Chapter Fourteen

Naboo Part 1

Sitting aboard the Falcon her back against the seat behind her, Leia stared down at her Naboo schedule. Although she had seen the list of things to do and places to go several times, she was desperate to memorize her tasks at hand. She prayed to the gods that this mission went smoothly and she was able to exit the Republic without trouble. She could hear Han and Chewie grumbling in the cockpit, but she tried to tune them out. Weeks ago when she had met with Coleman Heswot they had planned everything, down to the very last detail. Leia wondered now if they had planned too much. Her priority was to focus on the people and making them feel comfortable with the Republic. She wished to meet with the queen and her advisors as soon as possible. Part of her was pleased that her husband had a accompanied her on this trip, while another part of her worried he would act as if this was another vacation. Her mind was focused on work and she hoped he wouldn't distract her.

"Princess!" Chewie called as he walked from the cockpit. "Lunch?" He questioned looking to the galley.

"I'm fine, thank you." She said focusing back on her data pad, scrolling through more files.

"Leia you need to eat." Han said walking up behind Chewie.

"I ate breakfast." She argued to the two before her.

"You need to keep your nutrients up Princess." Chewie argued back. Leia sighed rolling her eyes. While she appreciated the concern, she wasn't sure who was more protective or worried about her, Han or Chewie. "It will be good for the cub." Chewie stated with a nod before moving towards the galley to make their lunch. Shifting her gaze to her husband he only smiled back.

"He's just worried about you." Han said lowering his voice.

"I'm fine Han. I ate breakfast."

"I know you are, but you need to eat more then your usual one meal a day, sweetheart." He said sliding down to his knees and kneeling before her. His hands reached out and rubbed her flat stomach softly. "Its good for the baby." He said looking up to her eyes. She smiled lightly at him and ran her fingers over his hand against her belly.

"I'm trying." She told him honestly. While her pregnancy had yet to effect her body, Leia was having trouble adjusting to taking better care of herself.

"Something to drink?" He offered.

"Something cold." She suggested leaning down to kiss him lightly as he stood up and walked towards Chewie. In the days since her pregnancy reveal things had seemed to be going well. Her nerves and anxiety peeked at every chance but Han was always their to soothe them away. Their Wookie friend had been so thrilled at the idea of a Solo child, but of course didn't pass up the opportunity to tease Han. "What do you know about babies?" He had asked Han. Han shrugged and suggested it couldn't be that hard. Leia laughed at her husbands inexperience with children, and how he assumed babies would be a simple thing.

"My Princess." Han said with a small bow before her, as he handed her drink over. Rolling her eyes, Leia grabbed her drink before sipping is slowly. "Anything else for my highness?" Han asked trying to control his chuckle.

"For my husband to leave me alone." She said pushing at his chest.

"You've looked over these hundreds of times." Han said his tone changing, as he looked down to her data pad and examined the files on the screen.

"I just need for things to go nicely."

"They will. Everyone will love this Royal gathering and soon Naboo will be accepted and happy within the Republic."

"Look at you, sounding like a politician."

"Ehh I take that as an insult!" He said stepping away from her. Leia laughed at his retreating figure. Soon a plate of food was placed in front of her, much more food then she could ever eat. Chewie smiled down at her, pleased with his creation.

"Chewie Thank you, but thats a lot of food. Surely you and Han can eat some of this." She suggested glancing back to the overfilled plate.

"Cub needs a good meal." He insisted nodding to her stomach.

"The cub…" She said using Chewie's terms. "…Isn't very big yet…I'm not sure I can eat all that."

"I'll help you." Han said walking back to her side and sitting beside her. Reaching for the plate, Chewie quickly swatted at his hands.

"Ouch! What the hell Chewie!" Han scolded.

"I made this for the Princess, not you." Chewie huffed.

"We can share!" Han said, Chewie only rolled his eyes.

"Make sure she gets most of it. When my Malla was pregnant she never stopped eating." Chewie explained before leaving the couple in silence and walking back to the cockpit.

"Does he know I'm not a Wookie?" Leia asked from beside her husband.

"Don't mind him. He's just looking after you is all."

"It's sweet, but both of you are driving me crazy. I'm barely pregnant. You both should relax a bit." Leia suggested nibbling at the plate of food, happy to find the food delicious. Her stomach seemed to like the food as she continued to grab bites. Han stared at her with a grin.

"What?" She asked.

"Baby must be hungry. I've never seen you eat like this, I think Chewie was right."

"Is it weird that we're talking about it so casually now?" Leia asked her nerves creeping back.

"About the baby?' Han questioned.

"Yes."

"I'm pretty sure its normal for couples to talk about their pregnancy."

"We've never been normal." She quietly argued, not wanting to turn this into a fight.

"Well we should try it sometime. Maybe it will suit us."

"Ex-Smuggler marries Princess of non existent planet, only to have a baby that may or may not have Jedi mumbo jumbo as you say. I think we lost our chance at normal hot shot." She smiled softly at him, leaning her head against his shoulder.

"Maybe you're right." He agreed with a grin. "Just because we're still getting used to the idea of all this doesn't mean we can't talk about it. Or even be happy."

"Are you happy?'

"Always with you." He smiled kissing her forehead.

Chewie growled from the cockpit, pulling the couple apart.

"We're coming up on Naboo." Han explained, moving away and towards the cockpit. "Theed is the approved landing point?" Han questioned to be sure.

"Yes, Coleman will be waiting for us there." Leia explained as Han huffed.

"I'm not looking forward to meeting this admirer of yours."

"You're cute when your jealous." She smirked.

"I'm not jealous." He grumbled before leaving Leia alone. Smiling to herself she quickly made her way to their cabin. Looking at her reflection she was pleased their journey hadn't changed her appearance. Her dark purple dress flowed down the length of her body and her jacket rested tightly against her shoulders. Glancing down her figure she wondered to herself. Growing up Leia had of course seen children, babies and the occasional pregnant women, but never had she personally known one. She wondered how long it would take for the baby to physically make its presence known. Her stomach was of course flat and firm, she was still so early in the pregnancy. She tried to picture herself with a swollen middle, the thought confused her and unfortunately became another thing to worry about. Feeling the ship lower down and land, Leia moved to leave the cabin and find her Captain.

"Hey Princess, we've got quite the crowd out there." Han said walking to find his wife.

"What?"

"Outside, theres a crowd waiting for us." Han explained pointing to the windows in the cockpit.

"Oh, I guess Coleman brought some friends." Leia sighed, mentally preparing herself. Turning to her husband she smirked.

"You ready?" She questioned.

"Let's get this over with." He groaned. Calling to Chewie to take care of the ship, Han grabbed his wife's hand and lead her down the ramp.

Looking around their surroundings, Leia was pleased to see it was a beautiful day. Not that she was surprised, Naboo was a beautiful planet. The sky was painted a bright blue color as the sun shined down on them and danced across the pavement beneath their feet. Smiling at the beauty of the planet around her, she barely heard her name being called, before Han nudged her softly.

"Princess!" Coleman called as he approached them with a smile. Han's eyes immediately surveyed the man before him. While he knew he had nothing to worry about he wondered just how flirtatious this man would be in front of the Princess's husband. Coleman stood tall and seemed very welcoming which of course discouraged Han. Groaning to himself he forced his irritated thoughts away and focused on Leia's hand in his.

"Hello, Coleman its lovely to see you again." Leia greeted, shaking his hand gently. "Han this is soon to be Senator Coleman Heswot and this is Captain Solo, my husband." She gestured to Han, glancing up at her husbands annoyed expression.

"Please It's Cole, Princess. Wonderful to meet you Captain Solo, you have quite the wife." Coleman commented causing a sarcastic smile to appear across Han's face.

"Well I think so." Han bit out.

"You must excuse the crowd Princess, My advisors insisted on greeting you before the tour began." He explained nodding to the people around him.

"Of course, Please introduce me." Leia said moving to step towards the people. Keeping hold of Han's hand, she guided them into the sea of people. Feeling awkward as people bowed and curtseys before his wife, Han slowly slid behind her keeping hold her hand. Coleman introduced too many names to remember but Leia greeted each person with a smile, before they were escorted towards the palace.

"The Queen wished to greet you as well, Princess." Coleman explained.

"Wonderful I would love to speak with her."

"She is pleased you are here Leia. We all are." He said, Han noticing the name switch. Rolling his eyes and pulling Leia closer to him, Han was determined to keep an eye on this Coleman guy. The palace was large and towered above the group as they walked through the square. The detailed tan brick outlined the buildings design, with specific Nabboian detailing against the walls.

"This is some place." Han mumbled to Leia and she nodded softly.

"Its beautiful."

People around the square slowly began to notice the group. Smiles and hellos were exchanged as people moved closer to Leia. Feeling uncomfortable with how close people were, Han quickly moved to stand on the other side of Leia, blocking her from most the the on lookers.

"Should we have brought guards or something?" Han asked looking around.

"This is a peaceful visit." Leia assured her husband.

"I know that, but you did say some systems are worried about these peoples loyalty to The Empire. The Empire we helped destroy." He whispered down to her.

"Don't worry, Mon didn't think security was needed and I agreed with her."

"Was that before or after you found our you were pregnant." Han demanded, his whisper growing rough. Leia glared at him and pulled him along closer to the palace. "Fine, ignore me. But you're not going anywhere without me."

"Whatever you say dear." She mocked as they stepped inside the palace doors. The hallways were cold and their foot steps echoed against the walls. The sun shined through the windows lighting their path and sparkling glitters over their faces. Glancing around her, Leia couldn't help but remember her last visit to this palace, back before she understood just how powerful her force strength was, that felt like a different life now. Han and Leia continued to follow Coleman through the hallways before finally coming to the thrown room. Pushing the doors open, a circle of people turned their heads to watch as their visitors entered the room.

"Queen Soruna!" Coleman greeted with a bow.

" Mr. Heswot." The Queen greeted with a smile. "I should get used to calling you Senator Heswot." She smiled again.

"If all goes well, your majesty. I bring Princess Leia." Coleman said stepping aside and gesturing to Han and Leia. Standing the Queen slowly walked towards the couple.

"So wonderful to see You Princess!" Leia quickly bowed and motioned for Han to follow her movements. "Oh dear Princess, no need for such formality's we've flown an air attack together." The Queen laughed as Leia smiled back at her. "and besides you Princess, should not bow to others."

"Princess is becoming a retired title." Leia explained with a soft smile before taking the Queens hand in a friendly embrace. Han stared at the interaction, his nerves oddly rising. He was out of his element and Leia seemed perfectly in hers. You married a Princess he reminded himself. Staring now at the queen he pondered her thick makeup as it covered her entire face. Leia's voice pulled him out of his thoughts. Looking to his wife she smiled up at him.

"This is my husband Captain Han Solo." Leia introduced.

"Captain Solo, I've heard wonderful things about you." The Queen smiled and Han felt a blush spread across his skin.

"Its nice to meet you…your majesty." Han said back, calculating his words.

"What a beautiful couple." The Queen commented before turning back to her thrown and moving to sit back down. "Leia, Han please join us." She said motioning to the open chairs. Leia gracefully walked towards the seats as Han followed behind, Coleman also followed and took a seat that looked assigned to him. "Leia dear, do you know Pooja Naberrie?" The Queen asked motioning to the woman seated a few chairs away from them. Leia's breath caught and she prayed her face didn't show her shock and hurt. "You would have served around the same time on the Senate, correct?" The Queen asked. Leia quickly nodded and forced a smile towards her old friend.

"You are correct. Pooja It's wonderful to see you again."

"You too Princess." Pooja said with a bright smile.

"Ms. Naberrie is one of my advisors now, her time in the Senate has been a wonderful help in the reconstruction of our planet." The Queen explained. The Queen continued around the room introducing and sharing everyones titles. Leia tried to listen but her mind was focused on Pooja. Lucky for her she didn't think Pooja noticed her staring. She knew her, she knew her well. Leia remembered her father urging her to make a friendly alliance with the girl before her, back when they were both much younger. She also remembered exactly who she was. When Bail had first introduced the two he had started with a simple introduction. "This is Padme Amidala's niece, from the house of Naberrie." Back then in that moment Leia had been thrilled to meet a relative of her idol Padme. Now looking back her heart stung at what her father had really been doing. "He introduced me to my cousin" Leia's mind thought, her brain spinning.

Desperately reaching for Han's hand, she was relieved to feel his soft touch against her skin.

"Now Princess, I understand you and Coleman have constructed a plan for your visit. I've reviewed everything and I'm pleased with your public interaction. I think it will do us all well. I of course will accompany you on some of these outings."

"Of course your Majesty." Leia nodded.

"Tomorrow is your tour of the area?" The Queen asked, Leia and Coleman both nodded.

"Yes your majesty, we had planned on exploring the grounds and introducing the Princess to some of the people tomorrow." Coleman explained. The Queen nodded and continued to ask bits of questions, most of which Coleman answered without hesitation. Han sat quietly beside Leia, thinking of their future day on this planet. While everything seemed positive and bright he still worried. His frustration grew as he thought to the Republic and their decision to not send a security team with his wife. Normally he would be perfectly fine with caring and watching over Leia, but the constant talk of her being out in the open surrounded by unknown people scared and worried him. He would do anything to protect his wife, but there was only so much he could do by himself if trouble started within the crowd. Quietly he made the mental note of asking Chewbacca to accompany them in the coming days.

"Well its settled then." The Queen said standing, everyone following and standing to their feet. "You have traveled today, you must rest before your outings." The Queen suggested turning her attention back to Han and Leia. "We have secured your quarters within the Palace of course, as my guests you will have everything you need." She smiled brightly.

"Oh your Majesty that won't be necessary, we have the ship." Leia started but was stopped.

"Nonsense, I insist you and your husband be treated like true royalty."

"Thank you, your Majesty." Leia said nodding softly, hoping Han wouldn't throw a fit about leaving the Falcon for the night.

"Of course! We can show you to your quarters." The Queen explained looking around to her advisors.

"Your majesty, I can show the Princess a long. I'd love to catch up with her." Pooja spoke up.

"Of course Ms. Naberrie, thats a wonderful idea. Princess I look forward to seeing you in the coming days." The Queen said before slowly nodding and moving to leave the room, her security closely behind her. Watching Pooja out of the corner of her eye, Leia looked up to Han and found him already staring at her, concern written all over his face.

"What is it?" He whispered.

"Not now." She whispered quickly before Pooja approached them.

"I'll be right with you Princess." She explained before moving to speak with Coleman. Leia took the opportunity for privacy and pulled Han closer to one of the windows rested behind the thrown.

"Leia what's wrong?"

"Pooja…" She started.

"You're friends?'

"Yes, well we were. I haven't seen her in years. Han she's from the Naberrie family."

"Yeah, I heard the Queen say that." Han nodded his mind not connecting the dots.

"Han, She's Padme Amidala's niece." Leia explained for him. His eyes whipped across the room, staring at the stranger. This stranger he didn't know and had never spoken to, but was related to his wife.

"She's your…"

"Cousin." Leia finished for him.

"Are you ok?" His worry coming in full force.

"I have to be." Before Han could respond Pooja walked to them.

"Come this way, your quarters aren't far." Pooja said with a smile, guiding the couple through the long hallways.

"How have you been?" Leia asked, some how finding her words.

"Well, I've been well. What about you, married life suits you." Pooja added with a grin to Han. Smiling back Han noted the similarities between the two women before him, to an outsider maybe it would go unnoticed. But to Han, he could easily see the blood line between these two women.

"I've been good, I'm afraid its been a while since we spoke." Leia said moving to stand beside Pooja as they continued their journey.

"Yes it has been. It was before…well before Alderaan, I believe." Pooja's voice going quiet.

"I think you're right."

"I'm so sorry Leia."

"Thank you, I appreciate it."

"Your father was an incredible man."

"Yes he was." Leia agreed, her heart dropping.

"I hope to further catch up on your trip, its lovely to see you."

"I'd like that, will you be accompanying us tomorrow?' Leia asked.

"I will…Here we are." Pooja said coming to two tall doors. Punching in the security code the doors slowly slid open, revealing the biggest bedroom Han had ever seen. Entering the room, Han whistled softly.

"Damn!"

Leia and Pooja both smirked at him as he walked around the room.

"Everything is set up for you Leia, your things have been brought in." She said motioning to the small bags beside them. "…and the information for dinner orders is on the desk. Unless you plan on dining out?"

"No I think we'll be eating in."

"The palace chef is incredible. Well, I'll leave you too it. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Thank you Pooja, I appreciate your help." Nodding once more Pooja left them alone to explore their room.

"Leia did you see this place?' Han asked still walking about the room. Smiling at her silly husband she walked towards the doors at the other end of the room. Pushing them open Leia was pleased to find a balcony overlooking the falls.

"Wow." She whispered to herself. Following his wife's movements, Han stood behind her his arms circling her stomach. Leaning back into his chest, Leia stared out at the beautiful view.

"Are you ok?" He softly asked her.

"I think so…Nothing can ever be easy."

"Will you tell her?"

"No, I don't think anything would come from it."

"You'd have more family." Han suggested.

"I have a good family." Leia smiled up turning around to face her husband, her arms wrapping around his neck. "I have you, Luke, Chewie, I'm sure Naya will be officially apart of of this family soon…and we're growing our family." Leia said whispering the last part as Han's hand moved to rub circles over her belly. It pleased him when she spoke positively about her pregnancy.

"We are…Maybe some day will be the right time to tell her, to tell her family who you are." He suggested, Leia nodding. "What shall we do the rest of this evening?" Han questioned a smirk forming against his lips.

"Well you should com Chewie and tell him we're staying here."

"Ok…and then what?"

"We could order food, the baby might be hungry." She said turning their earlier conversation against him.

"Alright com Chewie, get food for my family, and then what."

"Well…I did happen to see this big royalty sized bed in there." Leia explained nodding her head to back inside the room.

"I might have saw that."

"It's been a long time since I felt like a real Princess…"

"Is that so?"

"The Palace, the room, even looking at the outfits they've offered to me. It almost reminds me of home, in some way. It's a weird feeling but I kind of like it. Especially having you here with me. While I don't always feel like a Princess, you always seem to make me feel good."

"How do I do that?" He asked his smirk spilling over.

"Lots of ways…Do you think you could make me feel like a real Princess tonight, but with the added benefit of being married to a scoundrel?"

"I think I can handle that." He said quickly sweeping her up into his arms and walking them through their lavish room. Dropping her softly on the bed, he stood back and stared at her. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes were shining with a laughter. It was nice to see happiness and smiles in those deep brown eyes, lately they had been filled with only worry.

Crawling up the bed towards her, Han held himself above her body. Her hands reached for his back, her palms rested against his spine. Dropping his head, Han left kisses down her neck, pushing her dress to the side and kissing against her collar bone. He lost himself in the smoothness of her skin, he barely noticed her hands working his pants clasp open and pushing the fabric down his legs.

"Eager?" Han chuckled into her neck.

"It's been a while." She argued, softly grabbing hold of his growing arousal and stroking him once. She wasn't wrong. Leia's need to put distance between them after finding out about the baby had put a stop to their bedroom activity. The days since then had been so busy with planning for this trip and the reality of their growing family, in Han's mind it had been too long since he touched her.

His lips quickly moved to hers, kissing her deeply. His kisses moved down her body, his fingers pushing the material of her dress off of her and exposing her smooth pale skin. Leia grabbed at his back, ripping his shirt and tossing it to the floor. Han peered down at her amusement in his eyes. Her fingertips ghosted over his skin, it felt soft under her touch with his hard muscles under each finger tip. She continued to explore his back with her fingers, drawing patterns on his skin. Continuing his soft kisses across her body, Han dropped lower, his tongue dancing across her chest. Leia arched her back, trying to move herself closer to her husbands talented mouth. His mouth continued to wander over her flesh, taking turns with each hardened nipple. The familiar ache grew between them, as Leia's moans filled the room. She wasn't sure if words were truly coming from her mouth, she was too lost in her own pleasure, but she was some how begging Han and praying he understood her. His kisses stopped against her breasts and moved slightly lower, dropping kisses against her flat stomach. Looking down at her belly beneath his lips he smiled, there was a baby growing in there. Leia pulled at his shoulders, Han moved his lips back to hers. There faces barely apart, their rough breath against each others skin, as their eyes locked and Han guided himself inside her. Throwing her head back with a groan, Leia wished she could stay in this moment forever.

Each groan, each movement of his hips pushed them closer together. Their combined rhythm spurred them on, neither caring with how loud their moans currently were. Pushing her lips back against his, Leia deepened their kiss, desperate to show him the passion she felt in this moment. His hands seemed to be everywhere, massaging, touching and bringing her closer and closer to her edge. Leia's eyes fell closed as she lost herself to Han's touch. The taste of her lips against his own urged Han to move faster and push them closer together. Leia tossed her head back as her climax took over her world and shook her body. She called Han's name as he thrust harder, before following her over the edge.

Leia's breathing slowly began to calm down, the smile never leaving her face.

"That was good." she mumbled out, her limbs feeling heavy and her mind drifting away.

"You sound surprised."

"It's always good." She corrected herself, watching as Han moved down her body and kissed her stomach once more.

"I'm looking forward to seeing this." He said his palm running over her belly.

"Seeing what?" She asked leaning up on her elbows.

"The baby growing." He admitted.

"You're looking forward to me getting fat?"

"Not fat! I'm curious to see you with the baby bump." He said his eyes shining with love and want.

"I love you." She told him.

"I know."

Looking to his side, Han smiled at Leia's sleeping form. He wasn't sure how long they'd been asleep, but his mind was suddenly wide awake. Moving out of his wife's embrace he paced the room. He thought their apartment was fancy, it was nothing compared to this room alone. It was easily twice as big as their home. Glancing back to his wife he was pleased to see her sleeping soundly. While the pregnancy hadn't started changing her or showing signs of change yet, she was tired much more. She tried to push it aside, but Han and Chewie both noticed her energy levels dropping.

Thinking to tomorrow, Han sighed. Leia seemed confident and content with the plans to tour and explore the planet. Han on the other hand was worried. He didn't like worry, or to feel worried, it messed up his train of thoughts. But Leia would always be something he worried about. The fact that she was now carrying his child only made that fear grow. He remembered the stories and had seen first hand the reaction to the fall of The Empire. While the majority of the galaxy praised the rebels and alliance, there was always a small few that disagreed. Those select groups that approved of The Empire and the Emperor himself. Leia was the rebels poster girl, everyone knew her face and the idea of throwing her out into the crowded streets of Naboo terrified Han.

He had watched Leia look over the plan several times over the last few weeks. He never thought to look at it for himself. In Han's mind they would meet with the Queen and perhaps speak to the people at a distance. If he had known the true plans he would have demanded more help, security of some sort. His anger towards the Republic only grew when he thought to them. They took advantage of Leia and sadly she allowed it most days. Did they not think of the possibility of hostiles? Was Han Solo really the voice of reason in this situation. Or was he the only one that worried for his wife's well being. He debated contacting Mon Mothma himself and sharing his growing resentment for her and the well structured Republic, instead he pushed that thought aside, knowing Leia would be furious with him he tried something like that. Instead he focused on how he could solve the problem himself. He thought of asking Leia to cancel the trip, maybe she'd avoid the public interaction. Chuckling to himself, he realized she'd never go for that.

Chewbacca had agreed to be the muscle of the tour, while Han would keep his eyes open at their surrounding areas, but he wanted a few extra hands. On cue his thoughts shifted and his mind peeked with an idea. Walking towards the balcony, not wanting to wake Leia, he quickly pulled out his com. The static sounded through the device as Han waited for an answer. Finally the other line clicked on and Han could hear movements.

"Hello?…Han?" Luke questioned sleep evident in his voice.

"Luke hey, wake up!"

"Whats wrong? Is Leia ok?" Luke urgently asked his voice more awake.

"She's fine, she's sleeping. Listen, I think I need your Jedi skills."

"Go on…"

Part two of this chapter coming soon...Thanks for reading! I love reading your reviews so thank you so much for leaving some! Sneak peek available to reviewers!