Chapter Four

Over the next few months Anakin and I kept our sort of love affair going. We would often find different areas to meet and show our affections to one another and I knew that my feelings for him were growing stronger.

My father was pushing me to accept the crown and to accept different Generals' proposals. Each time it was the same answer, no. I was getting sick of it.

"Father, I do not need a companion. I understand carrying on the royal name and to gain support from different areas but, I do not want them." I said as I walked into the office after being beckoned by my father.

"I did not even say anything, sweetling." He responded putting his hands up in surrender. "In fact, I wanted you to come because I wanted to talk about your dear friend, Anakin."

My eyes narrowed.

"What about him?" I questioned.

"I have a sort of mission for him. The Chancellor said that Master Sidious has been nothing but impressed by his training and I want to see how he works under pressure." He said as he steepled his hands together.

"Does this mean that your decision has been made about making him one of our Generals?" I pushed further. "Master Sidious is not the only trainer that he has impressed."

Now it was his turn for his eyes to narrow.

"Why the push for him to be a general now, Sweetling? I told you when the time comes he will be rewarded." He said staring me in the eyes.

"My father, you have been saying for years that he impressed you. I just believe he would be an asset in the field, especially with his skills with the force." I said keeping my features schooled as he assessed what I said.

"That is true my daughter. Now bring in your Champion." He ordered standing. "And you may stay."

I quickly moved to the door and asked for Anakin to join us. He entered the room and when he got to the middle of the room he went down on his knee and crossed his arm over his heart.

"You may stand young Anakin, I have a mission of sorts for you." My father said, and Anakin stood.

"Anything for you, my liege." Anakin responded.

ASAGASAGASAGASAGASAGASAGASAGASAGASAGASAGASAGASAG

I walked towards Anakin's room later that night and before I knew what happened I felt someone grab me and pull me into an alcove. I then felt a familiar set of lips on mine and I surrendered to them. There was no other sound but, for little sighs exiting from us.

"Anya, I love you." Anakin said when he finally pulled away.

"And I you, Ani." I said cuddling into his chest as he pulled me close.

"I'm nervous for my mission and possibly not seeing you again." He said tightening his hold. "I think that's what I'm most worried about."

"Ani, my father and your masters would not put you through this if you weren't ready for it." I responded looking into his eyes.

"But, we're talking about strong individuals here. I know I'm strong, but I don't know if I can take them." He worried, and I responded by kissing him.

"Ani, you are strong enough, you will come back, and you will have earned my father's regard."

"And you will be here when I return?" He said resting his forehead against mine.

"I swear it Anakin." He nodded and he started to reach into his pocket for something.

He pulled out a small box from his pocket and held it between us. Without a word he opened it and inside laid a beautiful pendant made from a glowing, red crystal. I reached out my hand and lightly brushed it, feeling the power come off it.

"It's a Kyber Crystal, my master gave me several when I created my saber. This one was the second most responsive to me and I want you to have it." He told me.

"Its beautiful Ani, are you sure you want me to have it?" I questioned.

He gently took my shoulders and spun me around to where my back was facing him. I heard him remove the necklace from the box and felt the surprisingly warm crystal touch my chest. I lifted my hair, so he could easily clasp it and when it was done I turned to face him.

"It looks beautiful on you. I want you to have something to look down on and remind you of how important you are to me." He said gently kissing me. "Come, I need to escort you to your rooms, it is getting late."

We walked in silence to my rooms and when we finally got to them he lightly kissed my hand and bowed to me. He walked away, and I slowly went in my rooms, nervous for what the future will bring to our palace.

ASAGASAGASAGASAGASAGASAGASAGASAGASAGASAGASAGASAG

I watched as Anakin hugged and kissed his mother goodbye in the main hall of the palace. Jom standing there proud that his son, dressed in black armor went off to a mission. Anakin's young siblings standing there with awe in their eyes as their older brother went off to the unknown.

I stood there with his helmet in my hands until he finally finished his goodbyes to his family. He walked to me and took the helmet from my hands and bowed low. The crystal around my neck getting warmer when he was close to me.

"Come back soon my champion, your substitute may not be able to handle me for long." I stated and he chuckled.

"My Princess, I will be back before you are even aware of it." He said standing, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Be sure that you do." I stated haughtily.

His eyes softened and he bowed and grabbed my hand, kissing it lightly. He straightened and saying one last goodbye he joined the group of clones that were chosen for him. He put on his helmet and lead his brigade out, taking my heart with him.

When he got out the door, I ran upstairs to the largest window facing the landing pad and watched as his men went in the flyer. He was the last to enter and as though he felt my eyes upon him he looked to where I was and gave me one final salute before he loaded and the door closed. The flyer started and soon it was just a speck in the morning sky.

The tears would not seem to stop.