## Reunited

The sound of Anakin's voice, deep and smooth, echoed through the room, sending a shiver down Lia's spine as he bowed his head in respect. "Princess Lia," he said, his bright blue eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's been a long time." Lia's cheeks flushed as she smiled, feeling a little shy but happy to see Anakin again. "Anakin," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She couldn't help but notice the way he stood taller, his chiseled features and strong jawline radiating confidence. His dark hair was messy, and his smile was just as charming as she had remembered. As Anakin straightened, his eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, they just stared at each other, the air between them charged with a sense of possibility. Lia quickly looked away, trying to compose herself. She had a feeling that this mission was going to be anything but ordinary. Obi-Wan stepped forward, his eyes locked on the two princesses. "We've been assigned to protect you both," he said, his voice firm but reassuring. "We'll do everything in our power to keep you safe." He explained the details of their protection plan, and Lia listened intently, her mind still reeling from the sudden reappearance of Anakin Skywalker. As Obi-Wan spoke, Lia couldn't help but steal glances at Anakin, who was watching her with an intensity that made her feel like he could see right through to her soul. She felt a flutter in her chest, and her heart skipped a beat as their eyes met again. Anakin, too, was struggling to focus on Obi-Wan's words. He couldn't believe how beautiful Lia had become. He remembered her as a gangly teenager, always eager to play and explore. Now, she was a stunning young woman with a gentle smile and piercing blue eyes that sparkled like the stars in the night sky. As the day went on, Lia found herself growing more and more aware of Anakin's presence. She couldn't help but notice the way he moved with a quiet confidence, his lightsaber at his side a reminder of his status as a Jedi Knight. She felt a sense of comfort with him that she hadn't felt in a long time, and she couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them. Anakin, on the other hand, was trying to shake off the distraction of Lia's presence. He had been assigned to protect her and her sister, and he was determined to do just that. But as he glanced at Lia, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement at the prospect of spending time with her. As the sun began to set on Naboo, casting a warm orange glow over the palace, Lia and Anakin found themselves walking together through the gardens. They had been tasked with getting to know each other, and Anakin was determined to make the most of it. "I've missed you," Anakin said, his voice low and smooth. Lia smiled, feeling a sense of ease with Anakin that she hadn't felt in years. "I've missed you too," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. As they walked, Anakin told Lia about his training as a Jedi, and Lia listened intently, her eyes sparkling with interest. Anakin, in turn, was fascinated by Lia's stories of life as a princess, and he found himself laughing at her witty remarks. Their conversation flowed easily, and before long, they had been walking for hours. The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting the gardens in a soft, moonlit glow. As they stood together, looking out over the palace, Anakin felt a sense of peace wash over him. He had been worried about this mission, worried that he wouldn't be able to protect Lia and her sister. But now, with Lia by his side, he felt a sense of calm that he hadn't felt in a long time. And as he glanced at Lia, he knew that this mission was going to be a lot more complicated than he had anticipated.