8 - Blessing

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(a/n): For those who are wondering, I did publish this chapter earlier today on accident because I was exhausted this morning and clicked the wrong button by mistake🤠 Good times, lol.

(y/n) POV:

For the first time in a long time, I awoke feeling cheerful and full of vigor as I pictured the day ahead of me. It still felt so surreal to think; I'm going home, I'm going home. Now it seems as if these last seventeen years just flew by, because I didn't expect this moment to come so soon. Truthfully, there was never a specific time set in place for when this day would come. It was always just that I would return to rule when the assassins and tyrants who were after me, eventually die or are defeated.

Evidently, I'm still not safe now, but Yoda has a good point about all of this. As each day passes, we're getting closer to our potential final battle with our rival kingdom that started it all; more so, the people who led to the downfall of my own kingdom. Now that I'm actually considering everything, it all feels dangerously scary to think about. Sure, I'm a Queen, but that doesn't mean I'm not human and don't feel emotions like everyone else. When the month is eventually over, this ongoing feud will either end in a victory for us—and the avengement of my father—or it will all go down in flames.

The thought of my people dying in war, my Mom and sister dying, it scared me the most.

I shook those morbid thoughts out of my head and rubbed the sleep out of my eyes; Today was a good day, so I'm only going to have good thoughts.

Three knocks to my door caused me to jump in surprise, and I lifted my head towards the direction of the sound, "Yes?" I called. There was a moment of silence, and then a voice finally spoke, "Get dressed. We're leaving soon." Anakin spoke, his tone didn't sound angry like it usually did but it didn't sound happy either. I sighed and threw my legs off of the bed, feeling the cool air against my skin as the warmth of the blankets disappeared, "Coming." I responded back in a monotone voice that mirrored his own, and proceeded to get dressed.

Since my hair was in a bun last night, it was extra wavy as I took the hair tie out. I admired myself as I looked in the mirror; maybe I should try wavy hair more often. For once—despite the patent bandage on my forehead—I actually felt pretty. My hair is usually only in a braid or ponytail, and every now and then I leave it down. I also applied foundation, contour, and concealer that I bought from a shop on Naboo a while back. For a finishing touch, I put on a coat of mascara and used an eyebrow pencil to give them more shape and definition. Though we still had to wear our Jedi clothing since this was technically still a 'mission', I wanted to look as best as I could for when I finally meet my Mom, sister, and everyone else; even if all the other people don't know me.

I realized then that even though I knew why we were going to Alderaan, no one else knows the real reason. I wondered what Yoda told Anakin and the Council about this mission. And does my family know that we're coming? They must, because the Jedi typically inform the planet leaders of their arrival beforehand.

I was planning to talk to him anyways before we leave, so I can ask him after he goes over a list of safety protocols for me as he usually does.

I zipped up a travel backpack that was currently filled with all of the essentials for the trip that I would need, and I threw it over my shoulder. After taking one last look around the room to make sure I didn't forget anything, I opened my door and turned off the lights, then slowly spun around to view the main room.

As I expected, Anakin was leaning boredly in the doorframe of the door that led to the Temple halls. Upon hearing my footsteps approaching him, his head turned towards me as he kept his arms crossed and still stayed leaning in the doorway. He titled his head ever so slightly—probably noticing my change in appearance—but still remained with an emotionless expression. Feeling awkward that he wasn't saying or doing anything, I cleared my throat, "Did you sleep good?" My fingers drummed against my thighs.

He rose an eyebrow at my question, and then let out a wry chuckle, "I slept fine." He spoke in a way that made it seem as if last night didn't happen, and that I asked a stupid question.

Before I could respond, he got off of the doorframe and started walking out of the room, "Let's go, the Council will be waiting."

I blinked a couple of times in confusion at his weird attitude, and stayed unmoving. Is he that embarrassed about this, that he's just going to pretend like it didn't happen? I quickly caught up to him by jogging down the halls and jumped around him so that I landed in front of him, "Can you elaborate for me on how fine you slept?" I asked, walking backwards since he didn't stop walking when I appeared in front of him.

He rolled his eyes and gave me the familiar contemptuous look that I usually get from him, "I slept, and it was fine. That's all there is to it."

He tried moving around me to open the door to the Council room but I moved back in front of him and stood with my back against the door, blocking him from reaching the buttons. His jaw clenched at my action as he retracted his arm, and I interrupted him before he could say anything, "Okay, what is your deal? Is your ego that fragile that you can't even swallow your pride and admit that my method helped you?" I began to raise my voice, not caring if I was about to cause a scene.

His eyes darkened as he towered over me, causing me to press my back further into the door. He placed his index finger under my chin and lifted my head to meet his harsh gaze, "Check that tone, Padawan." He sneered loathingly, "I work my ass off every day so that spoiled brats like you don't come complaining to me about all the things that annoy you. And I don't need your pathetic methods." He mocked my previous words and looked down at me like I was a piece of old trash.

Now I was angry. Really angry. I feel so stupid for thinking that my help would put him in a nicer mood; But no, I should've known that he'd be the same, cocky asshole that he always is.

Well, the one thing I didn't tell him during story time last night was that Queens could be more ruthless than even the cruelest of warriors.

I scoffed and shook my head with a dry smile, all while maintaining eye contact with him. I wanted him to look me in the eyes for what I was about to fire at him, "Alright, Master." I sneered back in the same tone that he gave me and stood up straighter, "That's perfectly fine with me. Because the next time you wake up in the middle of the night, soaked in cold sweat from another nightmare, don't even bother coming to this 'spoiled brat' for help. Because you won't be getting any of it!" I spat; every single word laced with hatred as the passion of my anger rose to the surface.

I don't care if I'm being overdramatic, I was so tired of having these same arguments with him over and over again.

To my surprise, I noticed that he was taken aback by my words as he stepped away from me. Fear and regret flashed through his fiery blue eyes for a short moment. But it left as quickly as it came and now he looked just as mad as I felt. Both of us radiated the energy of firecrackers that were seconds from being set off completely. As far as I'm concerned, the whole Temple could probably feel the weight of our anger combined, as it slowly simmered through the force.

But before any of us could move another muscle, the door behind me suddenly opened from the inside and I stumbled backwards. I then remembered the setting we were in and turned around hesitantly to meet the eyes of the concerned looking Council members. The person that opened the door was Obi-Wan, who sighed exhaustedly, "Can't you two go one day without fighting?"

I heard Anakin scoff from behind me as he shoved my shoulder with his own, entering the Council room, "Our arguments are inconsequential. We're ready for the mission briefing." He spoke in a formal tone, contradicting his angry one just a few seconds ago. I knew it was just a front since there was no way he'd calmed down already, but he would do anything to win the approval of the Council members.

Everyone in the room still looked either uncomfortable. or expressed disapproval through their features. But of course, since Anakin is the precious 'Chosen One', no one would dare to reprimand him on something so trivial.

No one except Master Windu, who shook his head in irritation from where he sat, "Inconsequential or not, you are being disruptive by arguing with your Padawan in the halls." He scolded.

Though I didn't like Windu very much, the one thing I did like was watching him get on Anakin's case when no one else typically does. It was a satisfying sight to see.

Obi-Wan must've heard at least most of our conversation, because he gave me a knowing look that consisted of a small smirk, before turning to Anakin and immediately changing his features into an expression of annoyance, "Honestly Anakin, you could at least attempt to be more considerate." He rebuked in what I could tell was sarcasm based on the look he gave me.

Anakin eyed Obi-Wan in disbelief for a moment as the tension in the room grew. He finally chuckled awkwardly as he turned towards the rest of the Council, knowing that he wasn't gonna win this, "I'm sorry." He mumbled.

I looked back to Obi-Wan gratefully and mouthed 'Thank you'. He nodded once as his smirk returned and then brought his attention back to the meeting, "Shall I start, Master Yoda?"

Yoda nodded and hopped out of his seat with his cane and began hobbling towards me, "Talk, we must." I stood still for a few seconds, not expecting him to say that, until I remembered our regular protocol checklist.

"Okay." I nodded and followed him out of the room as Obi-Wan began briefing the mission for Anakin.

Walking down the hallway in no particular direction, we continued forward and I looked around us to make sure no one was nearby. I lowered my voice and spoke quickly, "What did you tell them about the mission?" I finally asked the question I'd wondered all morning.

He hummed in amusement at my urgency, "Told them, the royal family needs protection from assassination threats, I did." He shrugged.

"Oh." I said simply. I guess I should've just assumed that from the beginning; it's technically the truth. He knows I'm easily paranoid, though, since I can never be too careful with anything.

I sighed, suddenly stopping in the middle of the hallway and turned to face him, "I don't think I can do this with Anakin. Even after I made an effort to do something nice for him, he's still being a pr—jerk." I corrected myself, remembering that Yoda doesn't like swearing.

Yoda titled his head curiously, and then after a few seconds, a look of understanding seeped into his features, "As they seem, things are not."

I furrowed my brows confusedly, "What do you mean?" I rested one hand on my hip idly.

"Condoning his behavior, I am not." He used his cane to point to the front of the Temple where I could see a ship waiting outside, "However, woke up early, he did, to put electrical duct heaters in your ship. Know you get cold easily, he does." He explained.

I was absolutely addled now. Was I still asleep, and this whole morning was just some weird, chaotic dream?

I blinked slowly as I let his words settle into my brain, "He did that for me?" I asked in a skeptical voice even though I knew that Yoda wouldn't lie or joke about something like this. But maybe he misinterpreted what he saw? I can't imagine Anakin going out of his way to do something nice for me that he doesn't even need to do. Especially after the attitude I just got from him. But then again, he did practically say that he works his ass off every day for me, which makes me wonder how often he's done stuff like this.

But Yoda just nodded as if it was something that Anakin does all the time, "More than you know, he does for you." He gave me a small smirk and for once, I couldn't read his strange expression as well as I normally could.

I sighed in frustration and pinched the bridge of my nose, "Alright, fine. Whatever, it's nice that he did that, but it still doesn't explain why he was being a scuzzball instead of just talking to me." I probably shouldn't be surprised at his subpar communication skills, but we actually did get somewhere last night. That was the most we'd ever talked like normal people, and I guess I expected it to be the same this morning.

"Come around, he will." Yoda assured confidently. Though I wasn't sure his optimism was realistic, I didn't argue with him. Instead, I continued to walk with him in laps around the Temple halls, as we conversed about anything and everything for this mission.

We got the important stuff out of the way; No leaving the palace without my Mom's permission, and without a few guards to accompany me. Our curfew to be asleep is ten P.M.—which I might not follow, but Yoda probably already knows that since I'm a proud night owl—and that I can't leave the palace at nighttime. And then there's the obvious rule of keeping my identity a secret, which should be a piece of cake since I've done it so well for all these years.

As we circled back to the Council room which was on the other side of the hall, I could see the people inside slowly deserting from the room. I whispered to Yoda, "Ironically, my Mom does actually want me to get married soon. To someone who isn't a power-hungry psychopath." I added with a chuckle. It was nice to be able to find humor in these stressful times, and to be able to share it with someone.

He hummed thoughtfully and turned his head towards me, "Have my blessing first, they must." He spoke with narrowed eyes; though I could tell it was good-hearted.

I chuckled at his overprotectiveness and as soon as we stopped walking, I bent down to hug him, "You'll be the first to know." I promised in a soft voice so that the people watching wouldn't hear.

I was only going to be gone for two weeks, but I knew I would miss him so much. And this might be the last month I have with him, so I wanted to treasure every moment.

Obi-Wan cleared his throat—not in a rude way, but so that my hug with Yoda didn't last long enough to seem too 'emotional' to the other Jedi.

I backed away and looked up to him, waiting for his final words as I felt my heart began to beat excitedly. As each second passed, it was a second closer to meeting my family; the people who have done so much to ensure my safety and that I have a kingdom to rule. It may be a messy, and broken kingdom, but it's mine, and it's real.

Obi-Wan sighed and ran a hand through his hair, "Sadly, we don't have any information as to why there have been assassination attempts at the Alderaan palace. But no matter, if another attempt should occur, we expect you both to protect the Queen Regent and the Princess first. And if possible, you will then protect the townspeople."

His eyes darted to mine for a moment after he spoke, and then looked away again. At first from the look in his eyes I thought maybe he knew something or was about to say something, but I shrugged it off.

I saw Anakin narrow his eyes in confusion, "Queen Regent? Why is she just the Regent? The real Queen disappeared years ago, so wouldn't the mother just automatically be given back the title?" His eyes flashed over to mine for a moment, and then back to Obi-Wan.

Huh. So he actually remembered this part of our conversation last night.

Master Windu shook his head, "I don't see how that is of any importance now, Skywalker." He spoke in his usual agitated tone.

Once again, I was saved by Windu's criticism. That would've been an awkward question to try and answer, especially since it's one that's come up often. It's part of the reason that many have speculated that I'm alive, because if I was truly lost or dead, then my Mom would just get her title of Queen back. But since many people aren't familiar with the rules of Alderaan's monarchy, there thankfully haven't been too many pressing questions like that that my Mom has been forced to answer. She doesn't really talk to many people these days; that's mainly my sisters job.

Anakin sighed and adopted a bored expression that replaced his previous one of curiosity, "Whatever." He muttered.

Everyone else, except Windu and Anakin, of course, looked amused with the interaction that just took place. Obi-Wan let out a chuckled and patted him on the shoulder, "You two know the drill; at least get there and make sure no one is killed." He turned his head in my direction, "And make sure Anakin doesn't steal too many cookies from the palace kitchens." Amusement glittered in his soft blue eyes and I couldn't help but let out a laugh.

Whenever we're on certain missions where we are allowed to reside in a place with a lot of food, Anakin subtly sneaks into the food supply for whatever desserts he can find. He thinks he goes about it unseen, but he's not very discreet when he's hungry.

"Thank you for publicly announcing that, Obi-Wan." With sarcasm laced in his voice, Anakin rolled his eyes but I could see him trying to hold back a smile.

Once again, his constant mood shifts were always a mystery to me.

After we said our formal goodbyes to everyone, I walked ahead of Anakin towards our ship. I had to stop myself from skipping; I'm so excited for this. Even though I probably wouldn't leave the palace that much, I was intrigued to see Alderaan in person. I've heard it's such a beautiful planet and that there's a lot to do there. Maybe Avery could show me around some of the towns, or at least do something with me that sisters normally do to bond. The endless possibilities clouded my mind so much that I didn't even notice someone behind me until a warm hand grabbed my wrist.

I immediately shoved my previous thoughts out of my brain and spun around quickly, to see that it was Anakin. He didn't look angry like before, instead he looked tired from the eye bags I just now noticed and slightly nervous. I was confused and didn't know what to say, so I waited for him to talk first.

He opened his mouth and hesitated right as he was about to say something, then closed it again. "What?" I asked as I rose an eyebrow, gently bringing my wrist out of his grip.

He sighed and brought his arm down to his side, "I'm sorry. About how I acted earlier." He looked down to the floor and then back at me, "You did really help me last night, and I would appreciate your help more often. If you're still willing, that is." He mumbled, gently clenching at the sides of his black robe as he looked down at me. His eyes showed no aggression or malice, just the same vulnerability I saw last night.

Okay, this had to be some weird, opposite day dream I was having. But I already asked Yoda to pinch my arm earlier, and instead he just hit me on the head with his cane, so I'm definitely wide awake.

I was impressed, to say the least. Anakin actually swallowed his pride and admitted that my method helped him. I guess I was right that I saw the

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