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Word Count: 3.4k

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Anakin POV:

Now that I had accomplished the first part of my goal, which was getting (y/n) to agree to return with me to the castle, I wasn't entirely sure what to do next. Despite my overconfident attitude, I think part of me didn't believe I would make it this far in my little quest.

But I did; meaning I can now rub this in Piett's face and tell him I completed my primary objective with ease, after his incessant protests against my plan.

That may be a slight embellishment of my story, but it's not as if he'll know.

I winced as I stepped back outside from the warmth of the hut into the chilly air. The contrast manifested a painfully evident pang of discomfort near my temporal lobe, the exact spot where (y/n) had pushed the side of my head into the ground more than once.

"I think you gave me a concussion." I mumbled as I used two fingers to massage the upper region of my temple.

She ignored me and kept her gaze focused forwards in the direction of the rest of the camp, towards nothing in particular.

I aligned myself next to her in an attempt to follow her gaze, and it was then that I realized she was only a few inches shorter than me, probably because of the height of her boots. I'm not sure how tall she is without them, but with them she is most definitely taller than any other women I've been acquainted with.

"What are we looking at?" I whispered, squinting as I scanned our surroundings.

Other huts and tents identical to hers were stationed all throughout the territory, and eventually my eyes landed on a woman I didn't recognize. She had brunette hair which was braided over her shoulder, and had a satchel of arrows wrapped around her similar to Ahsoka's. She was standing by a small fire that looked to be consisting of crackling embers, casting a bright blow on the snow surrounding it. I then realized that woman is what (y/n) is looking at.

She once again ignored me. I glanced back at her in confusion, noticing the way she seemed to be anxiously gripping the hilt of her belt, and was pressing her tongue against the inside of her cheek in deep thought, like she was making a decision.

I chuckled and jokingly nudged her, "You have a crush on her or something?"

Finally she shot a piercing glare at me, and clearly did not find my comment as amusing as I did. "Just what do you think is going to happen if you keep talking?" She questioned.

"Well," I shrugged, "Communication is key, as they say. So we're going to need to learn to communicate with each other. How am I supposed to get to know you if you won't talk to me?"

(y/n) clenched her jaw in annoyance, and I noticed that the scar next to her eyebrow seemed to enhance her expression much more when she's angry. I have a feeling she's going to be adopting that expression very often because of me.

"Fine." She said. "Here's what you need to know about me; I value my alone time, I like to fight, and I am typically in a bad mood ninety nine percent of the time." She shrugged just as I did. "Now you know me."

I let out a laugh, "Wow, I would never have guessed any of those things about you." I feigned a shocked tone and expression.

"Brat." She scoffed, rolling her eyes, and began to throw her black cloak over her shoulders. "Stay here, I'll be back shortly." She muttered without looking at me, and began ambling towards the woman near the fire. 

I watched curiously as she approached the woman slowly, and with a sudden unnerving echo of self-assurance. I get the feeling that something is still unsettling her about my being here, and yet she carries adamant confidence in her posture and the way she walks.

Too curious to stay put, I treaded softly through the crisp snow as quietly as I could, making sure to stay a good distance behind her so as to not be heard or spotted.

I realize eavesdropping isn't the best way to gain her trust, but perhaps I'll learn something of interest.

I positioned myself behind another hut close by, but it wasn't close enough that their conversation could be comprehensible. Instead I leaned out from behind the wall, making an inquisitive attempt to get a better look at the other woman. She seemed to be slightly older than (y/n), which is interesting to me, considering (y/n) is the leader of this guild of assassins. I wondered how she came to be in that position in the first place.

The woman smiled kindly at her as she slowly walked up to her, and crossed her arms with a sigh, followed by a momentary pause. "....I realize this is.....but I need you to...."

I could only hear bits and pieces of what she was saying, which prompted me to move closer, completely abandoning my primary objective to stay hidden. My curiosity is one of the aspects of myself that I have never been able to quell.

Unfortunately it has also gotten me into trouble and mild incessant danger many times, which is why my mother and even Obi-Wan consistently rebuke me for wanting to stick my nose where it doesn't belong. I understand their intentions are to keep me safe, but I believe if no one in this dull, harsh world had any curiosity, then it would be plain boring and we would never be able to make any discoveries.

"I thought I told you to stay back there." A familiar, cold voice brought me out of my thoughts.

I whipped my head back in the direction of the two assassins, and was bewildered to see that (y/n) wasn't even looking in my direction, yet she still knew the current position I was in. Even the woman she was conversing with held a confused expression, until her eyes met mine, which must have only created more discomfiture.

Although, I now realize she may have been made aware of my presence because of the volume of my footsteps through the snow....

"Oh, is that what you meant?" I queried with feigned innocence as I fully stepped out from behind the hut, and sauntered over to them. "It was my assumption that you were simply in a bad mood." I shrugged, holding back a smirk as I quoted her previous words.

Before she could respond, the other woman fixed me with a curious look, her eyebrows raised in amusement at my comment, "And who is this?" Her tone was amiable, which matched her warm expression and cordial gaze. Her eyes were the color of fresh honey, sparkling in the reflection of the pale sunlight. Though their depths I felt that I could almost see layers and layers of untold stories, hidden somewhere behind her jubilant aura.

"Anakin Skywalker, Prince of Coruscant." I bowed in a playfully dramatic manner, before politely taking her hand, which wore a black fingerless glove, in my own and shaking it.

In my peripheral vision, I could see (y/n) glaring daggers at me. I had a hunch it was because of how polite I was being towards this other assassin, since she is well aware that my first official encounter with her was not as conciliatory.

She smiled and let out a gentle laugh; one that never would have made me guess she could have an occupation as ruthless as an assassin.

"Padmé Amidala." She nodded her head respectfully.

'Amidala....why does that sound so familiar?'

Padmé then cast her gaze towards (y/n). "How can you be so harsh to him? He's a sweetheart." The tone in her words was clearly intended to tease her leader, probably able to sense her distaste for my sudden polite attitude.

"Yes, I'm a sweetheart." I chimed in, grinning at the praise.

"A brat is what he is." She scoffed while adjusting the straps of her gloves, "I caught him sneaking around my hut." Her gaze flickered towards mine pointedly.

"Sneaking is a bit of a stretch." I defended myself, "A more accurate term would be....respectfully browsing." I said with a smile, which only irritated her more, further adding to my amusement.

The other assassin, Padmé, stifled a giggle as she looked between the two of us, "Well, it seems you will certainly have your hands full with him." She smirked.

"Do you think I did not already know that?" (y/n) muttered, then sighed, "I am trusting you to guard this territory; our home, with your life, Padmé." She said seriously, then added in a softer tone, "Will you be okay without me?" Her voice was but a whisper so quiet that I almost could not hear.

I watched their exchange inquisitively, and made a mental note that this was the first shred of kindness I've seen her bestow upon anyone, if only for a moment.

With a warm smile, Padmé tilted her head, causing her loose braid to fall over her shoulder, "I know you garner only concern for me, but I can take care of myself just fine." She placed her hand affectionately on her leaders shoulder, while the other kept a tight grip on her satchel of arrows.

"It was a pleasure to meet you, miss Amidala." I bowed my head reverently.

Curiosity still lingered in my mind as to why her surname sounds so familiar to me. But I could not put my finger on it.

Padmé shook her head with a laugh, "Please, just call me Padmé. I don't particularly care for such formalities."

Her kind smile never left, and for a moment I felt a twist in my chest, wondering what experiences she's endeavored that made her such a joyful being. That may sound counterintuitive, but I have known of many stories of people practically being put through hell on earth—whatever that may look like—but came out of it with much more empathy and gentleness towards others, since they themselves realized just how cruel the world can be, and that emitting kindness may be the only way to save it.

"I wish you both a safe journey back to the castle." She turned towards (y/n) again with a raised eyebrow, "Promise me you will be nice." She spoke like she was addressing a temperamental child.

She crossed her arms and thought for a moment, "I promise that I won't kill him." She shrugged, as if it was a completely fair response.

"Well, that is very cordial of you." I deadpanned. "Am I correct to assume, then, that you planned to kill me before making that promise?" I asked as a playful smile rose to my lips.

"It was not necessarily off the table."

At first I could not tell if she was being serious, but the smirk on Padmé's expression told me it must have been meant as a jest. I think.

— ✧ —

As the two of us walked in silence back towards the main entrance after saying our goodbyes to Padmé, I tried to get a good look at this camp, and look for anything of interest. But all I could see was a regular camp setup, and strangely enough, I was getting the sense that this territory is more void than I had assumed.

Yes, huts and fire pits and even stables were set up everywhere in this snow-laden camp, but I hardly saw any people occupying them.

I was about to ask (y/n) where all of her other assassins are, but she became occupied the moment we exited the premises.

She crossed her arms, "Ahsoka." Her voice was firm and cold as ice once again, her (e/c) eyes blazing with anger.

The change in her tone almost made me flinch. Had I not been there, I doubt I would have believed she used such a gentle tone with Padmé.

My eyes darted over to where both Ahsoka and Piett stood across from each other next to our horses. They were clearly in some sort of amusing debate before (y/n) made our presence known, because Piett was holding a playful smirk while Ahsoka looked as if she would blow a fuse from the vein popping out of her forehead.

But when Ahsoka's name was sternly called, they both whipped their heads in our direction.

"Oh shit." She whispered. A look of dread fell upon her features when she faced her leader.

When she remained rooted to the spot, (y/n) slowly lifted one of her arms, curling all of her fingers into a fist except her index finger, and used it to beckon the younger assassin over. Her stone cold expression never changed.

Ahsoka's eyes widened, but she complied. She began to move and kept her head down so that her golden brown hair shielded her eyes.

Piett gave a small 'tsk', "Someone is in trouble." He sang.

While still walking, she looked over her shoulder and shot a threatening glare to my bold friend.

I made eye contact with him, and he rose his eyebrows in surprise as he focused his gaze fixed on the intimidating assassin, 'Is that her?' He mouthed to me, shocked, and knowing him; probably slightly aroused.

I told Piett the story of how (y/n) portentously saved my life. I felt like I was reenacting a scene from a theatrical performance just explaining it. He as well was marveled that there was an entire guild of female assassins currently residing in our kingdom, and that I was fortunate enough personally meet their chief assassin, and leader. So of course, now that he is seeing her in person, he cannot keep his astonishment to himself. Though, I don't blame him.

The rest of us then remained quiet, and the only sound to be heard were Ahsoka's boots crunching through the ankle-high snow as she approached her leader, soon coming to a rigid halt.

She seemed genuinely afraid, which made me wonder; (y/n) wouldn't hurt her, would she? I have only just met her so I am unaware of how she treats the rest of her guild, or how this type of dynamic in general works.

"Look at me." She commanded, her patience evidently wearing thin.

I believe I know why Ahsoka is about to be reprimanded, and based on how guilty she looked, she must know as well. I recalled that (y/n) did not seem too happy that she willingly let a stranger and potential threat let into their camp.

Ahsoka lifted her head and smiled innocently, "In my defense," She cast a quick glance at me, a devious glint in her honey brown eyes, then back at her leader, "I knew you could easily break him like a twig."

My own smirk faded and was quickly replaced with an indignant look, "Hey, I can fight too. Being a Prince doesn't make me frail and useless."

"No, but it does make you arrogant and self-conceited, skyguy." She sassed. "Did you really believe you could waltz into a camp of assassins without being ambushed?"

Again....this little devil. I had a feeling she knew exactly what would happen to me by sending me in there. Admittedly, I still feel embarrassment lingering from my foolish excursion. But she doesn't need to know that.

I should note as well, Piett continued to watch this entire exchange as if he was getting the first scoop of the latest gossip. He looks more entertained now than the time we played a trick on Obi-Wan by switching the sword in his sheathe with a candlestick, which was about the same eight. But the ironic part is that he was too busy chastising us for some other mischief we had gotten into beforehand to notice that his sword was not there.

"Enough." (y/n) snapped, putting Ahsoka and I's bickering to a quick stop.

She then sighed upon seeing Ahsoka's guilty expression resurface, and the look in her eyes softened and became less abrasive. "I am being harsh with you because you know how dangerous it is to let people into Shadow Grove; into our territory. Pulling a foolish joke like this is no exception. Just because you think someone can be easily overpowered does not mean they aren't carrying spies or other assets of intelligence." Though she spoke sternly, there was clear concern and hidden fear behind her words.

From these exchanges I have seen so far, I believe I've already picked up on certain dynamics between these assassins. Though (y/n) presents a very tough and unbreakable exterior, I truly feel that behind those layers, she cares for her assassins.

Ahsoka nodded, her long wavy hair shimmering against the pale sunlight. Despite her snippy attitude, she seemed genuinely remorseful for upsetting her leader. "It won't happen again." She mumbled.

"Oh, I know it won't." (y/n) rose an eyebrow, "And since you seem to be getting along just fine with our little guest over there," She gestured towards Piett, "You can ride with him and join us in escorting the Prince back to the castle."

Ahsoka's jaw practically dropped to the snowy floor. Piett and I had to stifle our laughter from the sidelines.

"B-but," She stammered, horrified with the order she's been given and the idea that she will most likely be stuck with Piett for another hour on the ride back to the castle.

(y/n) tilted her head, "Is that going to be a problem?" The tone in her voice practically dared her to object.

Ahsoka swallowed, and quickly shook her head, "No, there's no problem at all."

(y/n)'s expression never changed, but I assumed that meant she was satisfied with Ahsoka's compliance.

"Well," Piett grabbed and untied the reigns of his horse from the thin tree stump sticking out from the icy ground, "We'd best be going to make it back before the winter ball." He held out his hand for Ahsoka to take. She scowled and pushed past him, causing both of their armor to clank loudly, "I think I know how to mount a horse, asshat." She spat venomously, and Piett bit back a smile as he held his hands up in a defensive manner.

Those two are going to be a handful, I just know it. But I'm not complaining; the more entertainment at my boring castle, the better.

I turned towards (y/n) once Ahsoka was out of earshot, "Just to be clear, I do know how to fight. You simply took me by surprise, is all." I defended myself of not being able to react quick enough when she pinned me to the floor. I am willing to bet I could have easily fought back, had I been prepared.

She rolled her eyes, and began to pull her black hood over her head, "Just fetch your horse already." She grumbled while walking in the direction of the stables inside the camp, then suddenly stopped, and turned her head in my direction, "Unless you want a repeat of your little tour into my hut?" She questioned, challenging my comment, her words laced with a menacing promise.

Somehow all of my confidence once again diminished, and I visibly swallowed any grain of pride I previously held. I have been able to hold my ground against all kinds of intimidating beings in the past, but something about her and her aura, her skill, her power, renders me defenseless in all aspects.

"Nope." I smiled. "I am content with keeping all of my limbs intact."

Her eyebrows rose, making me believe she found my response amusing because for a moment I thought she was about to smile.

I have yet to see her smile, I realize. I wondered what made her happy, if anything brings her joy. Or why and how she became an assassin in the first place, and what she's fighting for. Those are other mysteries I know I will soon solve.

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(a/n): I apologize for the long wait babes 😩 But this chapter is here now and I hope you all like it! Please vote and comment if you did, it means a lot ❤️