Royalty || Anakin Skywalker x Reader

32 - Fate

2.6k words

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(Y/n)'s POV
The festival was, to put it simply, divine.

Anthony was hosting it here on his palace grounds, and he transformed this place into something hardly recognizable. What had once been marble corridors and manicured pristine lawns was now something that seemed like it was drawn from a dream.

Lanterns hung from the archways and balconies, and the glass caught the candlelight in soft gold and pale blue sequin, their glow reflected in blue silk banners that drifted gently overhead, swaying in the winds. Musicians lined the outer walkways, violins and harps and every other string instrument you can name played the most beautiful melodies I had ever heard.

Entertainers moved among the guests with practiced ease, dancers clad in flowing fabrics that shimmered beneath the lights, performers bending flame and illusion into moments of wonder that drew laughter and quiet awe in equal measure. Children darted between adults, their faces lit with delight, hands clutching sweet treats wrapped in golden ribbon.

Beyond the main terrace, the gardens had been altered slightly. The beautiful flowers were still intact, but now there sat a hedge maze nestled near the far lawn. It appeared intimidating at first, but the lanterns tucked within its turns to guide the wandering guests made it slightly less terrifying. I watched couples disappear into its green corridors, only to emerge a couple of minutes later, smiling.

Next was my favorite of the evening, the ballroom, and that is saying something because I have grown to detest ballrooms. I always felt like a party favor every-time I was in one, but this one...I could live in it. The polished floor had been treated to reflect the light above it, and it shimmered almost like water beneath the glow of crystal chandeliers. There was hanging fabric from the ceiling in shades of blue and silver, and it caught the lights just right, creating the illusion of standing beside a moonlit lake rather than within palace walls.

It was breathtaking, it truly felt that I was at a lake, watching the moon.

Anthony moved through it all with a prideful glint in his eyes, greeting guests, shaking many hands and talking to every child he could get ahold of. I had no regrets coming here, it was the most beautiful display I had ever seen and it was here for a good reason rather than just for show.

He was a good man. A remarkably good one. I knew he would have been the perfect choice, the sort of man history would praise, the sort of king my people would love. I knew I had once felt something for him, something warm and hopeful, yet standing here now, watching him move through the festival and interact with people, I finally understood what that feeling truly was.

Admiration. Friendship.

He could be a trusted friend to me, someone I could speak freely with, someone I could laugh beside and be myself with. He would be a kind friend. A safe friend. A good friend.

But he could not be the man I fall in love with.

My heart has already chosen that.

I turned then, seeking the familiar presence at my side. Anakin stood a short distance away, his gaze lifted toward the sky, his expression unreadable beneath the lantern light. "The maze looks fun," I said, drawing his attention back to me. He met my eyes slowly, and something in his expression was different than usual. It was not anger. Not jealousy. Not really anything I could draw a conclusion with. And I could not explain why, but it unsettled me. "Shall we go?" I asked.