It is a hard and uncertain time always for a world so filled with powerful people.
The galaxy had known many legendary characters, those whom a long, long time ago had been so connected to the Force; they created an Order, where they used their power for good.
But now… the Age of Heroes long passed… The Jedi religion outlawed… there isn't a single being using his power for anything other than their own gain.
In the time of empires and intricately planned alliances a simple name holds as much power as the Force once did.
You might look at a young boy and think nothing of him. You might glance at the girl for a few seconds, but after analyzing her beauty you disregard her altogether. Your interest is not piqued until you hear the name, if it is a famous one…
No other ones are as important in this epoch of the galaxy, as that of House of Skywalker and House Organa.
They had been feuding for decades, the father's sons already not tired of the conflict—yet much aware of the damage it could cause in the long run.
So what better solution for the time being than a marriage?
Uniting the two houses might've been an unconceivable thought years ago, but now, on the surface, it looks like the two houses could finally join forces to create an even better, more thriving empire.
If you look at the balance the Force leans more towards House of Skywalker, as they are the ones currently sitting in the Throne. Reaching his forty-fourth year, King Anakin sits on his throne, if not utterly happy, quite content with life. By his side, his queen, reaching thirty-six, has long ago renounced the idea of happiness.
The two had once been innocent in their love, in their outlook at life, but ever since they got caught up in the war, all changed…
Queen Amidala sat in the Throne room, her face austere of much warmness, watching the Hand of the King, Obi-Wan Kenobi. He was new in Court. He was advising Anakin as to the recent decision that had been made.
"But Obi-Wan," Anakin was saying; "weren't you always very persistent on reaching a truce with the Organas?"
"Yes, Your Grace. But I do not think this is the way to go about it. Arranged marriages are an ancient practice. A thing of the past that has no business in our modern world."
"Bah! If it worked before, surely it can be useful today?"
"Perhaps. But have you thought of what this will bring to your family? Luke is only sixteen, the boy has a long way to grow before he weds a woman—as a matter of fact, the Organa girl is just a child as well. What is she, thirteen, fourteen tops?"
"Something along those… but remember, we are doing this for the greater good of the Empire. The Organa is the most ancient noble house left—the richest one, too."
"I am sure that's very attractive in Luke's eyes…" Obi-Wan said, sarcastically.
"Enough!" Queen Padmé Amidala of Skywalker interrupted. "Dare you defy your king's orders? You are treating him as if he were a fool who doesn't know what he's doing—"
"Padmé," Anakin cut in, annoyed, "calm down. And please, don't speak to him like that. After all, pointing out my stupid ideas and telling me against them it's his job. Better hear it from him than from someone else…" he grinned.
Padmé regained her unattached face, until a new face appeared in the throne room. The young prince himself.
"My son," Padmé's face shone with love. The last light and hope in her life. Her only son.
"I don't mean to interrupt," Luke said.
"You already have, son." Anakin said.
"I couldn't help hearing what you were discussing… and I would like to say—"
"Nothing. The decision has been made."
"But Father!"
"Luke! You will marry a beautiful noble girl, without having to charm her to gain her heart. The very least you can say is thank you."
"If you do not like her we'll not force you, son," Padmé said. "I will try and judge her character, too. To help you decide."
Luke sighed, he looked at Obi-Wan, who had an "I really tried," apologetic look on his aging face.
The meeting was to take place in Alderaan.
The royal family travelled, Obi-Wan with them, guarded by a thousand clone troopers. It would be very stupid of the Organas to try anything treacherous against them, but you could never be too careful when your name was Skywalker.
The house of Organa had last ruled over the galaxy twenty years ago, and previous to that on at least seventeen occasions, in which a total of two hundred years had an Organa sat on the throne. Anakin had been the last on defeating them, truly gaining his throne, sixteen years ago, just as his wife was delivering twins.
The Skywalkers came victorious, Anakin's power ensure the throne, but it could not ensure the family he had had before.
While Anakin, alongside Obi-Wan and an army of trusty men he could all call friends, won at Coruscant, in Naboo an assassination attempt befell their Theed estate, Varykino. They managed to salvage the baby boy and the mother, the girl, though… the memory was enough to make each and every one of Padmé's days bitter.
Bail Organa's wife, Breha, was executed in no time.
Neither side could prove the other one had been responsible for those crimes.
Alderaan was left in peace after they lost the war.
Bail Organa's only child was born historically two years after those events. Bail Organa never said the name of the mother, in respect to his deceased wife. But it was known he treated her as if she hadn't been born out of wedlock. She had the title of Princess only in Alderaan, outside their home-world she was to be known only as the daughter and heir of Bail Organa. Until now… she will be a true princess, married to a true prince. And after that, maybe, Queen of the Empire.
The Grand Room in the Organa Palace was something quite impressive, classical architecture, a thing of royal opulence. Anakin had never been there before. Padmé, having been a childhood friend of Bail Organa, and the daughter of a noble house in Naboo, another ancient planet, had seen it at least a dozen times before. Time hadn't changed it at all.
Obi-Wan, feeling an outsider in the scene, sensed the tension building as two once sworn mortal enemies were about to meet face to face, again, after so many years.
Bail sat on his big chair, his entourage around him, with a face of friendliness, he welcomed the Skywalkers.
He shook hands with Anakin and embraced Padmé. He watched Luke and considered him for a long time, then, he summoned the princess.
The royal family practically held their breaths. They all turned to see the graceful feminine form that appeared, clad completely in white. She walked steadily with her head high, her gaze up, her expression haughty even amidst its sweetness.
She bowed to everyone, Luke being the last, and she extended her hand so he could kiss her hand.
The young prince smiled at her loveliness. He thought for a moment this might not be so bad, this might not be a disaster. Then he turned to see his parents, expecting to see approval in their faces, but there was something else in their features. He just didn't know what it was.
