“How could you do this?” Princess Leia of Naboo stood toe-to-toe with her father, King Anakin. At least, as well as she could, given she was a foot shorter than him. She finally grabbed a chair and stood on it, allowing her to glare at him right in his amused blue eyes. “How could you try to marry me off to someone I don't know? On my own birthday?”
Anakin was not fazed by his daughter's anger. “It's your own fault, Leia. You're the one who refuses every suitor who comes your way.”
“Maybe it's because they only care about my titles and dowry.” Leia gritted her teeth. “When I marry, I want it to be someone who appreciates me for who I am. I want a real man, not those mealy-mouthed milksops you and Mother keep throwing at me.”
Anakin chuckled. “There were some nice boys too, Leia. What about the Prince of Jakku?”
Leia wrinkled her nose. “He couldn't even shoot an arrow straight without being afraid he'd hurt himself. He was such a wimp! When I showed him how to clean your day's kill, he fainted the moment I pricked the rabbit skin.”
“Or Prince Isolder of Hapes?” Queen Padme sighed. “He was rather handsome, in a barbaric way, and the Hapan Islands are a fairly strong military power.”
“Oh please.” Leia rolled her eyes. “Isolder had an ego the size of Mount Aldra. He thought a woman's place was in his tent, cooking his meals and obeying his commands. I want to be my own woman, an equal partner like you and Father.”
“We're equal partners because I married into the family, not the other way around.” Anakin chuckled. “I was just a knight and the son of a minor noblewoman when we wed.” He leaned over and kissed his wife. “But I never regretted it for an instant.”
She kissed him back. “Nor have I. I knew you were the man for me the moment you sliced through those scorpions that nearly killed me.”
Her husband smirked. “I knew you were the woman for me when I saw you put an arrow through six Separtist soldiers in a row without breaking a sweat.”
“See? Mother got be a real warrior.” Their daughter made a face. “When am I going to get to do something besides practice archery with Ahsoka? I'm almost as good an archer as she is. Maybe better.”
“We only did that because the Separatists invaded Naboo.” Anakin helped the girl off the chair. “I don't want you to go through what we did. You are the Crown Princess. You can't put off marriage forever. If you don't find a man at this ball, we're going to have to start discussing political alliances.”
“No!” Leia pulled back. “I won't marry just so you can have extra guards on the borders.”
“Then take a serious look at the men at this ball.” Anakin lead his daughter to the seamstress' room. “I've invited every unmarried man in the entire kingdom, and from several neighboring kingdoms. Surely you'll find someone among them you could fall in love with.”
“I still think this is a dirty trick.” Leia sighed and stood on tip-toe to kiss her father on the cheek. “I'll look, but I won't make any promises.”
“Just look. That's all I ask.” Anakin smiled as the tiny woman in the white and blue striped scarf and red and brown brocade wrap came along. “Hello there, Snips. Come to take my daughter to her fitting?”
Leia made a face. “I'd rather be working on archery.”
Ahsoka put her arm around the girl. “Here's an idea. How about we get fitted for these get-ups Skyguy wants us to wear first, then I promise you we'll do an extra-long archery session right after lunch?”
“Well...” Leia sighed. “All right.” She followed the somewhat older woman down the hall. “Ahsoka, I didn't tell Mother and Father because I didn't want them to worry, but when we were on our way here, we were attacked by bandits.” She put up a finger before Ahsoka could ask her what happened and how they got away. “A man helped us. A tall, very handsome, very mouthy man. He said his name is Han Solo. Does that ring any bells?”
Ahsoka nodded. “There used to be a Lord Josiah Solo in our court, but he, er, had a few problems with gambling and got kicked out. He was pretty cute, too. Maybe they're related?”
Leia shook her head. “I think he was a servant of some kind. His clothes were ragged, and his hands were calloused, like they'd seen a lot of hard labor.”
“We never did find out what happened to Josiah Solo. I'd heard he'd fallen in with a pretty bad crowd, even after he married a nobleman's daughter.” Ahsoka opened the door for her. “Maybe we could send out some guards, find out what happened to him.”
The princess sighed. “That's all right. I'll probably never see him again.” But in truth, her heart wished she could. There was something about him...something in his eyes, or that easy smile. He made her heart race, even as he angered her. No man had ever come close to doing that.
Maybe he'll come to the ball, she thought as she followed Ahsoka into the fitting room. Maybe I'll have another chance.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“This could be my only chance.” Han climbed off Falcon the moment he arrived, the suit in one of the saddlebags. “I'll never get to see the Princess again after this. She'll marry some prince that she deserves, and I'll...” He sighed, leading Falcon towards the stables. “Look at me. What kind of a chance does a guy like me have with a genuine princess? I'm a servant, living in a shabby stable with an old horse and a dog with more fur than a whole zoo.”
That was when Chewbacca started barking, his voice laced with danger. Han stopped. He could hear voices in the stable. “Yeah, Chewie,” he said softly, putting one hand on his bow. “I won't let them take me by surprise.”
Jabba and his sons waited for him at the entrance to the stables. The oily, grossly obese, slug-like troll had a smile on his flabby face...but his eyes weren't as merry. Every bounty hunter and gangster in the room had their bows raised at him. “Han, my boy,” he purred, “you disappoint me. You're supposed to be my best courier. And did you really need to do in Greedo like that? They're still talking about who shot first at that old witch's pub in Coruscant.”
“Even I get attacked sometimes, Jabba. You know what the bandits on the road are like. Half of them work for you.” He waggled a finger in Jabba's face. “And you sent Greedo to kill me.”
“I sent him to negotiate with you.” He put a slimy hand around Han's shoulder. “Han, Han, Han, where would I be if I let every courier in my company get away with non-payment? Especially with you being so close to buying out your contract.” The giant troll wiped away a non-existent tear with a thick finger. “And I did promise your mother I'd look after you, god rest her soul.”
Han's smile didn't quite make his ears. “Look, how about we settle this at the ball in a couple of nights? I met an old man on the road. I need to collect payment from him for...a service I rendered him.”
Now the laughter went around the stables. “You?” Boba Fett said, a sneer in his voice. “You, a servant, go to a royal ball?”
“Why not?” Han smirked right back. “I saw the posters in town. They said 'every eligible man.'”
“So they did.” Jabba's grin was sly. “You may go with us, if you finish all your chores, and if you find something suitable to wear.”
“You won't regret this, Jabba.” Han gave him his own lazy grin as he walked around him, stepping on his tail. “You're a wonderful human being.”
Jabba nodded at Boba Fett, who pushed Han towards the house. “For that crack, Solo, you get to make dinner tonight and breakfast and lunch tomorrow. And you know I don't like my food too well-done. You'll also be confined to the area for the next few days. You'll need to tend to your brothers' clothing and to the animals. I want my boys to look their best for the ball.”
Han spent the next three days at Jabba and his boys' beck and call. He polished armor and repaired clothing. He dusted the entire house, then dusted it again when Jabba insisted that he missed spots upstairs. He bathed, brushed, and fed Chewbacca, Falcon, and all of the horses in the stable. He mopped the floor in the kitchen when a couple of Jabba's boys tracked mud all over. He dumped out the ashes from the fireplace, leaving him dirtier than ever.
What Jabba didn't know was he worked long into the night, repairing his father's suit. Every night, Chewbacca would find his master nodding off over the jacket or the trousers, the needle slipping out of his tired fingers. The faithful hound would tug the rough burlap cloth Han used as a blanket over him, then fall asleep himself at his feet.
The day of the Prince and Princess' birthday ball dawned cold and clear. Han was grateful Jabba and the others were too busy with their own preparations to pay him much mind. He got through his chores in half the time, then rushed over to the stable.
“It's done, Chewie.” He bit at the thread and tied it off. “I just have to polish my boots, and I'll be done.” He tried on the jacket, turning around for Chewbacca and the horses. “What do you think?” There were neighs and barks of approval around the stable. “Yeah, I think so, too. I did a pretty damn good job for a guy who passed out over his work once.” He chuckled when Chewie gave him an accusing bark. “Ok, twice.” He pulled off his old leather vest. “Ok, boy, you're going to have to help me out here. It's time to make myself beautiful for that princess.”
Inside the main parlor room, Jabba was pleased with his sons. Each and every one of them wore the finest clothes and armor ill-gotten money could buy. Expensive brocades and soft silks sparkled in the oncoming twilight. “This is it, boys. One of you must catch the eye of the Princess Leia. Prince Luke is already promised to some Corellian noble. Once you've wed her, her dowry will go into our coffers. I'll be able to expand my empire. Perhaps, one of you may even become king someday.”
He stopped before Boba Fett. Fett, he decided, was his best bet to win the princess' heart. He could be charming when he wished. His wit was as quick and his arrow shot as deadly as the princess' was said to be. He was not unattractive; indeed, many women sought his favors. His armor was polished, bright, and newly re-painted. The green and red glowed like nebula among the stars. “You especially won't fail me. We need this money if we're going to push our businesses into the outer reaches of the Naboo Empire. I must gain favor in the court.”
Boba Fett merely nodded. “As you wish, Jabba.”
Jabba was about to direct his men to their carriage when he heard an all-too familiar voice rushing towards them from the stables. “Jabba, wait!”
The fat troll's piggy eyes narrowed. Had he not known better, he would have believed that the ghost of Lord Josiah Solo himself had strutted over from the other side. Han looked very much like his father, right down to the well-tailored navy silk jacket that had been so fashionable 30 years before. Josiah Solo had worn that jacket the day he'd gone to Jabba himself, insisting that he'd merely had a bad run at the tables and would be able to pay what he owed soon. As it turned out, he owed millions of credits. He ended up selling everything he had to the enormous troll, including the lives of himself and his wife and son.
“Well, what do you think?” Han tugged at the collar of the soft white blouse, with its flowing sleeves and pearly buttons. “I don't know about the rest of you, but I think it's at least worthy of being viewed by possible business contacts.”
Jabba only circled him, his yellow eyes roaming over his form. “Solo,” he finally started, “where did you get this?”
Han wasn't going to let Jabba intimidate him. “From an old friend.”
“First of all,” Jabba smirked, “the collar is terrible. You never were very good with collars.” He nodded at Boba Fett, who reached over and tore at the collar until it came off.
“And what about these buttons?” Bossk, a lizard-like creature, pulled one claw down Han's chest. His sharp nails popped the buttons clean off and left a deep cut where the shirt had been fastened. “Not sewed on very tightly, are they?”
“Now, wait a minute!” Han grabbed Bossk's finger. “I worked hard on this outfit. I ain't gonna let you jerks take it apart!”
Jabba himself yanked the right sleeve of Han's jacket, tearing it half-way down his arm. “Oh dear. This fabric is so very old and fragile. It's much too old to wear to a ball. I'm afraid you'll disgrace us, Solo.”
Han glared at him. “No more than you disgrace yourselves by showin' up.” He lunged for Fett when he reached for his other sleeve, but Fett shoved his arms hard behind his back. “Don't you guys have better things to do than criticize my fashion sense?”
“Just for that, my boy, I think I will let my dear sons destroy your nice suit.” Jabba ran his tail down it, creating a thick stream of slime on the side of Han's trousers that left a long, dark stain. “Rip him and his clothes to shreds. Remind him of his place in this household.”
“Damn it, Jabba...” One of his largest men punched Han in the gut before he could finish talking. He gasped, doubling over. He tried to fight back, but Fett held him back, letting fists, some covered in metal, rain down on him. He struggled and kicked, but there were too many for even him to fight.
When they finished beating him black and blue and tearing his jacket and shirt to bits, Fett and Bossk dropped him like a sack of potatoes in the fireplace. They rubbed ashes and soot into his battered face, hair, and chest, leaving him screaming when the dirt touched his wound. “Did you really think,” Jabba hooted, “that a mere courier like you could be worthy of a princess?”
“Jabba,” Han hissed, “you said I could go if I found something to wear, and if I finished all my chores. I'm finished my chores. I finished this afternoon.”
“No, you're not.” The troll nodded at the skinny mechanical man, IG-88, who pushed Han up from the ashes. “I just got a shipment of hay for the horses in the stables from the Kingdom of Alderaan. I want you to separate the good hay from the spoiled hay.” Jabba laughed right in his face. “It should keep you too busy to get ideas above your station.”
Han smirked. “Maybe you should stop getting ideas above yours. You're all just a bunch of gangsters. Princess Leia will never go for any of you. She's got too much spunk for that, and too many brains. She'll see right through you.”
Jabba nodded. Boba Fett slapped Han hard across his face, his metal-gloved hand leaving a red mark. “What do you know about princesses?” The nasty old troll laughed at him.”You've never met a princess a day in your life, and you never will. You'll never be anything more than a glorified errand boy.”
“I told you, I'll get the money.” Han grit his teeth and rubbed his cheek. “I'm going to pay you off. I just have to talk to that old man.”
“Talk to me when you have the money in your pocket, my boy.” Boba and another one of his so-called “sons” grabbed his arms. “Take him to the stables, where he belongs.”
No one noticed the familiar figure of an old man as they shoved Han across the yards and into the stables. He kept himself hidden in the shadows, his powers clouding minds enough to convince anyone who looked his way that he was nothing more than an owl or an errant night breeze. The moment they passed, he followed them, staying close to the darkness.
Han couldn't help his dismay when they entered the stable. The pile of hay was nearly the same size as Chewbacca. “Jabba,” he protested, “it'll take me all night to sort this! Why don't you get one of the pages to do it or something?”
“They're off for the night.” Jabba hustled his men to the door. “Have a pleasant evening, Solo. If you separate all that, I might even consider letting you make another delivery tomorrow, if I'm feeling generous.”
“How wonderful of you,” Han muttered. Jabba and his boys were out the door before they could hear him.
He looked around, kicking at the pile of hay. “Great.” He started picking the good hay out, but that didn't last long. For every two good pieces he found, six more would fall over his hands or cover his pile, and he'd have to start over again. “This is ridiculous.”
He looked down as a soft nose nudged his back, and two paws lifted onto his leg. “I'm sorry, Chewie, Falcon.” He rubbed his horse's nose and gave his dog a scratch between the ears. “I guess we're not going to the ball after all.”
Falcon shook his head and let out a whinny, nodding at a figure seen out the window. Han looked up as a soft blue breeze seemed to unlock every door in the stable. The remaining horses who weren't being used by Jabba and his men all trotted out, including poor old Falcon. The animals in the stable were all very fond of Han. He was the only one in the household who took care of them, who washed them and cleaned them and treated them like something better than prizes or pack animals.
Han's eyes widened as each horse in the stable bent over the pile and began to pick out the hay. Even Chewbacca helped as best he could, though dogs weren't nearly so fond of hay as horses. He often found himself spitting it out. Han was his dearest friend. He hated to see him so unhappy and treated so badly.
Han looked up as voices were heard from the stables. He rushed outside, just in time to see Jabba's boys surround a figure in a dark cloak. “All I wanted,” said the familiar, gentle voice, “was some alms. I'm quite an old man, you see...”
Fett reached for a small pouch on his belt. “That'll pay for our drinks tonight. Thanks, old man.”
“Hey!” Han ran out of the stable, grabbing the bag back. “Pick on someone your own size.”
“Like you, Solo?” He squared off with Fett, neither man giving an inch. Fett finally got a cheap shot in his back, sending him sprawling. He pulled all but one coin out of the bag, dropping the bag on Han's back. “Here. You wanted this so bad? You can have it. You're not going anywhere.” Fett finally followed after the others, snickering.
The old man helped Han to his feet. “Here.” He handed him his bag. “I wish I could have saved all of it. I don't have any money, but as soon as I can talk to a fellow I met on the road, I'll pay you back...”
A warm chuckle emerged from the hood. “I suppose you're now regretting not having taken that money.” He pulled off the hood...revealing the same old man he'd met on the road. “I did say I'd find a way to help you.”
“How can you help me, old man?” He made a face at the one coin. “Unless you have another purse in that robe of yours that my brothers didn't steal.”
“I'm afraid that was all the money I had on me...but I can aid you in other ways.” The old man pulled up his sleeves. “My name is Obi-Wan Kenobi. I'm a Jedi magician and an adviser to King Anakin. I saw you with Leia today. You were quite taken with her, and she with you.”
“Me?” Han pointed to himself. “She hated my guts! I flirted with her, I raced with her, and all she did was argue!”
“Arguing is Leia's way of flirting. She's much like her father in that way.” He pulled an old empty hay cart out to the courtyard. “You wouldn't happen to have six white mice around, would you?”
“I know we have some mice in a trap in the house.” Han raised an eyebrow, but went to retrieve the mice. Indeed, there were six soft little rodents crawling around the trap the head housemaid set earlier that day. “What the heck do you need mice for?”
He set the trap in front of the cart. “Bring your friends the dog and the old horse, and if you can find them, two lizards.”
Han lead Falcon and Chewbacca into the yard. It took him longer to dig up the lizards. He finally discovered them hiding behind a pumpkin in the garden. “What the hell are you doing, starting a zoo?”
Obi-Wan patted the old horse. “How would you like to drive tonight, instead of pulling or letting someone ride on your back?” Chewbacca gave him an inquisitive howl. “Don't worry, loyal friend, I won't forget you. Your master will need a manservant, and footmen.”
“He who?” Han had no idea what the old guy was up to. “What's going on?”
Obi-Wan grinned at the man in the remains of the shirt and jacket. “Oh, you're just going to the Prince and Princess' birthday ball, that's all.”
Before Han could protest further, the old magician lifted his hand. A sparkling blue light flowed around the cart and the animals. The cart grew, lengthened, expanded, until it was a huge carriage, trimmed in gilt and bright red paint. Chewbacca became the tallest, hairiest man she'd ever seen; Falcon was old and thin, with a head of silvery hair and very large, prominent white teeth. The two lizards had small eyes and short arms, with a slight greenish cast to their skin. All four men were clad in white uniforms with gold and red braided trim that glittered in the moonlight.
“Damn, old man.” He ran his hand down he side of the carriage. “I ain't never seen anything this fancy outside of an occasional royal parade in town.”
The old magician walked around Han, his sharp blue eyes inspecting every inch of his ruined suit. “No, no, this will never do. I thought Maz said she gave you a suit.”
“She did.” Han held up one of the few remaining pieces of his shirt hanging off his arm. “This is what's left of it after my brothers got to it.”
“I'm afraid you can't go in that.” Obi-Wan pulled back. “Now, let's see. Your height,” he put his hands horizontal “waist size,” he drew a finger down, ignoring Han's attempts to puff himself up, “chest size.” He sighed. “I'm afraid Ahsoka's better at creating clothing than I am, but I could probably whip up something suitable.”
His hand went up again. This time, the blue light swirled around Han. He watched as his ruined shirt and jacket came together, patched and perfect, trimmed with gold braiding and pearl buttons. His skin was tan and scrubbed, the flyaway brown hair slicked back under a glittering golden crown. Sapphire and pearl rings sparkled on his fingers. His black leather boots were polished to such a shine, they resembled black glass. The brown trousers were now perfectly clean and pressed.
“Not bad, old man.” Han grinned. “Not bad at all.” He looked up at him, no trace of a smirk in his genuinely grateful smile. “Thanks. For everything.”
“You're welcome,” he bowed, “your lordship.” He frowned as Chewbacca opened the door to the carriage, motioning for Han to enter. “One more thing. You must be home by the last stroke of midnight. My Jedi powers are based on the light of day. After midnight, they wither and fade. You'll be left sitting in an old hay cart, surrounded by barn animals, clad in nothing but a tattered shirt and trousers.”
“I will, old man. I promise.” Han let Chewbacca hustle him in. He leaned out the door and called out “Hey, Obi-Wan, want a ride?” But the old man had vanished, gone in a burst of soft blue light that nearly blended with the rapidly deepening twilight.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Princess Leia was certain that Naboo had never seen a more glittering array of guests than the ones attending the birthday ball she shared with her brother that night. She tugged at her red and white gown as Ahsoka lead her to the assemblage. The archery teacher had been her father's ward as a child. She'd briefly had a career in the Naboo Army after she'd grown into adulthood, but had left it after an altercation with another officer and rejoined her guardian's staff. She, as much as her parents, had helped raise her. It was Ahsoka who taught her how to swim, fence, box, shoot, and ride as well as, and in some cases better than, any man. Anakin wanted no one else to be the godmother to his children.
The red and white gown was Ahsoka's creation. Leia's father had wanted her to wear something less...well, daring, but her godmother had convinced him that his daughter was 20, and that was the right time to try something different. She had cast her magic, creating several different looks in front of the mirror...until she came up with the dark red silk gown, with its long, flowing sleeves, elegant bows, and white lace underskirt. A ruby tiara and necklace, long white gloves, and white lace fan completed the ensemble. Leia's hair was swept into two looping braids, threaded with silk ribbon.
Leia was surrounded by young men of all walks of life as soon as she came down the steps. Each and every one of them wanted her to promise them a dance. She was grateful when her brother swept her out of the circle and into his arms for a lively two-step.
She grinned at him. “Thanks for getting me out of that, little brother. Another moment, and those men might have started a riot over who got to dance with me first.”
“I'm your brother.” Luke chuckled. “That privilege goes to me first. And by the way, I am older than you.”
“Only by a minute!” She smiled at him as they spun around the room. “You look very handsome yourself tonight.” Luke's hair had been brushed until it shown like spun gold. His white uniform, with its red sash and gold trim, was perfectly tailored to his slender frame. The light from the newly-dusted chandelier overhead gave him a glowing halo effect that made him look like the angel her father always insisted her mother was.
“Thank you, sis!” His eyes were scanning the crowd. “Unlike you, there's someone I really want to impress tonight.” His blue eyes lit up when they fell on the man he was looking for. He waved enthusiastically to Duke Wedge Antilles as they passed. Leia noticed the Duke himself wave back, his grin equal to her brother's.
He bowed before her as the song ended. “You dance wonderfully, sister dear,” he said, trying to imitate their couriers. “But duty calls. I simply must speak to my fiancee, before some other man tries to spirit him away.”
“Heaven forbid.” She tapped him on the shoulder. “Don't forget, you owe me a second dance later.”
“I won't forget!” He nearly bounced over to his beloved Duke. Wedge put his orange-clad arm protectively around the somewhat-younger man.
Leia sighed. When would she find someone who loved her unconditionally like that? Someone who challenged her, who considered her his equal, not a prize? Her brother didn't know how lucky he was.
“Penny for your thoughts, daughter?” King Anakin, himself dressed in fine dark purple satin and brocade, put an arm around her shoulder. “You don't look like you're having a good time.”
“I'm not.” She swept an arm around the room. “Father, none of these men want me. They want the kingdom, the land and dowry they'll receive when they marry me.”
“Leia, I told you.” Anakin lead her back towards the staircase. “Just give these men a chance. Some of them are even quite handsome.”
“And boring and conceited, I imagine.” They arrived just as Jabba and his boys strode into the ballroom like they owned the place. Leia glared at her father. “And I suppose that,” she pointed at Jabba, “is your idea of a handsome prince?”
Anakin rolled his eyes. “All right, so trolls are not my first choice. Let's see what this is all about. You really can't trust a troll.”
The troll waddled before her, bowing as best he could. She didn't like the gleam in his yellow piggy eyes. The one in the shining green armor translated for his father. “Greetings, Your Majesties. My adopted father, Jabba the Hutt, has arrived, with his family and entourage. He regrets that Her Highness, the Princess Leia, is not a troll...but he does want you to look over his sons and consider one as your groom.”
Anakin bowed and spoke before his daughter could. “Some of your...gentlemen...are quite suitable. My dear Leia wouldn't mind dancing with one or two.” He leaned over and whispered into her ear before she could lose her temper. “Dance with them and we can get them out of here. I don't want any of them starting trouble.”
The one in green armor took her roughly in his arms. “This is a great honor, Your Highness,” he said in a hissing monotone.
“Thank you.” The armor-clad man felt like a wind-up toy soldier to Leia. He danced well, but with no spirit. “So, what's your name? What do you do?”
“My name, milady, is Boba Fett.” There was a smirk in his voice. “You might say I collect things from people who owe my father money. They don't pay, I...deal with them.”
“I see.” Leia didn't like the sound of this. “How do you deal with them when they don't pay?”
“My arrows do the speaking for me, milady.” He squeezed her hand so hard, she felt it go numb. “After my arrows speak, they pay...or lose their lives.” He laughed at her wide eyes. “It's a cruel profession, Your Highness, but you did ask about my work.”
“So I did.” Leia was now certain she didn't want to dance with this man. She curtsied. “It was really...interesting...talking to you, but I must attend to my other guests...”
“What's your rush?” Fett pulled her to her feet and into his arms. He ran a gloved finger under her cheek. “Why don't you show me some of that famous spirit?”
She gave him a shove. “I'll show you spirit! You'll be picking your teeth out of the nine corners of hell when I get through with you!”
“Ahh, I do enjoy feisty women.” Fett held her even closer. “Kiss me, my spirited little chit!”
“Forget it!” Leia stomped on his foot as hard as she could. He'd just let her go as the horns sounded, announcing the next arrival.
Cecil, the tall butler in the golden livery, announced the newcomer...but he sounded rather flustered. “Introducing his highness Prince...” He turned to the man in the beautiful navy suit. “I say, good prince, what's your name?”
“My name?” He gave him a familiar, rather lazy grin. “My name is...is Harron of Corellia.”
“Very well. His Highness, Harron of Corellia.” Cecil sniffed. “But I must say, you don't look like any prince I've ever seen.”
He patted the butler on the shoulder. “Let's just say I'm the new model, Goldenrod.”
“Han!” Leia rushed over to him. She knew him. “You came!”
“Your Worship.” He bowed before her, just like he'd imagined himself doing. “That dress looks...it looks really good on you.” He took her hand and placed a tiny kiss on the satin-covered fingers.
Leia curtsied. “Thank you, my dear man.” She raised an eyebrow. “You didn't tell me you were a prince.”
“I didn't say that. Goldenrod back there did.” He took her hand in his. “Let's dance.”
Han was not a dancer. He was pretty sure he stepped on her feet three times and stumbled twice as they swirled around the dance floor. He didn't care. Leia didn't, either. “Until you came,” Leia admitted, “I wished we hadn't had this silly ball. I think the money could be put to better use than wasting it on excess. I've said to Father we should use it to help the poor, or fight the corruption taking over much of the southern borders of our kingdom. So much crime there! It's begun to run rampant. I think Father should increase the security guards and create more legitimate jobs.”
“It's not always that easy, Your Worship.” Han dipped her, nearly dropping her as he did. “Some of those criminals have legitimate businesses. They supply real jobs, even if they're not the best jobs. For some folks, they're the only jobs they're likely to get.”
She gazed at him through veiled lashes. “How do you know all this?”
“Let's just say my job isn't what you'd call the most legitimate, either.” He sighed. “Look, can we talk about something else?” He nodded at the refreshment table. “I could use some grub...er, food. How about you?”
Leia fanned herself. “I'm not really hungry, but a drink might be nice.”
Han and Leia were together the entire night. Neither would leave the other's side for a minute. Leia introduced Han to everyone there. They ate together. Leia got her fruit punch. Han ate an orange and pocketed three more out of pure habit.
She introduced him to her mother and father, and her Aunt Ahsoka. “Your Majesty.” Han bowed low before him. He grinned at the duo. “Well, I can see where the prince and princess get their good looks.” He kissed Padme's hand. “You're too gorgeous to have twenty-year-old children.”
Padme blushed, but she turned her own grin on her daughter. “Oh, I like this one. He reminds me of your father in his younger years, when he used to ride with the Jedi Knight Corps before they were disbanded.”
Anakin rolled his eyes. “I was never that cheeky.”
“Yes, you were, Skyguy.” Ahsoka chuckled. “You were much worse!”
“I only want to know what your intentions are towards my daughter.” Anakin crossed his arms and tried to look stern.
“Right now, I'm just getting to know her.” Han winked. “We'll figure out the rest later.”
Padme frowned. “Cecil announced you as a prince. You look nothing like the Prince of Corellia. He's a very old man, in his 90's.”
“Oh, that.” Han gave them his best grin. “I'm a...relative. A very, very distant relative.” His eyes moved to the yellow stripes on his trousers. “I was in the Corellian Army. They just discharged me not long ago. Small dispute with my general.”
Ahsoka kept staring at him. “You know, there's something about you that's very familiar. Did you ever have any relatives in the Naboo Court?”
“No!” Han said, too quickly. “Uh, not that I know of, Your Grace.” He bowed as the music started again. “It was a honor to meet all of you, but they're playing my favorite song.” He grinned at Leia. “Want to dance? I do better with the fast numbers than I do with the slow ones.”
“Why not?” Leia grinned back at him. “I prefer faster numbers myself.”
Anakin frowned at Ahsoka's expression. “Snips, what is it?”
“I'm getting something very strange off that young man.” She watched as Han and Leia joined the dancers two-stepping across the ballroom. “Not dangerous. I think he'd defend Leia with his life. But he's not telling the whole truth about himself and where he's from.”
“Do you think we ought to keep an eye on them?” The king sighed. “I did get some very strange vibes from that man myself.”
“I'll see if I can find Obi-Wan. He's probably moping around here somewhere. You know how he hates these big parties.” She patted his hand. “Don't worry, Skyguy. I won't let anything happen to my goddaughter.”
“You won't.” He nodded at the man swirling around the room with the princess. “But will he?”
Han enjoyed almost every bit of the night. Lando managed to extract himself from six lovely ladies and gentlemen of the court to kiss Leia's hand. “Hello, what have we here? My name is Lando Calarissian, the owner of the Cloud City Mining Guild.” He looked at Han. The taller man hoped the look in his hazel eyes and the worried twitch to his mouth would be enough to keep his friend from spilling the beans. “My friend here doesn't usually have such exquisite taste in women. I've always said you were the fairest jewel in our fine kingdom.”
Han chuckled. “Ok, ok, you old smoothie. She's taken.”
Luke greeted him with an bear-sized hug. “Han, it's you!” He grinned. “I knew you'd come. I just knew it!”
“Well, I couldn't let you have your sister all to yourself.” He shook Wedge's hand. “Besides, I heard you already have a good man.”
“Thank you. Yes, he does.” Wedge squinted a bit. “Maybe it's me, but I've been in the Corellian Army for several years, and I don't think I've ever seen you around.”
“We were probably in different units.” Han shrugged. “Corellia's a big country.”
“True.” Wedge patted his shoulder. “Perhaps later, we can discuss the battles we've seen and the horses we've ridden. There's nothing a good Corellian loves more than his horse.”
“Isn't that the truth? Maybe we will talk horses a little later.” Han nodded at Luke. “I approve of this guy, Your Highness. He's a keeper.”
Luke's arm snaked around Wedge's waist. “I've known that since I met him when I was training with the Naboo Guards and met him while on a campaign against the Mandolorians.”
Han smirked as Jabba went by him. “You know,” Jabba grumbled, “there's something about you that's very familiar, Your Highness.”
“Maybe you need to have your eyes examined.” He handed Boba and Bossk oranges. “Consolation prizes. I've got everything I need.”
Boba nearly threw the orange at his back as he and the princess strolled off to the balcony. “Father, he's hogged the princess all night. She hasn't left his side once. Want me to slit his throat?”
“Around all of these people?” Jabba waved his hand. “Leave this to me. I want to get a better look at him.”
Jabba had no sooner started towards the balcony than two arms nearly knocked him back. “Your...er...Flabbiness, sir!” Lady Ahsoka shook his hand. “I haven't seen you in years! Not since the last time Skyguy...er, King Anakin had dealings with your relatives in the kingdom of Tatoonie.”
Obi-Wan appeared on Jabba's other side. “You know, there's someone at this ball I'd love for you to meet. He's right over here. His name is Mace Windu, our Chief of Security. I heard he can be quite lethal with a crystal blade. You should see it. It's a very unique shade of purple that only he wields.”
“Um...that would be wonderful, but I hear my sons calling me.” He quickly slobbered on Ahsoka's hand. “Very sorry, Lady Tano, Sir Kenobi. I must run. Or waddle, as my case may be.”
Ahsoka wiped her hands off on the nearest available tapestry. “Yuck! That guy is almost three-fourths slime! I probably have Hutt germs now!”
“It was worth it.” Obi-Wan watched the pair of lovers chatting on the balcony. “I think this is going to work out nicely.”
“Who is he, Obi-Wan?” Ahsoka brushed the slime from her fingertips on the sash of her brocade wrap dress. “He's not a member of the Corellian Army, and he's not a prince, that much I'm sure of.”
“No, he's not. He's an ordinary servant from the borders of Corellia and Naboo.” He sighed. “He's a good man, more than he wishes to believe. He rescued the twins and me from bandits, then took no credit. He did say he wanted money later, but I offered him something better.” The older man shook his head at the pair chatting on the balcony. “I gave him a chance. He and Leia showed some sparks when they were together a few days ago. I think they're perfect for each other.”
“I hope you're right, Obi-Wan.” Ahsoka took his arm. “Hey, want to dance with an old friend?”
Obi-Wan smiled at her. “I'd love to, Lady Tano.”
Han and Leia sat on a concrete bench by the balcony. It was a beautiful night. The moon was full and round, like a glowing gemstone. The white roses in the garden twined around the castle walls, giving them the ethereal look of a fairy tale.
Leia shivered as an errant breeze blew across the indigo skies. Han smiled teasingly at her. “Cold, Your Worshipfulness?”
She rolled her eyes. “Would you please stop calling me that?”
“Sure, Leia.” He draped his jacket over her shoulders. “Here. I'm pretty much immune to the cold by now. You'd have to be in the Kingdom of Hoth to make me cold.”
The heavy dark satin coat was so broad in the shoulders, it nearly covered the entire upper half of her body. “Thank you.” Her dark eyes moved to the sky. “The moon's beautiful tonight,” she said with a sigh.
“Yeah,” Han replied without thinking. “But it ain't as pretty as you.”
Leia blushed. “Thank you. You know, you're very sweet, when you're not acting like a scoundrel.”
“Scoundrel? Scoundrel?” He rubbed her hands. “I like the sound of that.”
Leia's eyes flitted downwards to his fingers. “Stop that.”
“Stop what?”
“Stop that.” Leia tried to pull her hands away. “Those are my good gloves.”
“What's wrong?” He gave her the lazy smirk. “Afraid I might dirty them?”
“Afraid?” Leia's eyes locked with his. “I'm never afraid. I...”
“You're trembling.” Han gently pulled her nearer. “Even with the jacket on. Just like in the marketplace.”
She moved in closer. “Ok, hotshot, I...”
They were kissing before she could finish. Han had never kissed a girl like this before. He felt like he was melting, right down to his toes. His mouth tingled, and his belly flamed. He pulled her even more into it...just as he heard chimes off in the distance.
“Your Majesty.” Cecil came in, a tray of drinks on his arm. “Your parents wished for me to inform you that it's a few seconds until midnight. We're going to be having the next dance in a few minutes, if you and His Highness are so inclined to join the others.”
“Midnight?” Han jumped up so quickly, he nearly knocked Cecil over. “Goldenrod, where's the nearest exit?”
Leia frowned. “Exit? Why? You've only been here a few hours.”
“Your Worship...” Han grabbed her and kissed her again before leaping over the balcony towards the exit.
“Han!” Leia looked at her shoulders, clad in too-big navy satin. “Wait! Your jacket!” She turned to the wide-eyed Cecil. “Tell all the guards to be on alert. I must find Master Han...Harron, before he leaves!”
Han was already half-way down the steps, even as the clock continued its relentless chimes. He was seriously regretting having given Leia his coat. The night had turned breezy, and his arms were cold in the thin silk blouse.
“Move it, Falcon!” He almost literally shoved the horse driver aside. “I'm takin' this one!”
Leia rushed down the main staircase into the palace just in time to see an elaborate carriage covered in gold leaf streak away. “You!” She grabbed the arm of the nearest guard. “Get the royal horse brigade! I want you to go after that carriage!”
“Leia!” Luke ran after her. “What's going on? Mother and Father thought you and Han would be leading the next dance. Instead, we saw Han streaking around outside like he was being chased by an entire legion of dark demons!”
Leia turned to him, the satin jacket swirling around her in the moonlight. “That idiot ran off! The moment it became midnight, he just...left!”
“That might be my fault.” Obi-Wan joined them. “I helped him get to the ball. You know my magic only lasts until midnight. His employer wasn't going to let him attend.”
“Obi-Wan, please,” Leia insisted, “tell me where he lives!” She tugged at the coat on her shoulders. “I need to return this to him.” A smile played at the corner of her lips. “For one thing, it's way too big for me. I feel like I'm swimming in fabric.”
“He's a servant to Jabba the Hutt and his sons, at their home on the border of Corellia and Naboo.” He frowned. “I don't like Jabba's intentions. He was here for a reason tonight, and not just to dance at the ball. Trolls are hardly dancers.”
“I wondered about that myself.” The princess made a face. “His son did everything but jump into my lap...and if I hadn't stepped on him and Han hadn't shown up when he did, it might have gotten a lot worse.”
The guards Leia had sent after Han galloped back over to her. “We're sorry, Your Highness,” a small, dark-haired man said breathlessly, “but the carriage seems to have vanished without a trace. All we saw on the road was a servant with a broken-down hay cart, pulled by an old horse.”
Leia frowned. “Did you even think to question him, Commander Dameron?”
“Yes.” The commander tugged at his tie. “We tried, Your Highness, but he bolted for the woods when we came near him. He may have thought we were going to arrest him.”
“Tomorrow, Commander, I want you and these men to accompany me, my brother, and my uncle to the home of Jabba the Hutt, on the edge of Naboo and Corellia. My uncle knows the way.”
Commander Dameron's mouth dropped open. “But my lady, Jabba is one of the most notorious criminals in all the kingdoms! His home is said to be a den of filth and decay. It's no place for you, your brother, or Sir Kenobi.”
“I'll decide that, Commander.” Leia nodded. “We'll want to see you at first light tomorrow.” She sighed. “And please don't tell our parents about this. They'll both either have a fit or want to come along.”
“Yes, Your Highness.” Commander Kes Dameron finally rode off, a small smile playing on his lips. Every guard in the castle figured it was about time that the princess settled down. He truly hoped she found the strange prince who seemed to have captured her heart.
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