RECAP (it's been a while hehe, sorry for slacking!) :

I took one last deep breath, grasping tightly onto my sister's arm as she guided me slowly towards the entrance of the arch. My gaze follows the two lines of golden-lit candles until I met the one person in the entire universe who I would ever only want to spend the rest of my life with. The two of us met eyes and the butterflies fluttering in my stomach started to go completely crazy at the sight of the man who my entire heart belonged to. His jaw slightly dropped and after a moment, his mouth morphed into one of his trademark smirks I had come to love dearly.

And just like that, I was finally ready.

~•☾❤︎☽•~

My heart racing and my eyes misty with tears representing all sorts of mixed emotions, I felt my sister squeeze my arm gently, cueing me to begin my walk down the aisle, ready to begin the rest of my life with the man I love. Taking yet another deep breath, my eyes dart to my left side, closing my eyes tightly and imagining my big brother linking arms with me as my sister was doing on the right.

I hope you can see this Ayzel; wherever you are. I miss you.

As I reopened my eyes, I focused upon my husband-to-be situated at the end of the aisle and I finally felt compelled enough to walk to him. With my heart beating at a million miles like a jackhammer in my chest, I felt my feet treading down the path, all eyes fixated intensely onto me. I could hear the train of my beautiful gown trailing on the ground behind me, the golden light from the sunset streaming through the gaps in the trees, petals from the flowers on the trees surrounding us gently blowing through the air as the breeze hit them.

Everything was perfect.

As I grew closer, my gaze shifted from each person stood at the end of the aisle, examining each of their expressions carefully. Ahsoka was practically vibrating with excitement, smiling from ear to ear as she stood beside Rex on the left side of Anakin, who seemed to be more reserved, but undoubtedly happy all the same. I found Obi-Wan stood on the right side of Anakin, beaming at Devica and me as we traipsed closer towards them, his arm fondly rested upon Anakin's shoulder.

Once I had finally reached the end of the aisle - feeling as though I could easily faint at any minute -, Devica pulled me into one last hug before unlinking arms with me and taking her place beside Obi-Wan. I felt my body freeze entirely as I met eyes with Anakin, who's mouth was quivering with a smile which kept trying to morph into one of his trademark smirks, his eyes scanning me from head-to-toe adoringly.

"Hi," I whispered in a shy tone, an uncontrollable grin creeping onto my own mouth.

"Hi," he whispered back, outstretching his non-gloved hand for me to take so he could guide me to my place opposite him. After I had processed that this was really happening, my hand finally found his, feeling an indescribable spark as his fingers wrapped around mine gently.

Careful not to trip over my large skirt, I shifted into the spot opposite Anakin, reaching out to take his other hand in mine once I had handed by bouquet to Ahsoka. I felt his thumb gently caress the top of my skin as we stared into each others eyes, no-one else and nothing else in the entire galaxy mattering to us in this surreal moment. As I attempted to fight back tears, I noticed Anakin's facial expression alter slightly, softening as he seemed to find words to say to me.

"I can sense that you're upset... Is everything alright?" he asked me softly, quiet enough to feel as though he was only speaking to me, but also loud enough so the others could also listen in.

"I'm fine, honestly. Everything is perfect; it's just... difficult. I'm struggling a little with the fact that someone who I always envisioned being here for my wedding, isn't."

He nodded in understanding to show empathy for my situation, his hand reaching up to my cheek to wipe away any tears sneakily attempting to escape from my eye. I relaxed into his hand in comfort, placing my free hand on top of his.

"I know; I wish he was here too. I really do... I wish my mother could've been here for this moment also, but she was gone before I even met you. I know this day would be hard on the both of us, but it's the perfect opportunity to appreciate that some of the people we love most are here for us today. But nevertheless, that's why I asked Obi-Wan and Devica to do this for us..." Anakin said to me, motioning back to the aisle before us all.

My eyebrows furrowing in confusion, I allowed my gaze to follow to where he was pointing. And as soon as they found what he was pointing too, my hand immediately reached up to cover my mouth, tears now freely flowing down my cheeks as my emotions were unleashed. On the left side of the aisle, just near where Devica was stood, was a chair with a single Solarian rose placed on the seat. On the back of the chair, I noticed a sign that read 'Reserved' in cursive handwriting, with 'For Prince Ayzel Anara' directly below it.

"...I still wanted him to be a part of our wedding, because I know how important he was and is to you and Devica. This way, if in some way that he is here, he has a place so he can be here for his little sister. It's the best way I could think of to pay my respects, along with letting go of any form of resentment I had for him for what he did... all for you, my love," Anakin spoke again, pulling me into a comforting embrace as I simply could not find the words to respond to how much this meant to me. I allowed myself to melt into his arms, looking past him to see Devica, who was also crying a little too.

"I don't know what else to say apart from thank you. To all of you for doing this for me and my siblings. Thanks to you Anakin, I finally feel that we are all together; reunited as we were supposed to be if the universe would've considered kindness instead of inflicting nothing but pain upon our family. Thank you," I say to him, wiping the final tears from my face as I take his hands back into mine. He shook his head in response, as though to say that I shouldn't thank him for his gesture.

Obi-Wan cleared his throat after a few moments of reflection and silence and smoothly slid opposite us, a kind smile on his tired face. "I do hope you don't mind, my lady, but Devica and I agreed that we would officiate. And so, with your blessing, we would like to say a few words?"

"That would be lovely, Master Kenobi. Please, go right ahead," I smiled to him, earning a smile from him in response. He reached his hand out to Devica, who reluctantly took it and joined his side before Anakin and me.

"Anakin, you are my apprentice and I have known you for many, many years now. I have seen you grow from that young boy Master Qui-Gon had brought back from Tatooine, into this fine young man I see before me. Usually, I strictly abide and follow the rules of the Jedi Code, but seeing you so happy and content with this truly wonderful woman even after all the trials you have faced together, I find no credible reason to object to this union. I trust that you will take care of her and consider her your own partner, ready for your own adventures in this life. You are not only a skilled Jedi, and a credit to the Order, but you are loyal friend and a strong individual... you are my brother Anakin, and I wish you nothing but happiness. Even though you must forego this journey on your own, that doesn't mean I will be gone should you need any form of guidance or support." Obi-Wan said to Anakin, trying to keep his composure, but his voice wavering in certain parts all the same. He placed his hand on Anakin's forearm fondly and smiled as they looked into each other's eyes. Anakin said nothing in response aside from bowing his head to his Master and smiling at him in appreciation.

After his touching speech, Obi-Wan steps back and Devica takes one step forward, her misty brown eyes looking into mine adoringly.

"(y/n), word's cannot even begin to describe the gratitude I feel for the universe finally bringing us together when I never thought for a second that it would happen. I'm sorry that I have missed so many important moments of your life so far, and I am sorry I was not there to protect you from the pain you have faced; but once again, I am thankful that someone who I also loved dearly was there for you. And so, on your wedding day, I speak on behalf of both of your older siblings." She takes a deep breath, her hand trembling as she pauses in preparation for what will be next to come out of her mouth. "For a few years after my disappearance, Ayzel carried out a private investigation and managed to locate me on Corellia and sent me letters every so often. Unfortunately, I knew I could never write back at the risk of Mother tracking me down and dragging me back home, but I was granted the privilege of being somewhat involved in his life, and also eventually your life too. I remember the first letter I ever received about you, was when you were born. I remember how much detail he went into, such as doting on different noises you made when he interacted with you, or how he vowed to protect you until the day he died... and I guess, he was true to his vow. Even in his last moments, despite everything, he sacrificed himself for you to keep you safe. Ayzel loved you so much, you were his Starlight. If he could see you now, he would be so proud."

"He would be very proud of you indeed, your highness," Obi-Wan added. "I'm not entirely sure and I cannot tell you exactly, but I can feel a certain presence surrounding us today. Personally, I believe that the Force has brought his spirit to you so he can be here as he promised. He was a good man, even after everything, I can truthfully admit that he was good, just with troubles that no-one or nothing could resolve. I mean, if you think about it, without his actions, Anakin wouldn't have been assigned as your protector and we all wouldn't be here today. We all have the Prince to thank for this and I am sure we all can forgive him too and remember his memory in the fondest light moving forwards, now that he is at peace."

I nodded to Obi-Wan, silently thanking him for his wise and kind words on my brother. It felt almost relieving that all of the people around me could somehow bring themselves to forgive Ayzel even after all the pain his actions caused us individually. It brings me comfort that they are willing to remember him as the man he was in his final moments and beforehand, instead of the man his pain, childhood trauma inflicted by his own mother and resentment had finally taken control of his body.

It feels as though I can finally let him go - and though there will never be a day I will not think of him - I can finally move on with this next chapter of my life and leave all of my pain behind me.

"Now we have all of the sappy parts from Obi-Wan and me out of the way, why don't we move on with the vows?" Devica spoke up again once we had all finished with the few moments of silent reflection for our fallen prince. 

Anakin took this as his opportunity to beat me to say his his vows to first and immediately opened his mouth, scarcely just before Devica even had the chance to even finish her sentence. I laughed a little, his childish enthusiasm almost instantly lifting my mood and filling me with the purest ecstasy and contentment.

"My beloved and beautiful Queen of Solaris, there are so many things I could say about you, but at this moment in time, I can honestly find no words to accurately describe exactly what I feel or how to express those feelings about you. All I can say, is that I have loved you from the very moment I laid my eyes on you. You have had me under your spell for months, and I have cherished every single moment we have shared together, regardless of whether you hated me or not when they happened."

I felt myself let out another laugh as he clumsily recalled these special little anecdotes to me, the others also collectively letting out a snigger as Anakin continues to speak and I interlaced my fingers with his, giving his hand a little squeeze lovingly.

"I know that we have been through hell and back, but I hope you realise that you are the very centre of my universe and my whole life revolves around you. Everything I do, I do for you. I breathe for you. I live for you. I would do anything for you and I vow to go to any means necessary to ensure your safety. No harm will ever come to you so long as I live, and I am so fortunate I am lucky enough to call the most incredible, kind and courageous Queen in the galaxy, my partner. Thank you for loving me, and I promise to be the best husband I can be to you. I love you, (y/n) Till death do us part."

Completely stunned by his beautiful speech, my mouth quivers and aches as I continue to smile, my eyes looking deeply into his, feeling as though this is the absolute best moment of my entire life. I have waited so long for someone like him, and I honestly cannot imagine my life without my Jedi protector by my side.

"Anakin, I'm not sure if I can add anything that you have not already made clear, as I feel exactly the same way about you. Although I was too stubborn to admit it, even in the very early stages of our relationship, I undeniably had strong feelings for you, whether I realised it consciously or not. I always felt a connection with you, and though it has no label, I know that it will never be broken so long as we live. I promise to care for you and support you as your partner and your equal in all of your endeavours. I do take you to be my husband, and no matter where in the galaxy the Jedi Order takes you, or the Republic and my system takes me; I will love you always," I say to him, focusing my gaze upon his face and absolutely nothing else. As much as I loved everyone else in attendance dearly, nothing but Anakin mattered to me in this moment.

Clasping her hands together and bouncing a little on her feet in excitement, Devica looks to each of us and smiles broadly, beaming at both of me and Anakin, "Well, now you have professed your love to each other.. I guess I now pronounce you Queen and Jedi; husband and wife!"

The four of them erupt in rounds of applause, Ahsoka offering supportive cheers from behind us. Anakin took no hesitation and instantly placed his arm securely around my waist, pulling me in close. Once our faces were but inches apart, we shared a brief moment of happily staring into each other's eyes before our lips finally met to share a passionate kiss; our first as a married couple. As we stayed in this moment of complete and utter bliss, I felt that same breeze hit my shoulders as before, the strong presence returning once more, instantly making me feel at ease.

I never wanted this moment to end.

***

The rest of the night was a complete and utter blur. After the ceremony, we headed down to the Memorial Temple for the reception so we could feel even closer to our families as we celebrated the wedding. The entire evening was as perfect as I could have possibly envisioned, it being almost exactly like I had planned it when I was a youngling. There was food, cake, dancing, more emotional speeches, and even the unique moment of almost seeing Obi-Wan getting borderline drunk... whereas Devica however, had already crossed that line within the first hour of the party.

By the final few hours, Ahsoka had essentially demolished around 75 percent of my wedding cake, and was on an extreme sugar high, attempting to drag Rex and a very disorderly Devica onto the floor for a very energetic dance. Whilst this happened, Anakin and I slipped out onto the moonlit veranda outside of the Temple for our first dance. We wanted it to be as peaceful and as private as possible, so we could really just be with ourselves in that moment.

Every second of the dance was perfect, almost identical to the kind of moments you read about in fictional fairy tales. Anakin led the dance (I mean, what did you expect?) and gently - and yet also somehow clumsily - danced with me along the stone path, his charm somehow making me fall for him even more.

After our dance, we decided to leave our party and its members to their own devices, and head back over to the place to enjoy the rest of our idyllic evening. We strolled through the silver-lit grounds, hand in hand until we reached the palace and energetically sneaked back up to my quarters, dodging palace staff as the adrenaline of potentially getting caught in wedding attire hit us.

...Which brings us to this point in time. Both of us finally alone together after the chaos and jovial festivities of our wedding.

I stared over at Anakin, who was leaning on the mantle of my fireplace, the golden firelight illuminating him and all of his features. His eyes finally caught mine and suddenly made his way over to me at the other end of the room.

"I never told you how truly radiant you look in this dress, my love. I undoubtedly have the most beautiful wife in the whole galaxy," he said in a low voice, so that only I could hear him. A red-hot blush spread across my cheeks as I felt his gloved hand find its place on my waist, the other reaching towards my face to place one of the stray locks of my hair behind my ear.

"I can't believe we're really married... I love you, Skywalker," I whispered back to him, edging a little closer so I could refamiliarize myself with the comfort of simply being near him. He smirked down on me as I delved my hand into his hair, lovingly grabbing onto a few of his curls gently. His free hand then took its opportunity to place his index finger under my chin, lifting it up slowly so my eyes met his. He inched even closer, so that barely any distance was between us now, and rested his forehead on mine, closing his eyes as I immediately followed suit and did the same.

"I love you too, my Princess."

After a few moments of perfect silence, I finally felt the sensation of his lips on mine as he kissed me lovingly and passionately, his hand snaking around my waist and onto my lower back so he could pull me in deeper. We moved almost in sync, as if we simply just knew each other like the backs of our hands but finally allowed to fully be with one another without any restrictions in place to stop us... not that anything could at this point. My heart was beating at a million miles a minute, but I was close enough to also fortunately hear that he was also feeling the same way.

Suddenly, I felt his lips part from mine and he pulled away from me. My eyes flew open in confusion,  feeling that I simply needed more. I stared back into his eyes, mine widening as I notice almost a flame light up in his. He gently moved his hand from my back to my hand which was rested upon his shoulder and took it in his, squeezing it as his fingers wrapped around my own, his other hand firmly placed upon my jaw. My eyes darted to where he seemed to be leading me, feeling my breath quicken as I prepared for what would come next.

"Why don't you let me show you how much I love you..."

...And let's just say he definitely did exactly that.

~•☾❤︎☽•~
a/n : Hello there my beloved star-crossed family; SURPRISE! After at least 3 or 4 months, I finally have this chapter ready for you and I really, really hope it didn't disappoint anyone. Firstly, I am sorry for taking this long, but unfortunately, life has just thrown so many curveballs at me recently and I honestly had no motivation or time to write this, but here it is!

Secondly, I also want to apologize if anyone was expecting any form of smut for the wedding chapters, because I really am not comfortable writing that sort of thing let alone posting it online. Instead, I have done my best to insinuate that those events did happen afterwards, I just will not be going into detail.  I really hope that no one is disappointed with this, but it is my book and this was simply the best thing I could do with a situation I would be uncomfortable writing (I'd probably be bad at it too so I wouldn't want to inflict that on people 🤦‍♀️).

Aside from that, thank you so much for reading and I really hope you liked this one! I will try my very best to get more chapters out so I can finally finish this book off because many exciting things are planned to follow on from this!

What 'exciting things, heather?' I hear you ask?

Well let's just say, that I actually plan for Star-Crossed to be the principal book for its own trilogy! Yep, that means two more books on this story and universe!

- One Sequel & One Prequel // Spinoff !!!

I have actually teased the title for one of the two above and it is hidden somewhere in this chapter! If you find it, please comment your predictions; I would love to hear them!

Anyways, thank you all for sticking with me and thank you for nearly 23k reads WHAT!!! I love you all, and I'll try not to wait another 3/4 months before I get the next chapter out (yikes 😬)

- heather <3