AN: The long-awaited day has arrived! Before we begin, I have a few people to thank quickly. Thank you to julie-yard and corellian-smuggler for sticking with me from the beginning, listening to my crazy ideas and reading little bits and pieces that changed 8000 times before the end. You guys are great, and there's no way I could have done this without you. Thanks also to amilynh and captainskysolo for their topnotch beta-ing. Thanks for not making me look stupid. And thanks to all of you lovely people on tumblr who encouraged me since I started telling you about this project! I hope you enjoy the whole thing as much as you've enjoyed the tiny teasers I've given you. Without further ado, let's begin!
Breha took the last pin from between her teeth, jamming it into the loose section of her braids. Smoothing a hand over her skirt, she took one last glance in the mirror. She was so proud—her mother had finally let her get ready for a portrait session by herself. It was about time, too—she was nearly 13, for stars' sake. Of course, she'd have to pass muster in her parents' chambers in a few minutes, but she'd been allowed to pick out her own gown and do her own hair by herself.
Later this year, they'd be celebrating her mother's 10th year on the throne of Alderaan, and today they were sitting for the new official portrait.
The princess knocked on her parents' door and it slid open to reveal her father wearing his fancy cape with the gold fringe and the flower decorations. A crystal pin hung on the front, just over his heart.
"You look splendid, Little Girl," her father complimented, bending at the waist to bow.
"Thank you, Papa. So do you," Breha replied.
A raspy cough came from the bedroom, calling the attention of the Viceroy and the young Princess. Breha's worried gaze turned to her father.
"Papa, is she still sick?" Breha murmured.
"Just a little cough. Nothing to worry about," he eased, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder and drawing her under his arm. "Brindel, you're going to have to go and get our Little Girl from her room. She's sent some imposter in her place—there's no way our girl is this mature and beautiful yet," he called playfully.
The queen came slowly from the bedchamber a moment later, looking resplendent in her sapphire gown. A row of kyber crystals was nestled along the ridge of braids that circled her head. She gave her daughter a tired but lovely smile and beckoned the girl over.
"You did very well with your hair," her mother commended, placing a gentle hand on Breha's cheek. "Just one thing missing." The queen produced a small row of kyber crystals that matched her own. She tucked it into Breha's carefully crafted braids and fastened it with a pin.
"My two favorite girls. You two look good enough to be in a painting," the Viceroy joked.
"Saul," the queen scolded without malice. She reached for his arm. It didn't escape Breha's notice that her mother was leaning heavily on her father. Still, there was a look of peaceful calm on Brindel's face, and Breha couldn't be too worried.
The royal family walked the short hall to the rotunda. The artist from the Painter's Collective was all set up and waiting for them. She greeted them graciously and got them arranged on the stools that had been set up, and then she set right to work.
AN: Just a short little intro today-come back on Sunday to read the first chapter! Please leave me a review-I'll be good about replying this time, I promise!