Royalty || Anakin Skywalker x Reader

33 - The Sun, the Stars, the Moon

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(Y/n)'s POV
We bowed before the dance began.

His hand rested at my hip, mine upon his shoulder, and together we moved across the ballroom with our hours of lessons guiding us into the most perfect waltz I'd ever done. I could feel everyone's eyes upon us, hear the quiet murmur of thoughts unspoken. A future King and Queen, they saw. A moment of history unfolding before their very eyes.

I swallowed against the tightness in my throat and forced a smile that did not quite reach my eyes.

Anthony noticed this, his brows furring together, still, I saw nothing but sympathy in his eyes. Why is he looking at me like that? "There is no need for that, Princess," he said softly, then he moved closer to me to whisper. "I am well aware that you do not wish to smile."

I blinked, unease settling deep in my stomach, curling there and taking root. Had he heard something? Seen something? He could report it. Anakin could be imprisoned, especially if Anthony saw him hold me.

"I am not certain what you mean—"

He shook his head. "Let us not lie anymore."

He spun me then, and the crowd erupted into cheers, as though we had performed something remarkable. I almost rolled my eyes, it was just a basic spin. When I faced him again, his expression had softened, though there was something distant behind his eyes. "First, I must say that I find you exquisite. Truly astonishing in beauty, in grace, and in kindness. Your people are fortunate to have you, and had our kingdoms joined as one, mine would have been equally as fortunate."

His gaze lifted then, drawn to the chandelier above us, its light casting a quiet shadow across his features, as though his thoughts had drifted somewhere far beyond the room. I saw sorrow there, a deep sorrow that only one who has experienced the worst pain can endure. I thought of his parents and wondered if in a way he was speaking to them or thinking of them right now.

"But..." he continued, his eyes dropping down to mine, "we would not have been happy ourselves, would we?"

I held my breath as my gaze drifting past him, almost instinctively. It found Anakin, as if his very presence in the room was a magnet to me. He stood just beyond, watching us. His jaw was tight with restrained anger, yet his expression carried something else — heartbreak.

"No," I answered softly, never once drawing my gaze away from the man who held my whole heart in the palm of his hands. Even as we moved, I found a way to keep him in sight, imaging it was him and I dancing here now. His hands on me, his voice in my ears. "I suppose we would not." Because I love him. I do not possess the capability to love another. I am as certain of that as I am that the sun will rise in the morning.

Anthony turned us, and Anakin disappeared from view. I felt him behind me now, and I noticed Anthony's eyes drift behind me.

"Because you are in love with your royal guard," he said quietly, the words meant for no one but us.

My breath faltered.

For a moment, my steps nearly faltered, the feeling in my legs threatening to give way beneath me. He saw. He heard. What was he to do with such knowledge? Was he angered by it? Jealous—