დ

Word Count: 3.5k

❅━━━━━━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━━━━━❅

♚
⟦ ✥ ✥ ✥ ⟧
♚

❅━━━━━━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━━━━━❅

Anakin POV:

"I'm fine." I shrugged off one of my doctors who attempted to apply a healing poultice to the wound on my shoulder for about the hundredth time. Not only did it smell like ass, but the gel itself burned my skin more than the actual wound.

He sighed as he reluctantly pulled back, "With all due respect Your Highness, it will help finish the healing process much faster."

The poultice he was using contains honey to prevent infection, and a large amount of cerate–which is some sort of wax mixed mainly with oil and lard–to treat the wound. The only thing I know about these substances is that they're something called styptics, meaning they have the ability to staunch blood flow and bind flesh. The only issue is that it hurts like actual hell.

"Maybe I would be quicker if you weren't so incompetent." I snapped, holding in a wince as I jerked my arm away once more.

"Anakin." A stern, yet gentle voice scolded me. I reluctantly turned my head towards the doorway of the medical room, and saw my mother standing there, observing, and dressed as elegant as ever. Her gown color and appearance was as gentle and regal as her; a pastel lilac shade, rimmed with soft shimmering jewels around her chest and down her sleeves, perfectly mirroring the dawn light streaming through the windows.

"What? It hurts." I muttered indignantly.

She sighed and stepped further into the room, her half-cut bronze colored boots echoed against the floor with each step. "John, would you leave us for a moment?" She asked the doctor politely.

He bowed his head, and proceeded to place his tools down on his tray and move it to the other side of the room, "As you wish, Your Grace."

My mother shook her head, smiling as her long, braided dark brown hair fell in front of her shoulder, the small crystal jewels in her hair shining brightly as the rays of sun landed on them, "We're friends, John. I've told you before that in these informal settings you can just call me Shmi."

John laughed softly, nodding once more as he tipped his cap, "Of course, Shmi."

I watched in silence as he left the room from where I sat on the medical bed, and mentally prepared myself for another one of my mothers lectures.

"Anakin," Turning her attention back towards me, she spoke my name once again in a stern voice. Her expression told me that she was not at all pleased. "He has done nothing but help you ever since you returned with that wound last week. Why is it so difficult for you to be kind to him for all that he has done?"

"Because I'm fine." I repeated, shrugging my arm away once more like a petulant child as she tried to inspect it. I hopped off from where I sat on the medical bed and walked over to one of the tables to grab my long-sleeved, gold tunic and gently put it on so as to not irritate my wound. It' s mostly healed now, but my skin is still more sensitive than usual.

"Clearly not, since you're choosing to be so rude to your doctor." She responded from behind me, her tone laced thinly with annoyance. "You know, the one who's been helping you heal you all week?"

"Oh, really?" I asked with feigned shock. "I never would've guessed." I mumbled sarcastically, rolling my eyes even though she couldn't see.

I scoffed, keeping my back turned as my next words came out of my mouth before I could stop them, "And why do you care? I haven't seen you bat a single eyelash since I've been here." I grumbled petulantly, running a hand through my already messy hair.

I understand that my mother is a Queen and has more responsibility than I may ever know, but she only visited me once this week for a brief moment when I was in and out of consciousness. And the one time she does visit when I'm awake, it's to scold me.

When I turned around, I noticed her expression now shifted into one of hurt at my words. "Is that what you believe?" She asked quietly, though the pain in her voice was unbearably evident.

My chest tightened when I heard the hurt in her tone. I didn't realize the weight of my words until after I had said them.

I sighed sorrowfully, instantly feeling a pang of regret tugging at my heart. I never enjoy seeing my mother dismal, especially if I'm the cause of it.

I shook my head, "No." I mumbled as I gently pulled her into a hug, resting my hand on the back of her head. "I didn't mean that. I'm sorry, Mom."

She sighed as she returned the hug, bringing me a familiar sense of comfort that I always feel around her. Her presence is like the sun; warm, radiant, and joyful. "I appreciate that, my love." She said with a small smile as she pulled away, and began to fix my tunic which has become wrinkled when I threw it on. "But I still must know, what in the world has gotten into you today? I figured you would have waited until the bandages are removed before giving attitude to the doctors." She rolled her eyes playfully.

I chuckled, shaking my head at her banter about my attitude. Specifically within the kingdom, I've come to realize that I've made a notorious reputation for myself; apparently I'm known as 'The Rebellious Prince' by many nobles and even some staff. I don't mind it, but my mother isn't too keen on that title since those at the top of the hierarchy aren't necessarily pleased with the idea of a hot-headed, and extremely free-spirited Prince that will one day be ruling their kingdom.

I don't give two shits about what those snobs think of me, but I do care about my mothers feelings. And I know she wishes that I would put more effort into at least pretending to be civil and formal towards others, mainly those that feel the need to constantly irritate me.

But for her sake, and her sake only, I try to make mental notes to regularly keep my attitude in check.

I pulled away from our hug, and sighed as I fixed my expression into one of seriousness, hoping it would help my case, "Because I want to find her." I declared. "But I can't do that if I'm being kept in here like a caged animal."

She tilted her head in confusion, "Find who, exactly?"

I paused as I racked my brain for the exact moment I was attempting to remember, "The woman that saved my life." My memory of her has been hazy ever since that night from the effects of blood loss, being in an out of consciousness, and all of the medicine I've been given.

I remembered the Red Knights vividly, but that was about it for a while. The castle guards and my mother were informed of this and sent multiple parties out around the outer baileys and even into town, but none could be found. It seemed as if they vanished into thin air, which is what most of the guards are assuming.

I knew that wasn't the case, though. And those guards are idiots for thinking otherwise. How would they just disappear after something like that? If they tried to leave Coruscant by sea, they would've been stopped at the docks for identification.

The only ones who have actually care about finding them are the captain of the royal guards—Obi-Wan Kenobi—and his commander, Firmus Piett. Those two are also the only people in this hellhole of a kingdom that I consider to be my friends. Aside from my mother, who has always been my closest friend.

She nodded in realization at my declaration, "I've been meaning to ask you about that now that you're quickly recovering. Who exactly is this woman that saved you that night? She certainly must've had her hands full." She smirked, referring to my well-known reputation for getting myself into trouble quite often.

But in my defense, I can't help it if this castle is the most boring, and suffocating place in this entire kingdom. Not to mention the fact that I could easily compare this castle to a bin of toxic waste, considering all that ever happens here is bavardage exchanged between noblemen and women, as well as the small council waltzing around the throne room as if they're the rulers.

So I always find time to sneak out into the fields or even go into town to visit the market, and have conversations with people who don't make me want to jump off the nearest cliff.

I rolled my eyes in a lighthearted manner at my mother's remark, "Actually, it seemed to be a walk in the park for her. She easily defended me against those Red Knights like it was child's play." I sighed, closing my eyes as I attempted to recall my vague memory of her from that night. "I think she's an assassin. I remember seeing a strange symbol on her cloak." I mumbled. 

My mother's eyes widened slightly, "An assassin?" She questioned softly, more to herself than to me. Her eyes gazed into nowhere in particular, yet they glistened with a spark of recollection, as if she was faintly reliving a memory. "Did you happen to get her name?" Her tone shifted slightly, and it almost sounded like she was nervous for my response.

I nodded, "Yes. It's a hazy memory but...." My brows furrowed in concentration as I trailed off, forcing myself to remember that night. But the only thing that came to mind was the freezing temperature, flashes of red and arrows flying, and the feeling of wood piercing into my skin.

And then I saw her, after she finally removed her helmet.

My eyes widened slightly as the memory hit me like a tidal wave, "(y/n)." I responded almost in a whisper as the memory replayed in my head, bits and pieces slowly edging into my mind. "Her name is (y/n)."

Yes, that's right. It's all starting to come back to me. I remember certain details; her armor, her hair, her eyes. Cold as ice, but mysterious as the sea. The way her gaze could have easily burned mine to a crisp, setting it ablaze. I remembered the enigmatic yet intimidating energy her aura radiated, how shocked I was to see a woman with such power, which isn't something I normally see. It leads me to wonder exactly how she was able to become so skilled, seeing as it's typically looked down upon by society for women to partake in any sort of combat role.

And that's exactly what makes her so fascinating. I have to find out more, and I will. It's also an excuse to get out of this castle, and venture away from its usual mundane atmosphere.

My mother instantly sighed, shaking her head as if she expected that to be my response, making me even more confused by her reaction.

"I don't think that's such a good idea, Anakin." She looked up at me with sympathy in her soft eyes, which only irked me because she always used to give me that same look when I was a child, and wanted to do things that I couldn't.

"And why not?" I crossed my arms. "Now I'm not allowed to leave the castle at all?"

She sighed again, and gently grabbed one of my hands in hers so that I could now feel the coldness of each gold and silver ring on her fingers. She gently rubbed my knuckle with her thumb. "That's not what I meant," She explained slowly, "But you need to know that (y/n) is not just any assassin. She is the leader, and chief assassin of the Black Ice Guild; which consists solely of female assassins." Her words made my eyes widen in shock. There's a whole guild of female assassins in our kingdom? How did I not know of this?

Granted, there's a lot that happens in this kingdom that I don't pay attention to. But I would've surely remembered something like this.

Though, this must be why her name sounded familiar when I first heard it. I must've heard it mentioned somewhere else as well, seeing as this guild of hers seems to be well-known.

She went on, "All that's known about (y/n) is her ruthlessness in combat, her unforgiving tactics. She may have saved your life this time, but it's unclear what side she's on." My mother shook her head, seemingly becoming stressed by the topic, "I've received quite a few reports about her and her other assassins causing some trouble out in the forest, and even in town; nothing lethal or extremely damaging, but for whatever reason she's felt the need to cause terror towards our citizens." She reached her hand up to cup my cheek, looking up at me with a pleading expression, "I just don't want you throwing yourself into potential danger—again—especially since there's so much uncertainty regarding this situation."

I blinked slowly, taking in all of that new information. If anything, it only spurred more curiosity inside of me. No matter the possible danger that may come out of it, I need to know who she is.

I chuckled as I placed my hand over my mother's, "I always make it out in one piece, don't I?" I grinned when she shook her head in amusement, mainly at the fact that I can never seem to avoid getting myself into trouble.

It's not my fault though; I don't go looking for trouble, trouble usually finds its way to me.

"I'll be fine." I assured her once more. "Besides, aren't you the one always telling me to not judge a book by its cover, or whatever that saying is? If we don't know much about her, then this is our chance to learn more." I urged, hoping my point would be enough to convince her.

She nodded slowly with a small smile, running a hand through the end of her long, dark brown braid, pulling it over her shoulder, "You're still going to go no matter what I say, aren't you?"

My signature smirk returned as I nodded, "I already had the whole thing planned out."

As much as I feel guilty for disobeying her instructions or not following her advice, I still often choose to make decisions on my own accord no matter what she may say about it, especially if it regards my freedom or space.

Not that my mother ever has bad intentions in the things she wants me to do; she wishes the best life for me and does everything she can to make it happen. But even that can be overbearing at times, and I often need to just get away from it all for a while.

I moved back to one of the examination tables and grabbed one of my more wintry formal coats that I had requested to be brought here so that I could wear it out today; the snowfall from last week has subsided significantly, so traveling will be much easier, but it will most likely still be extremely cold, so I plan to not make the same mistake as last time and come prepared this time.

This coat is definitely more elegant as well; the inside was purely thick linen to contain warmth, and the outside—a blackish blue color—was originally made from wool but its been sown and weaved so many different ways so that many designs, and patches could be added. The shoulders were lined with gold satin on each side, making my build seem much larger, and every other silver button on the front had specific patches next to it; ones that represented symbols of the kingdom.

"You'll take Obi-Wan with you?" My mother asked with a raised eyebrow and waiting for me to confirm as I carefully put my coat on, being cautious of my still vulnerable wound on my shoulder.

I didn't plan to take Obi-Wan with me. True, he could protect me more easily if there's any danger ahead and help me search for (y/n) more safely, and may be good company. But if I know Obi-Wan, I also know that sometimes he plays his cards too safe; meaning that he feels the need to take slower, less adventurous journeys, and constantly checking his surroundings as if all the squirrels and crows are secretly going to ambush him.

Sometimes I genuinely think he just has an undisclosed fear of woodland creatures.

But regardless, that's not exactly how I'd like to travel today.

I shrugged, "It's a possibility." I grinned at my own ambiguous response, which caused my mother to once again shook her head, and by instinct walked over to straighten out my coat for me. "What am I going to do with you, Anakin?" She questioned lightheartedly.

"You could tell me where to find her?" I rose my eyebrows hopefully. If my mother knows that much about these assassins, then she must know where they live, or camp.

She sighed, and finally gave in as she stepped away from me. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt for you to try and find her. After all, she may as well be rewarded for saving your life." As she spoke she moved over to one of the tables at the back of the room, picking up a quill pen to write something down on one of the documents; probably a reminder.

I was about to thank her and finally prepare to leave the castle, but she spoke again, making me stop in my tracks. "But," She said while pointing a finger at me, "You must return before sundown in time for our annual winter ball. I want you to meet Lady Brielle Annora, who is coming all the way across the sea from Naboo to meet you."

My features instantly twisted into a scowl at her words, "Do I have to?" I whined.

I may be sounding dramatic, but meeting a new noblewoman or Princess each week to be their potential suitor is one of the most exhausting customs I have ever been forced to partake in. They're all the same, each and every one of them. All they care about is flaunting their heavy jewelry and strengthening their reputation by bringing down others who they see as competition.

I can't ever make it through a conversation with any of these women without wanting to fall asleep from being bored out of my mind. I'm willing to bet that I would have a more interesting conversation with a stone wall.

I'm convinced that most of them never cared about getting to know me personally; they just saw me as another pretty face to use for their own gain.

And while I don't blame for admiring my features—because who am I kidding? I could make any woman swoon—I still have to consider the fact that one of them will potentially be my wife; and Queen.

That's not a very cheerful thought either. I have no desire to get married anytime soon; if at all. I'm perfectly content with the idea of being an unmarried King - that way I won't be tied down by anyone or the rules and traditions of marriage, and I can rule my country how I see fit; with love, fair laws, and new ideas.

Not that my mother doesn't try to accomplish these things, but being Queen or King sadly doesn't mean we always get to make the rules. It's mainly the Lords and those on the small council who finalize all major decisions, bills, and laws regarding the kingdom, which is such a dimwitted rule. The only thing those asshats do when they're here at the castle is prance around the throne room like drunk fairies with endless grails of wine.

"Yes you have to." My mother replied in a firm voice, walking back over to me and cupping both of my cheeks when I still remained with a scowl on my face. "Just give her a chance, please." She pleaded in a softer tone.

I rolled my eyes, "Fine." I mumbled. "But I'm not going to enjoy it." I warned, further demonstrating to her how much I didn't want to meet Lady what's-her-name.

"Thank you, Ani." She smiled sincerely, rubbing both of her thumbs over my cheekbones affectionately before bringing her hands down to smooth out her purple dress, then proceeded to straighten her posture. "Now, I believe you have an assassin to find."

დ

❅━━━━━━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━━━━━❅

♚
⟦ ✥ ✥ ✥ ⟧
♚

❅━━━━━━✦❘༻༺❘✦━━━━━━❅

(a/n): I hope this chapter wasn't too slow; I mainly wanted it to kind of introduce Anakin's life/character in this story, but I promise things will pick up in the next few chapters! And (y/n) will be in the next one ❤️ Please vote and comment your thoughts as well (: