Author's Notes: Hello! This, obviously, is the first piece I'm posting here…so I'm a little nervous, in addition to being not quite sure how this site works. But, never fear, I'll figure it out eventually. Anyway, I think the title and summary pretty much explain themselves, but just in case they don't, here's a little elaboration on them: you know the novel "The Courtship of Princess Leia"? Yeah, that one. Well, I didn't find it particularly satisfying, in more than one way, and decided to rewrite my own version of it. Basically, it's exactly what it sounds like- the story of the courtship of Princess Leia. I used a few very basic plot points from the original novel by Dave Wolverton, but pretty much twisted them to my purposes and added everything else. One more thing I'd like to say: as an amateur writer trying to improve my skills, I'd very much appreciate any feedback my readers could provide for me, whether in the form of emails, reviews, or anything else. I welcome any kind of review, though I prefer the honest ones!
Disclaimer: Just like I'm supposed to, I'd like to say that I do not own Star Wars or any of the characters, places, plotlines, concepts, or ideas associated with it. I also do not own Dave Wolverton's novel, its storyline, or its title. I am not attempting to offend or take advantage of anyone with this story- merely trying to amuse myself and maybe a few others. I will remove this material as soon as possible if I find that it violates…well, anything important. All of that now being said…I hope you enjoy the story!
Chapter 1Princess Leia Organa stood on the podium in the center of the former Imperial Senate Chamber and realized that, for the first time in her life, she was in danger of breaking down and showing her anxiety to the public. It had started that morning, actually: she'd awoken with a sense of nervousness already settled deep in her lower abdomen. Her first thought upon waking had been Han's coming home today. Quickly on its heels had followed: the Hapans are coming today. Mon Mothma had told her only a few days ago that these two events coincided- and that she, Leia, would be the main government official present at both.
Now, standing on the podium alone, with all eyes on her, she restrained herself from chewing her lower lip while she waited for the Hapans to make their appearance. An extremely wealthy system of planets near the Core, the sixty-three worlds of Hapes were governed primarily by the queen mother in a decidedly matriarchal society. A crew of ambassadors had come to Coruscant just recently to discuss allying themselves with the New Republic- not joining them, no- that would be too much for the fiercely proud and independent nature of the Hapan people. But an alliance, apparently, was acceptable. And whatever they suggest will have some special benefits for them included…probably well disguised, thought Leia wryly, and I'll be the one who has to catch them.
And that was what worried her most. The ambassadors who had approached Mon Mothma and the rest of the Inner Council had made it very clear that the delegation wanted audience with Leia- and only Leia. Sure, the rest of the Council and the government could be present if they wanted to…they just couldn't participate. Why me? What do they want with me? Leia asked herself once more. I'm just a Councilor. And I'm not even in charge of inter-planetary relations. Okay- so maybe I've got some influence and I am pretty active in recruiting new systems…but still, Mon Mothma has all of that under her belt and more…
Her thoughts were interrupted by a ceremonial fanfare that she recognized as distinctly Hapan in origin. She took a deep breath and smoothed the front of her pure white gown as she turned to face the entrance to the Chamber. The Hapan procession began with a force of very decorative (and probably very lethal bodyguards), which represented the essence of Hapan culture pretty well, in Leia's opinion: we're definitely pretty, but watch out- we're powerful, too. And they were, particularly when one considered the immense amount of wealth they had at their disposal. Which was why today's negotiations were so important. The whole New Republic could be affected by what went on here, today. Which was why Leia took another deep breath and made herself smile one of her famously disarming smiles- the ones that had won the hearts of so many worlds. Let's just pray it will win these guys over, too, she thought as she nodded regally at the guards.
Following the body guards where the people providing the fanfare: obviously hand picked from the most skilled of Hapan musicians to impress whoever they might be playing for. And following them was a man who Leia assumed was a head-Ambassador or some such- the man who would be directing their negotiations, in any case. He must be pretty important, she thought as she looked at him. He was positioned on a sort of platform, standing very tall and looking straight ahead of him…at her. She thought briefly that his coloring and style of dress vaguely resembled that of the average Alderaanian man before reminding herself to concentrate on the ceremony. The interesting thing was that the platform was resting on the shoulders of eight more men, arrayed all around it in a box formation, each one standing as straight and tall as their charge. Under their intricately embroidered vests, Leia could see impeccably formed muscles rippling in silent strain. The platform was lowered to the floor about twenty feet away from her and she wondered for a split second why he didn't come any closer when a woman stepped away from the group that was following the Ambassador and came forward to stand directly in front of Leia. Leia did not betray her confusion when she introduced herself as Chief Ambassador Lamarr Tir'rol.
"And now," she told Leia graciously, "If you will permit, the gift-bearers shall come forward."
Leia nodded equally graciously. She sucked in her breath only slightly when the first two of the "gift-bearers" came forward with a tray held between them, piled with sparkling gems from Gallinore. Gallinore was one of the member planets of the Hapes Consortium, and famed for its peerless gems. She sucked it in a little less when the next group came out bearing a specimen of the galaxy-famous Prihana plant that was said to have medicinal qualities that could cure the effects of almost any poison. By the time the third group arrived, announcing that they were from the third planet and toting a suit of absolutely state-of-the-art armor that was probably worth millions, she didn't have to gasp at all.
And so it continued, until sixty-two of the planets of the Hapes Consortium had presented their gifts to her. Precious stones and gems and rare plants, the most prized material (natural and synthetic) along with coveted perfumes and the most up-to-date weapons that technology could provide were piled around her, almost haphazardly, it seemed. Leia took advantage of the pause in the line of gift-bearers so look around her and realized that it wasn't so haphazard after all. The Gallinore gems were strategically placed next to that spool of material, so that it brought out the emerald color scintillating amid the blue. The Prihana plant contrasted favorably with the sleek collection of deadly weapons that lay near it. No, these people knew what they were doing, she realized. The thought brought her back to strict attention. I have to be careful, she reminded herself. These people were originally pirates and they're notorious for getting what they want.
"You may have noticed that only sixty-two of our member worlds have presented gifts," the Ambassador said, making Leia's attention turn back towards her. Leia was about to comment something to the effect of Well, gee, as if I'd been counting, but the woman continued without giving her a chance.
"This is because the sixty-third planet, which is our capital world, Hapes itself, has a very special gift to present to you."
Leia heard the almost triumphant note in the Ambassador's voice. And they must want something really badly, she reflected, preparing herself to expect an offer that probably seemed amazing and wonderful and completely beneficial and even more probably had a serious catch somewhere in it. But nothing could have prepared her for what happened then. Absolutely nothing.
Her stomach started churning when the tall human stepped off his regal platform and started walking towards her at a steady and measured pace. Nothing seemed amiss: his handsome features betrayed nothing but utter calm and serenity. His elegant clothes gave the impression of someone highly cultivated, someone born into aristocracy and used to classy things. The only thing that was strange was that she couldn't see whatever gift he was planning to offer her. But it's probably some jewel so rare there's only one of them in the whole galaxy. Or maybe he's planning on pulling some chip with a zillion credits on it or something like that out of his pocket, Leia thought, surprised at her own cynicism. But she'd seen too much in the past few years (or maybe all her life) to believe that the Hapans were doing this out of pure generosity or good will. She had to admit, however, that she'd never seen what happened next before.
The man, who she noticed was probably only a few years older than she, stopped about two meters in front of her, just below the steps of her dais. The sun coming in from the skylight that the Senate had had constructed to replace the damaged ceiling streamed down as if it had been staged, lighting up his features so that his light brown hair glistened and his eyes reflected two beams of light as they looked into hers.
"Your Highness," he greeted her with a voice that was strong, yet soft and melodious, "I come to you in all humility bringing greetings from my mother, Ta'a Chume of Hapes. She would have liked to come in my stead and present these gifts to you and your government, but I begged her to allow me to take her place. You see, Your Highness, I have seen you only from afar, for the most part, but even so, I was inevitably enchanted by your beauty and your wit and it was my greatest desire to meet you in person. Now that I have had the privilege, there is but one thing I can do."
Stopping there, the young man (Ta'a Chume is the Queen Mother…if he's her son, he must be the Prince…Isolder, I think, Leia realized after making a quick search of her mental databanks) knelt down in front of her and reached into a pocket of his ornate vest. For a short moment, Leia thought she had been right about the credits, and she gasped in shock when he produced something that glinted in the sunlight. It was a ring, she saw, a ring made of the richest of metals and the most precious of stones.
"Princess Leia of Alderaan, I present you with the sixty-third gift. Myself, with this ring as a token of my hand…in marriage," he said, bowing his head in front of her and holding the ring up between them.
Leia could feel all of the eyes in the Chamber staring intently down at her. She wished that the crowd that had come to watch today would start tittering as crowds usually did when something exciting happened. But, like her, they were all holding their breaths, waiting to see what she would do. The only problem was…she didn't know what she was going to do any more than they did. Her flustered mind plowed instinctively through the problem: obviously, the gifts came as a package- all or none. Though the average bystander might not have noticed, numerous subtle and not-so-subtle hints had made it obvious to her and, she suspected, to any other skilled ambassador in the room. Almost as obviously, this guy was desperate for a wife…and then it dawned on her. It wasn't him that was desperate for a wife- it was his mother that was desperate for a successor! Leia remembered now that the Queen Mother had had only Isolder- a boy. There had been no daughters to inherit the throne. And now she probably needed to be sure that she had an heir before it was too late. So they were willing to give all these riches to the New Republic in order to get a ruler. The question was: how much was Leia willing to give for the New Republic? Everything, right? She was stopped in mid-thought when suddenly a name flashed through her mind. Han.Han was coming home today. Han. A million and one images flashed through her mind in the split second between that thought and the next one, almost bringing a smile through her defenses to her face, for all to see. She took a deep breath before answering the Prince.
"I am honored and humbled by your kind offer," she told him in her most gracious voice, "But I must admit that you have taken me very much by surprise. If you would be so kind, I would request some time to consider."
"But of course," the Prince answered her, standing up and letting the hand holding the ring fall gracefully to his side, "I have been far too bold and have not taken into account your feelings as a lady," he apologized, "I will await your answer with pleasure and gratitude."
"I thank you for your kindness," Leia replied and they bowed politely to each other before Isolder turned on his heel and left, signaling for his men to follow him. She noticed that four women immediately fell into step with him, two slightly ahead of him and to the side, and two slightly behind him, also to the side, the four of them forming a box around him. She also noticed that a troop of ten men were left behind to stay with the treasure, looking, like everything else she had encountered from Hapes, beautiful but lethal.
She refrained from letting out a noisy sigh into the voice amplifier that she knew was still on, and tried to relax enough so that it wouldn't seem that she was nervous or upset about everything. The background noise from the crowd that she'd anticipated before started now. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Mon Mothma coming towards her and prepared herself for an onslaught of criticism. You should have accepted right away, now they probably won't give you the chance again. You didn't maintain eye contact throughout the whole presentation. You should have smiled more when he asked you. Were you hyperventilating? The voice-amp picked up on it… Instead, Mon Mothma smiled and linked arms with her. Leia's warning signals flashed. When Mon Mothma smiled like that, it was usually bad news.
"Well, Leia, all I can say is that I was right when I thought that we, as a government, would some day think of you as our most prized possession. You performed beautifully…and best of all, you didn't give any indication as to your answer, which gives us complete freedom to discuss this at leisure," she practically gushed as she steered Leia through the crowds of senators and media droids.
"But all of that will have to wait for later- for now I suggest you go talk to a certain young man over there that seems remarkably eager to get to know you better." Mon Mothma discreetly indicated Isolder with a flick of her eyes, "this could be the best thing that ever happened to the New Republic," she said before giving Leia a little push in the Prince's direction. Leia smiled as graciously as she could, fuming inwardly. She had always admired Mon Mothma and held her in the utmost respect…but that didn't stop her from being downright impossible (and impossible to understand) sometimes!
Isolder saw her coming and smiled in her direction as she walked demurely towards him, years of training enabling her to hide her distress and cover her feelings with exactly the right combination of sweetness and sincerity.
"Princess Leia, I am honored to be able to enjoy your presence a little longer," he said, gallantly offering his arm. For her part, Leia admired his hair (which reached a little past his shoulders and was all tied back except for two wisps on either side that framed his face), even as she felt a flash of irritation. How she hated when people treated her with such formality! Her irritation switched targets as she berated herself: the poor guy's only known you for ten minutes- give him a break!
"No, no, I am the one enjoying a great privilege," she protested, deciding to play along with his little formality for the moment. She'd worry about clearing that up later. Actually, it could be useful. While he was polite, it didn't seem that Mr. Prince would be at all bashful when it came to getting closer to her. She might end up being thankful for that barrier of formality before long.
"Do tell me a little of your home-planet. I'm afraid I've never had the opportunity to go to Hapes," she said, in the interest of making conversation and putting him at ease- home-planets were almost always a safe and comfortable subject. Unfortunately, he had a better grip on his memory than she did.
"I beg to differ, Princess Leia," he told her, "I seem to recall that you have been to Hapes. It was long ago, and perhaps you were too young to remember. Your father, the Viceroy, had come to beg assistance for the Rebellion, which was in its beginning stages at the time, and brought you along. I believe you would have been no more than four years old. However, you were put in the care of my nanny droid while your father had audience with my mother. Unfortunately, my mother did not grant your father any assistance, so I suppose he considered the trip a waste of his time. But, you see, it was not. Because it provided me with the opportunity to meet you. Luckily for us, my mother has become less conservative and more generous in her old age." Isolder brought his hand up to give hers a squeeze where it was resting on his other arm. Yeah, more generous…or more eager to jump on the bandwagon with the winning team, Leia thought, surprising herself with her own cynicism for the second time that day.
"What a charming memory," she responded, her voice conveying nothing of her thoughts, "I only wish I could remember it, too."
"That's all right. Perhaps you will accompany me to Hapes someday in the future, and we shall make some new memories together." Leia's warning instincts flashed in her head for the second time that day. This is getting to personal and too close to the marks, she thought, this conversation needs to be stalled until I can chat with the Council…and get a grip on my own opinion!
Luckily, she had the perfect excuse: "I'm terribly sorry, Your Highness, but I must end this delightful conversation. A very successful mission is returning to us today, and I must be there to welcome them."
"I understand. But please…my name is Isolder."
Leia nodded. There goes the 'keeping the formalities as a safety-barrier' idea.
"Good-bye, Leia. I will look forward to our next meeting with great pleasure," he said softly as he lowered his lips to her hand. Somebody's trained this guy well, she thought, allowing a mild sense of pleasure to flare up in her. It was so rare to meet someone well versed in the art of court behavior these days…
Ten minutes later, Leia's private speeder was rushing her back to her apartment. Upon arriving, she quickly changed into another gown and allowed one of her assistants to fix up her hair. She would have liked to change the style completely- it didn't really suit her new dress well, the way it was, but there wasn't times. So with a few stray locks tucked and pinned back into place and some fresh cosmetics brightening her face, she got back into the speeder and arrived at the main docking platform, the one used for all arrival and departure ceremonies, just as the announcer on the dais was announcing that the starships had come out of hyperspace.
Leia got out of her speeder and tried to seem energetic and enthusiastic as she climbed the steps to the dais (second one today, she thought, this is really too much) that she would share with a few other council members, among them the famous Admiral Ackbar. The noises of anticipation of the crowd alerted her to the fact that the main ship, the Commander's flagship, was in the last few stages of its descent, penetrating the atmosphere.
It was only when the flagship appeared through the clouds and began the visible portion of its descent to the platform that Leia recalled exactly whom it was bringing home to her. And that was when the 'what if's started in. What if I've changed too much? What if Han has, too? What if we both have, and I've forgotten how to be with him? What will I tell him about this whole Hapan situation? What if he's already heard about it? What if he's mad? And even worse, so much worse that she couldn't even think it: What if he's forgotten about me and he doesn't care? Anxious worry slowly seeped through her. 'What if's, most of them not even nearly plausible, continued to run through her head at a break-neck speed as the huge Star Cruiser floated gently down onto the docking platform. The wind it created tugged insistently at her hair, pulling several loose tendrils away from their carefully crafted arrangement. She was dimly aware of Admiral Ackbar's strong hand on her arm, pulling her back slightly so that she wouldn't be harmed by the de-pressurization of the ship. She remembered suddenly that she was standing in a small group of government officials in front of the large crowd that had come to welcome the perpetrators of the successful mission back home. She must not let her emotions show.
However, she realized as a familiar silhouette sauntered characteristically down the ship's boarding ramp, that was going to be very difficult. Nothing about Han seemed different, unless you counted that his walk seemed even cockier than before- if that was at all possible. His walk had also gotten more determined…and it was heading him directly towards her. Leia's heart flooded with warmth as his face became visible. His features displayed only serene confidence and solemnity…except his eyes, which were twinkling and sparkling as they locked onto hers. She was reminded of a holo-vid she had seen on Alderaan as a child of an old legend involving a noblewomen and her Senator husband who was away for long periods of time and always kissed her passionately upon his return, to the great pleasure of their viewers. Leia had a sudden, unbidden image of Han doing the same now, but brushed it quickly from her mind.
Before she had a chance to collect her thoughts and emotions, they were face to face, his proximity flustering her slightly and making her cheeks ever so slightly pinker.
"Welcome home and Congratulations, to you and your men, General Solo," she intoned, speaking into the voice-amp. Mon Mothma had told her exactly what to say, but seeing Han had driven it completely from her mind. A great cheer rose from the crowds anyway; it wasn't as if they knew who was supposed to say what, or even cared.
"Glad to be of service, your worship" Han told her, adding the last part in a lower voice that he knew only she would hear over the cheers of the crowd and inclining his head respectfully in a gesture that completely contradicted the look in his eyes. Luckily, no one from the crowd could see that. What the crowd could see, however, were his hands going slowly to her face, brushing the tendrils of hair out of the way as he bent to kiss her soundly and thoroughly. Another cheer, louder than the first, came from the crowd. Leia was oblivious to the cheer, however, as well as the disapproving glances coming from her superiors, and, frankly, everything but Han's strong hands on her face, his hot lips on hers, and the feel of his arms and love enveloping her once more. Her hands went, seemingly all by themselves, up to his head and entwined themselves in his hair. Her whole body was leaning against his before she realized what she was doing and stepped away abruptly, managing to make it seem like a graceful withdrawal to the crowd, which was in a state of gossiping ecstasy.
The band recruited for occasions like this one began to play a military fanfare at a signal from Admiral Ackbar, and the crew and fighting force began to emerge from the Cruiser. The crowd continued to cheer and young men broke away from the ranks as they spotted their wives, girlfriends, and sweethearts. The procession and the dignity surrounding it was forgotten as loved ones were united once more. Which was fine, if you were a common soldier and his wife, reflected Leia, just not if you were a General and a Councilor. But all such thoughts were erased from her mind as Han took her hand. Whatever members of the crowd still watching them cheered once more, but considerably more faintly this time. Leia discovered they were giving her a headache anyway. But she couldn't reach up to rub her temples, not here where people might still be watching them, however unlikely that seemed now.
"Come on, no one's watching us anymore," Han told her, tugging her down the back steps of the dais. Her hand fit perfectly in his; at least that hadn't changed, thought Leia as she followed him, her mind reluctant but unable to stop the rest of her.
Han glanced down at her while they made their way through the crowd.
"Got a headache?" he asked casually. At her look of surprise, he explained, "You're doing that thing with your eyebrows- you always crinkle them like that when you have a headache."
"I'd forgotten how well you know me," Leia told him truthfully. Han grinned at her.
"Well, I bet I can remind you a little more: I bet the reason you have a headache is because you haven't eaten anything all day," he said, raising his eyebrows expectantly at her. At her protests, he raised his free hand, the one that wasn't occupied with holding hers, in mock defense.
"Okay, okay, I'll amend that. You ate one of those dinky little nutri-bars you're so fond of using as an excuse to skip meals this morning. But you haven't eaten anything since then- no real food all day," he declared triumphantly.
"I didn't have time-" she began to explain, before she remembered this was Han she was speaking to. Han. The one who could see through her in the blink of an eye, especially when it came to her own well-being.
"Okay, fine. I didn't eat. But it wasn't my fault!" she couldn't resist saying, allowing a hint of a smile to escape. It felt so good to be loved and worried about like this- as a person, not a- how had Mon Mothma put it?- a "prized" figurehead. She let her head drop slightly to lean on his shoulder.
"Exactly. So that's why we're going to go get some food now. Actually, using my spectacular mind-reading skills, I've determined that you're also tired. So you know what we're going to do? We're going to pick up some out-food from that Alderaanian restaurant and take it home and enjoy it in comfortable clothes, in the lounge, while you catch me up on all the Coruscant gossip and I regale you with my latest adventures."
"Nothing's ever sounded more appealing," Leia told him as he opened the door of the taxi-speeder he'd just waved down. Leia worried fleetingly about her private speeder before deciding that the chauffeur droid would find his own way home- and they could always page him from the apartment if he didn't.
As she settled back into the cushioned backseat of the taxi-speeder and sighed, she didn't notice that just as Isolder had earlier pushed all thoughts of Han from her mind, Han had just unknowingly reciprocated that action.