin, especially if it concerns us," I replied, my gaze fixed on the floor. I made my way to the bed, rummaging through my suitcase in search of my pajamas.

Throughout the day, I found distractions in the vibrant decorations that adorned the house, my mind wandering through their intricate details. It was a clever ruse, a way to keep my thoughts at bay, to avoid the haunting presence of him. I ached to forget the way my heart would leap whenever he would get close to me, the way breath seemed to leave my lungs whenever our gazes intertwined. The memory of his lips against mine was a bittersweet torment I could no longer endure. I wanted it to end, I wanted a way to sever the ties of affection that bound us, for the sake of both our hearts.

I wanted to stop loving him.

A hand brushed against my cheek, gently clearing something away. "Why are you crying?" His voice held a softness that wrapped around me like a warm blanket, momentarily easing the storm within.

I had not even noticed the tears cascading down my face, blurring the world around me. "I do not know." I lowered my head, allowing his hand to slip away, the warmth of his touch lingering like a ghost.

He seized my wrist, turning me to face him with a sudden urgency that took me by surprise. His gaze locked onto mine, intense and unwavering. "I love you."

"Stop." I shook my head in protest, the words tumbling out before I could catch them. My heart raced, caught in a whirlwind of emotions I could not quite comprehend.

"I love you." His words came out slowly, deliberately, each syllable heavy with meaning, as if he were laying down a challenge I was not ready to accept.

"Anakin." My voice was barely a whisper, a plea wrapped in desperation. I could feel the weight of his gaze, the way it pierced through the walls I had built around my heart.

"What?" He leaned closer, our foreheads touching, the warmth of his breath mingling with mine. His eyes were locked onto mine, and in that moment, I felt the urge to kiss him, drawn in by an undeniable force that threatened to consume me. "I know we could never, but—"

"There are no buts." I interrupted, my voice firmer now, though my heart trembled at the conviction in my words. The truth hung between us, heavy and unyielding. I could feel the pull of his affection, the gravity of his feelings, but I also felt the chasm that lay between us, a divide forged by duty and destiny.

"Why do you fight this?" he asked, his voice a mixture of frustration and longing. "Why do you deny what is right in front of us?"

"Because it is not that simple!" I exclaimed, pulling my wrist from his grasp, though the absence of his touch left a cold ache in its wake. "You know the world we live in. You know the choices we have to make."

He stepped back, his expression shifting from determination to hurt, and I felt a pang of guilt twist in my chest. "So you would rather hide behind your fears than embrace what we could have?"

"It is not fear," I insisted, though I could hear the tremor in my own voice. "It is just what it is."

"Well Princess, I refuse to accept it as it is." He seized my face, his lips crashing against mine. Every fiber of my being urged me to surrender while my thoughts rebelled.

I stopped fighting it, returning the kiss, fingers weaving through his hair, drawing him nearer. I broke away briefly, locking eyes with him. "This can never be allowed," I murmured. Despite our desires, reality loomed large.

He nodded, a slow understanding dawning. "For just one night, let us forget. One night where you are not a Princess and I am not your guard. Let us have that."

I understood I should refuse, to halt this before it spiraled again, just as it had mere hours ago. Yet those hours had been unbearable. "We are mad for this," I whispered, pressing my lips to his once more.

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