XXIX
Alderaan, 10 years later.
She was having the dream again. The small wrinkled creature, no taller than a young child, sat patiently in an ancient rocker as she chased a pale-haired, blue-eyed boy around a richly furnished nursery. The dream had plagued her since childhood. Almost every night it would occur and when she awoke she would be haunted by the sweet laughter of children as it echoed through her mind.
She pushed back the soft sheets and reached for the dressing gown draped on her changing screen. "It's only a dream Leia," she muttered as she made her way through the royal residence until she reached the kitchens. She dug through the various cupboards until she found a kettle and mug. Setting the kettle on the range, she waited for the water to boil. "Couldn't sleep?" a familiar chuckle sounded from the doorway. "It's the dream again," she sighed sitting down at the table.
Bail pulled out the chair next to his daughter and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Dreams often reveal our destinies." He rubbed her arm lightly as she laid her head in her hands. "As you've said before," she grumbled as the kettle began to whistle. "We can tell the ambassador that you are unable to make the trip," Bail watched as Leia moved about the kitchen fixing her cup of tea. "No. The mission must go on as planned. If I fail it could compromise everything the Alliance has worked to achieve." She met his gaze with firm resolve. "If you are certain," he shook his head and folded his hands on the table.
Leia sat back down beside her father and placed her hand atop his. "I can do this. All of my training has prepared me for this." She gave an encouraging smile before taking a long dreg from her mug. "I still worry," he smiled wearily. "I'm sending 3-PO with you." Bail added as he stood. Leia rolled her eyes and groaned. "Why! He'll only get in the way!" She whined as Bail paused in the doorway. "I'll feel better knowing someone is looking out for you on this journey," Bail offered a chuckle before heading back down the corridor to his own chambers. She let out another long groan before turning back to her tea.
