Running through the stunning grounds of the estate of House Organa was the young adopted princess. Her long brown hair flowed as she hurried through the halls, gravely disappointing her aunts as she disappeared from their watchful view in order to avoid their lessons, or rather lectures, on proper etiquette. Princess Leia obviously did not care. She refused to be molded into a perfect little princess whose only purpose is to find a suitable husband.
The other houses on Alderaan already had suiters even though Leia is ten. Some of the options are men already, rather disgusting. Others are more plausible, around Leia's actual age. And there is one who is six years younger. Regardless, the prospect of marriage doesn't even appeal to her. The worst part was that at least three of the suiters hailed from House Thul, possibly the last noble house anyone in House Organa would ever want on the Alderaanian throne.
Leia skidded to a halt as she heard voices from up ahead, ducking behind a large column. If her father saw her skipping her lessons, she would be in trouble. Not huge trouble, but Leia despised seeing the look of disappointment on Bail Organa's face.
Even after she had run away from the estate for a week and had the best time of her life, Bail's expression, the mixture of relief, worry, and sadness, managed to haunt her.
Bail escorted a woman about his age through the hall, passing Leia's hiding spot. From the looks of her attire, she was a noble from House Serrus. They weren't as well connected as some of the great houses, but they offered many great warriors.
The princess crept to the other side of the column and looked at the group as they continued through the building. Trailing behind the two adults was a young boy, possibly a few years older than Leia. He gazed around the hall, gazing at the relics that stood on pedestals. Leia had never been to House Serrus's estate, but she assumed by his expression they didn't hold many wonders. Maybe House Serrus was once overrun by Killiks like House Syresh had been so they lost many family heirlooms?
Perhaps by chance or fate, the boy glanced in the direction he had come from, spotting Leia before she ducked back behind the column. The young noble stopped in his tracks and slowly backed away from his mother and the Viceroy. They didn't notice, turning a corner as he quietly found the column in which the princess was hiding behind.
The boy went around the side of the column, effectively scaring the young girl. She didn't make a noise, but she did jump briefly, not expecting to see anyone. "Why are you hiding?" he asked, extremely curious.
Leia stood indignantly. "Who says I'm hiding?" she counters.
"Well, I'm sure you're not behind a column for the kicks," the boy quipped with a small smirk. He folded his arms as she narrowed her eyes.
"So, what if I am?" she inquired, not willing to give a straight answer. Her stubbornness will come in handy when she takes her father's place in the Senate.
The boy shook his head, amused. "What's your name?" He recognized a natural born politician since they're easy to spot, so he changed the subject.
"Leia." The simplest name uttered could bring forth the most unexpected actions.
His eyes grew wide with the revelation. Bowing deeply, he said, "Your Highness, I apologize for rudeness."
Leia resisted the urge to snort and executed the proper display of manners. "Your apology is accepted. And what is your name?"
The boy stood tall and proud, his short dark curls bouncing slightly. "I'm Asger of House Serrus. It's an honor to meet you, Princess."
His playful tone and bright eyes left the moment he discovered her name, something Leia always hated. Whenever people discover her identity, they treat her differently. They treat her with automatic respect even though she's done nothing to deserve it. They treat her like she's fragile, like she can't be strong. They treat her like a royal, thus she'll have no true friends, simply those who are allies.
But it is good to make allies young. "It's a pleasure, Asger." Leia nodded lightly with her words. "Would you like a tour?"
"That would be wonderful."
As she showed Asger around the estate like a proper host, she tended to stare. Leia, at the behest of her aunts, had never been allowed to be alone with a boy before. They always drilled into her the importance of keeping certain company. She should never be alone with a boy, only girls. Leia never fully understood why. In her eyes, many young girls in the noble houses were too stoic and not fun enough. She loved to run through the halls, go flying on speeders, and learning to fight. Other girls her age enjoyed reading and playing music. That's what they had been taught to like, but Leia always had leeway with Bail and Breha.
Bail always seemed to understand Leia's desire for adventure. He always told her little tidbits about her real parents, but not their identities. Leia didn't mind, Bail and Breha were the only parents she had ever known, except for a feeling in the back of her mind, though she usually pushed it away.
"Leia!" someone called, the voice echoing through the empty halls.
The princess froze in her place. "Stang!" Leia cursed under her breath before running away, leaving Asger stranded in the middle of the hall. She ducked into one of the many secret passageways closest to her.
"What in the blazes?" Asger muttered as Leia all but vanished before his eyes. She had a lot of practice disappearing in a hurry.
An older woman rounded the corner, walking briskly, and spotting Asger alone. "You, have you seen the princess?" she questioned sternly, piercing him with her deep eyes.
Asger stood up straight, quickly thought up his response, looked her in the eyes, and lied, "No, my apologies; however, I am searching for my mother, Duchess Anselma. I got separated from her and the Viceroy during the tour of this lovely estate. If you could be so kind as to help, that would be deeply appreciated."
His words and tone were respectful like he had been taught. Asger never enjoyed formalities, but he is in the house of another noble family, the royal family. If Asger was anything, it wasn't foolish. He recognized the like-mind in the young princess. Asger wouldn't rat her out for wanting a little enjoyment away from noble duties.
Since Asger neglected rudeness, the woman was obligated as a host to aid the boy, despite her need to find the location of Leia. The other aunts were looking as well, so she could take the time to find Bail.
"Of course," the woman answered, nodding her head respectfully. Asger followed a step behind, glancing back at where Leia had left, secretly hoping he'd see her again.
It took barely any time at all to find the Viceroy and the Duchess as they were searching for the young boy. His mother was incredibly relieved to find him, although skeptical of the stern, angry looking woman escorting him.
"Asger, are you all right? Where have you been?" Duches Anselma asked her son, pulling him away from the stranger and closer to her.
"I'm alright, Mother. I got lost is all," Asger answered vaguely.
Bail Organa chuckled a little, knowing he wasn't being honest. And the woman escorting him is one of Leia's many aunts. She wouldn't be out and about for just any reason. "Oh, haven't we all?" he inquired rhetorically. "The halls are easy to get lost in. Distractions, even more common. Now come along, let us finish the tour."