A/N: I'm so sorry that this chapter was delayed. Some pretty crazy weather hit my area, and I was lucky to even have power as quickly as I did (I still have neighbors without after five days!), but the internet was gone until this afternoon. I was not trying to leave you all in suspense. So, barring any other unforeseen circumstances, the last chapter will be up in a couple of days. Thank you for sticking with this story; it's been a fun ride.

Not many days later, Rose declared Rey fit for travel, which was both relieving and intimidating. There was no more avoiding it. The queen was taking up her throne.

She was also terribly nervous. She had no idea what kind of reception she would have, from the people at large as well as the remaining leaders of the court she had so despised. Some she knew would be more than happy that Snoke was gone, but among them were possible vipers waiting to snatch power for themselves. She could hardly dispose of every person who opposed her; moreover, she didn't wish to. She would not begin her reign by denying others a second chance, if they were of a mind to take it. Hers would be a new kind of rule, and hopefully a better one. There was a tricky balance to maintain, giving mercy while not being naive, of maintaining the balance between justice and a need to keep the peace. But there would be no mistaking her intentions. There was a new wave coming to overthrow the rotten traditions that subjugated the people, her people.

Fortunately, she would not be left alone in facing this overwhelming test. Luke, Finn, and Rose had requested (or simply informed her of their intention) to come with her so she might have the support of people she knew and trusted while assessing potential allies. Rose stayed mainly to monitor Rey's health, and Finn, while sure he couldn't be of much use, was not about to abandon his friend again. Luke's decision to remain in Naboo for the time being was in order to give Rey an extra advantage as she took her place. Although he had no authority in Naboo's government, his reputation would be enough to ward off those who might impose on Rey and use her inexperience to advance themselves unfairly, as well as keeping her opponents wary until Rey felt comfortable managing them herself.

Ben and Chewie travelled with them to Theed on their way to Alderaan, along with Alek, Victoria, and the other soldiers who had spent the past several days recovering from the battle. There had been a few casualties from the fight, but more guards were wounded than killed, and with the death of Snoke, their allegiance must formally pass to Rey. She found it a little awkward speaking to them herself, especially the soldiers who she had personally fought, but Alek and Victoria played a large role in keeping them from revolting or escaping, if any were inclined to. All in all, though, they were a docile group as they marched along.

It was a strange journey, made the more uncomfortable because of the stalemate she and Ben were locked in. Although their disagreement never elevated to outright quarreling or contention, they both stubbornly held to their positions in the chief debate of the past couple of days, and there was no sign of yielding. It was difficult for Rey, understanding why Ben was so reluctant to place himself at her side like she wished, but wanting to shake him for keeping them apart when they loved each other. She was both frustrated and sympathetic, and it made for a confusing combination. She remembered Luke's words about Mara and occasionally wished she had a window to toss Ben out of when she veered more toward vexation than compassion. Maybe that would magically mend every wound from every harrowing memory that still plagued him. And in remembering he was so haunted, she would teeter back to sorrowful pity and simply wish that she could take away all the shame that smote his soul.

They shared a stilted goodbye at the city gates. Perhaps they both would have been more demonstrative if they hadn't had an audience, but the eyes on them, as well as the discomfort of parting with this question unresolved, meant that Ben didn't do much more than hold her hand. She wanted to throw her arms around his neck and force him to stay, but that would have been counter-productive. Besides, as much as she disagreed with his unrelenting stance on their relationship, she was in complete agreement that he needed to reunite with Leia. So their farewell was marked with soft words and a lingering squeeze of fingers.

Ben's promise to return rang in her ears louder than any roar or cheer that erupted around her once she entered Theed's gate. The streets were lined with well-wishers from all walks of life, and aside from the gratitude and humility she felt at such a welcome, her mind was still focused on the knowledge that she and Ben were now walking in opposite directions. She knew this was a day of triumph and celebration, but her heart was heavy.

Rey wasn't allowed to wallow in this sorrow, though. Joyous a welcome as she received from Naboo's citizens, there was a great deal of work to be done. She was quickly pelted with demands from all sides, from matters ranging from tax reform to county rebuilding to farming concerns to dismantling the army. It was a daunting beginning, especially since every concern seemed equally important, and Rey was overwhelmed at the task of having to sort through these issues and prioritize the order in which they could be addressed.

She was determined to reorganize the court and, really, the entire government, taking what she had learned from her time in Aldera and Luke's library, but there was definite pushback, not to mention carrying out the details of such a dreadfully large undertaking. The first hurdle was simply gaining loyalty from the governors who did remain in Theed after Snoke's fall. This was not an easy process. Some were ambivalent and some were genuinely happy to be freed from Snoke's tyranny, but others were extremely vocal about Rey's claims over Snoke's death. Not that they doubted his demise, but they were skeptical that she hadn't orchestrated murder in order to seize power.

Surprisingly enough, this was where Enric Pryde proved to be an asset, if not a whole-hearted ally. Still horrified and guilty that he had administered the poison that killed his beloved emperor (stupidly, he had not suspected Snoke had any ulterior motives when he suddenly appeared at the castle door and hurriedly "assisted" him in pouring the wine), he vociferously denounced Snoke's claims at sovereignty and bore witness to the events that Rey had honestly forgotten he had been present for. This was enough to sway many of them, and for those who ignored him because he and Snoke had always been at loggerheads, another unexpected testimony came from the guards who she and Ben fought, at least those who were still barely conscious enough to witness Snoke's final end. A couple of those testimonies came in the form of complaints against her, but, laying aside their animosity, the overall description of the conflict corroborated with Pryde's, and Snoke's more loyal allies were forced to concede that Snoke had not perished under dubious circumstances.

This paved the way for the more neutral governors to fully accept Rey, and for most of the others to begrudgingly do so. Still, some slight opposition remained, but as long as the majority were willing to throw their support behind her, she had a stable hold on the court, one that she hoped would be even more secure by the time of her coronation.

Never had so many common citizens been allowed in the palace, many of whom were now engaged as messengers that Rey sent to all the reaches of Naboo and beyond. There were envoys trained and equipped to travel all over the Nine Realms, bearing messages of gratitude and friendship, in hopes that diplomatic relations might be renewed and strengthened between countries. There were also hidden allies to be found in Naboo that she wanted to bring to Theed, wishing for new voices to be added to her council that had never been represented. Hopefully there was no more need for an underground Resistance, and she sought out the leaders of that movement to come and share their opinions and experiences with the downtrodden citizenry. There was also a heartfelt desire in her to repair wrongs done to the Gungans, and she sent messengers in search of Rugor's company, thinking perhaps they would now deem it safe to come out of hiding and send a few ambassadors of their own.

Her opponents, mainly those who held any person below them in derision, were in outcry at her actions, but Rey stood firm. And with Luke acting as silent partner during council meetings, all they could really do was complain and make plans to protect their interests as best they could during a time of radical change.

Luke was ostensibly there to advise Rey, but as she became more confident about stepping into her role, he stepped back more and more. If he offered advice, it was always in private, and the more time passed, the less advice he gave, encouraging her to take counsel and information from the people who actually were residents of Naboo. She was glad, though, that he still stayed, even if his part was becoming reduced day by day.

She was absolutely delighted, as well, when her message to the Gungans was answered by a group of them arriving in Theed a month after she did, one of whom was Delphine. When they presented themselves at the palace, Rey had been eager to greet them, but at the sight of Delphine, her eagerness turned to joy, and they embraced like old friends.

"So," Delphine looked around the receiving hall, "you weren't entirely honest with us, were you, your Highness?"

Rey blushed a little, and the others surrounding them chuckled a little at her awkwardness. Thank goodness the governors present were standing at a distance and couldn't see her face in detail. "No. I'm afraid not. I hope you will forgive me."

"Of course," Delphine responded warmly. "As I told you before, I knew you and I couldn't be enemies. Now you have rewarded that faith. We won't dispute over silly things like what name I thought you had." Her voice was comfortingly ironic, and Rey smiled.

"But now that I see you," Delphine continued, her low voice flowing easily, "I wonder where your love is. He can't be too far, can he?"

Rey ducked her head, her smile vanishing abruptly. She had received a short letter from Ben only the day before, written at least a fortnight earlier. She appreciated the consideration, but the brevity of his words reminded her of the gulf between them, and her reply consequently wasn't much better. So she had strengthened her resolve to keep thoughts of him at bay during her busy days. Usually she did a decent job of it. "No, he isn't here. He had other business to attend to."

Delphine turned wide eyes on her. "But he can't stay away for long, can he? We knew perfectly well you weren't actually wed, but you are bound to each other in feeling, anyway. You love him, yes?"

Rey pressed her lips together, wishing Delphine's voice wasn't carrying quite so clearly. She saw out of the corner of her eye some of her council members exchanging strange glances with each other. She nodded mutely, and Delphine just shook her head in bemusement.

"You Naboo, so shy and proper. If you have a love, there should be no hiding it. And he will come back, won't he?"

The others' eyes were watching her more closely, interested, but Rey couldn't avoid Delphine's question.

"Yes, he will."

Embarrassment aside, Rey was exceptionally glad that Delphine and her delegation had come. She needed a solid victory amid weeks of drudgery, debate, and battle. The Gungans' arrival gave her a much-needed boost to withstand the complications she was constantly up against with every initiative.

Rose finally gave her absolute declaration that Rey had recovered her full strength, and Rey lost no time in burying herself in the work she set herself. Her desire to forge a new nation was her chief motivation, of course, but as weeks turned into months, she also needed the distraction from Ben's continued absence. She was determined to prove herself to her naysayers, and when she retired to her rooms at night, she was organizing her notes on meetings and reports and setting her brain to the task of solving every single problem.

This kept her from those lonely moments when Ben loomed large, moments she wanted to both push away and indulge. Two more letters came, each a month apart and as unsatisfactory as the first had been. Those were the nights, though, that she indulged, allowing herself to look at the stars again and wonder if he watched them and thought of her, too.

Rey was as busy as ever, though the work was becoming less disorganized, when Finn told her he wished to escort Rose back to Bacca, where she would officially finish her training with Dr. Kalonia. Finn also wanted to find his sister once Rose was settled. He had been interested in the reports from the Resistance members who came to Theed, but since they hadn't said anything about Jannah specifically, he needed to take matters into his own hands to find her.

"And when I do, I might want to stay for a while," he admitted hesitantly. "I spent my childhood in the eastern hills, and I need to get to know my sister again. I'm more than happy to serve you, Rey, but it's important to me that I find Jannah. And if she's still there, where our home was, then . . . Rose will only be a canyon away," he finished sheepishly. "We can exchange letters faster from that close."

Rey's heart was pricked at painfully. So there was that possibility for her friends. She should be happy for them, and she was. But there was no mistaking her envy, and she hastily gave her blessing before she could give voice to the aching in her breast.

Ben also intruded into her thoughts whenever she was engaged in the business of reducing, reassigning, and simply overhauling the army. She met with commanders, but wanted a more personal account of the efficacy of the military and its leadership. Aside from Matthias the deserter, she hadn't met anyone on her journey who could advise her on the inner workings of the Naboo army. That is, until the former Knights of Ren came out of the woodwork.

Alek and Victoria had remained at the palace, and through them, the knights who had joined the army under Ben's command gathered and met with Rey. To all others, they seemed a random collection of soldiers picked from assorted units in the army. She never corrected the assumption, nor did the knights. Through her association with Alek and Victoria, she came to realize that they all had their own paths of restitution to walk, just as Ben did, and she would gladly give them the opportunity to begin again.

Their reports on trustworthy commanders, training protocols, and the benefits and drawbacks of a military presence in various locations were invaluable, and they gave additional information that Rey hadn't even considered asking about. Occasionally she marveled that she was seeking their company at all, considering her first impressions of them. But they shared their observations freely and offered their swords to her wholeheartedly. That they would so easily give her the loyalty they gave Ben was incredible; she suspected that he had long planned for them to follow her. She was touched. But she could not dwell on it, lest she give way to tears.

So she continued to hole herself up in her rooms, letting the candles burn late into the night, working ceaselessly. It was one of those late evenings, a couple of nights after Finn and Rose left, that Luke knocked on her door.

Rey made him wait while she finished her notes on a council meeting in which her former adversary, Lady Neruna, had been utterly irritating, challenging Rey at every turn. Rey just had to show her up. It was petty, perhaps, but it would be immensely satisfying.

"You know," Luke began casually as Rey set down her pen at last, "it would be a shame for you to work yourself to death just as soon as you've gotten well again."

Rey tried not to be annoyed, but there was a flicker of it, anyway. "There's a lot to do."

"You're right," he agreed neutrally. "But this is what councils and committees are for. You're coming into your own, Rey, but that doesn't mean that you can do everything all at once, and especially not by yourself. That's impossible even under the best circumstances."

Rey sighed, rubbing her forehead and trying not to whine. "I just want everything fixed right now."

Luke nodded. "I can understand that. But you've taken on a gargantuan task, dismantling and rebuilding just about everything, and that takes time. It's a slow, careful process. You can't allow people like Lady Neruna to goad you into thinking you have to present solutions to every problem within the space of a day. That's too steep for anyone to handle, and it's a sure way to make mistakes. You need to delegate occasionally so you don't kill yourself."

"Who can I delegate to?" Rey demanded tiredly. "Who do I trust?"
"What have you been doing," Luke asked, his eyes digging into hers, "being closeted with all these different people if not figuring out exactly who will carry out your goals and offer their own talents and ideas to support you? You've studied several of them since you first were brought here. Use what you know, and stop thinking you've got to do everything yourself."

He was right. But it was hard to give up control. Rey narrowed her eyes at him. He must have a reason for coming here and telling her this now. "You're not going to be around for much longer to remind me to slow down, are you?" she asked.

"Just until the coronation."

Which was another month away, at the end of the summer.

"And then who will take up that responsibility of looking out for me?"

"Friends. Trusted advisors," Luke said promptly, and then leaned forward. "The occasional political rival aside, you're swiftly winning partisans every day. And while they may not all become close personal friends, they all have an interest in your welfare. You may find that those who aren't your close friends are the ones who will be more blunt about telling you that you're running yourself ragged."

Rey rolled her eyes. "Everybody has an opinion."

"You'll learn to sift through them. And," he paused, now looking uncomfortable, "I hesitate to say this, but it needs to be said. You might consider the benefits of a partnership. Someone to help you shoulder your burdens more . . . personally."

Rey immediately gave him a flat glare. "You mean marriage."

"I mean that you will have offers," he pointed out. "Even a repetition of some that came before."

Rey forced herself to breathe slowly, and looked at her hands. "You know why I won't consider that."

"I know. But it's something you won't be able to avoid. If you want to secure your family line -"

"I don't care about the Palpatine line," she exploded, shooting to her feet and crossing to the study window. The stars were difficult to see with the fire burning in her room. "I never did. It can die out after me for all I care. That was only an argument for the emperor; it's never meant anything to me. I'll appoint a successor if I have to. I'm not interested in marriage and a family unless it's with Ben."

There was silence behind her, and she turned, her voice a little softer. "You think I'm foolish."

"No," Luke said immediately. "As whatever we are," he gave a crooked grin, "and as Ben's uncle, I'm proud and glad and sorry."

"But as a political counselor . . ." she led.

He inhaled as he considered. "In that capacity, I'd say you're probably more naive than foolish. No matter the rumors taking shape, you will still have proposals."

"Rumors?" Rey stepped forward curiously.
Luke lifted his hand in a flourish. "Of the romance between the new Queen of Naboo and the long-lost Prince of Alderaan. You have admirers who are simply eating up the gossip, but that won't deter the more ambitious suitors."

Rey stammered, "But people know . . about me and Ben?"

"There's no hiding that when you returned from the north, Ben miraculously reappeared and was seen at your side at the gates of Theed," Luke said, giving her a look that told her she should have expected gossip. "Talk probably began among the guards that accompanied you, and with their testimony of Snoke's death publicly known, everyone knows that Ben fought alongside you. And if you were fighting together, what more must have been happening between you? The prevailing story is that when you disappeared from Leia's court, you went into hiding with him and the months you spent together resulted in . . ." he trailed off, his mind looking for the right word, "the inevitable. And any speculation in that way is helped along by anyone who overheard Delphine's comments when the Gungans arrived, or by Rose mentioning that he hardly left your side when you were ill."

Rey blushed. She should have realized that from the moment she emerged from hiding, stories would begin circulating and Ben would feature prominently in them.

"Related to this is the theory that he vanished all those years ago with a secret mission to bring down Snoke and restore you to your proper place. That's setting aside the fact that it's been nearly six years since he left, which makes the timeline a little sticky. Others even say that it was him you escaped from Theed with last year, even though there's ample proof that it was your friend Finn. But gossip will latch on, no matter the leaps in logic one has to make. Of course, there's an element of truth in what people are saying, but no one knows the real story outside of our little circle. No one has guessed that you spent all those winter months cooped up with a grumpy hermit and his faithful servant. It's much more romantic to imagine you huddling together with Ben for warmth."

Rey pressed her lips together pensively. "So how would you say the people see him? In these stories about our romance?"

Luke looked slightly amused, but answered her seriously. "There's an element of mystery about him, but he is overwhelmingly viewed in a positive light. If he fought to bring down Snoke, he's a hero to nearly everyone."

She leaned herself on the edge of her desk, meeting Luke's eye earnestly. "What do people say about Kylo Ren?"

Luke leaned back, his eyebrows raised. "Surprisingly little."

"There must be something," she insisted.

He shrugged. "Really, it's not much. People assume the Knights of Ren disbanded of their own accord when they vanished in the fall. And ever since Rugor's group came forward to give testimony to how the Knights defied Snoke's orders, public sentiment regarding them has softened. If anybody speaks of Kylo Ren specifically, they assume he's dead. That Snoke found out about his betrayal with the Gungans and had him secretly executed, and that's why the rest of them scattered."

"No one thinks he's Ben?" Rey asked warily.

"So far, no."

"But there is still that possibility," she said morosely.

"True," Luke agreed. "You know that you will always have opponents, and they'll be on the hunt for anything to discredit you - or at the very least, embarrass you - and anyone close to you."

"And even if no one ever makes that connection, he still wants us to be apart." She shook her head. "I'm beginning to understand more why you and Mara left."

Luke nodded. "Yes, that was the choice we made." He cocked his head. "But if you've proven anything, it's that you're not me. If you were, you never would have left with him. You don't have to make the same choice. But you do need to decide if Ben is worth the risk, in case his past is exposed and this heroic perception of him isn't enough to dispel all the judgment."

"I know he is," Rey immediately replied, her stubbornness rising up within her. "Like you said, I'm always going to have opponents. I have them now, and I'm still not willing to give up on what I think is right. That includes him." She paused. "If it did come to light, would public sentiment turn against him?"

"Hard to say," Luke said with a shrug. "He could be derided just as he has suspected he would be, or the people would laud him for rehabilitating himself, since there is clear evidence that he has. It could easily go either way. Do you still think he's worth the risk?"

"Yes," she said firmly, then sighed. "Of course, we're talking about this as though he has decided he can marry me, after all. Which he hasn't."

"Maybe. Maybe not," Luke said enigmatically.

Rey's head shot up. "Do you know something?"

Luke paused. "I know a lot can change within a few months. The shifting reputation of the Knights of Ren is proof of that. I also know that you and Ben are not the only stubborn people in the world. His mother, for example, can be a mule."

Rey bit her lip, hopeful but also a little guilty. "I don't want him to be bullied into marrying me."

Luke's face changed in an instant and he threw his head back in a laugh. "Then you shouldn't have let him go to Leia. She is not a woman to brook opposition. And I can guarantee that she will be on your side; she will make certain Ben knows it."

At Rey's concerned look, he went on a little more seriously, but his smile remained. "She won't bully him, as you say. But she's a valuable ally for you. She'll gladly chip away at him if there's a possibility she'll get grandchildren out of the deal."

He leaned forward and reached out his hand to squeeze hers, comforting and fortifying. "Don't lose heart. There's hope yet."

The next month passed in a flurry of activity. Rey took Luke's advice to heart and tried her best to delegate responsibilities and put at least a little trust in those council members who showed some promise. She opened her eyes to also see that while she had been so focused on the challenges ahead of her, which were many, and the vocal opposition, who were few, there was more loyalty and approval of her than she had realized. She finally began venturing out into the capital, taking stock of what she saw and simply being with the people. The former Knights of Ren, functioning under a new identity of the Queen's Guard, probably had palpitations at the way she meandered through the streets, but she paid them no mind as she sought for anything that might give her balance during this hectic time.

She sent a longer letter to Chandrila and stopped avoiding the stars, as well.

Life was as busy as ever for her. Despite her efforts to reduce the amount of time spent at her duties, the coming coronation and the chaos surrounding it filled in the time she thought she had cleared. But, although she wasn't terribly pleased at the necessary display as she formally took her throne, she occasionally enjoyed some of the time devoted to planning it. At least, the menu made her salivate in anticipation, and she was looking forward to wearing the blue gown being fashioned for her without being pricked by countless pins.

The coronation itself would be conducted by a newly ordained archbishop that Luke had practically commissioned to bring over to Naboo, thanks to some old contacts of his at the Dagobah monastery. Hux had instantly bolted when word arrived in Theed that Snoke was dead. Rey didn't care much where he went, as long as it wasn't in Naboo, so when a patrol sent a message that Hux had slunk across the southern border into Endor, she was satisfied. Officially he had been stripped of his priesthood (again, thanks to Luke informing his religious brothers of Hux's perfidy), and hopefully he would not be put into any position of influence again. Rey didn't have a strong opinion yet on the new priest that would conduct her coronation, but he seemed likable enough, if a little timid.

The week of the coronation was unlike anything she had ever seen. The streets of Theed were crowded and joyous, banners and decorations strewn across buildings, and the slowly improving economy of the capital boomed and practically exploded with the influx of visitors: Naboo citizens who came to see their queen crowned, casual travelers from other lands who were looking for a good party, and diplomats who would report back to their nations of the progress the as-yet-uncrowned queen had made the past four months. She hoped she didn't disappoint any of them.

A large feast was set for the night before the ceremony, and that was the day the most prestigious dignitaries arrived. Rey was both anxious and enthusiastic to meet them all, and she had to repress her annoyance at the manner in which she would see them. If it had been her choice, they would have all gathered together at once and she would be able to meet them in one fell blow. But custom ruled the day in this instance (she had to concede to tradition occasionally), and custom dictated that she meet each visitor one at a time and accept the gifts that they brought. She was absolutely certain that she would make an absolute hash of the whole business of speaking individually with so many people.

She was not stuck in the throne room alone with these visitors, fortunately. Finn had temporarily returned a few days earlier, Jannah in tow, and her growing circle of friends set up a regular rotation to keep her company throughout the morning. They were as efficient and punctual as her Guard, who took up their own posts in the throne room. At least she wasn't left to fend for herself during the more dull encounters, which there were a few. And the tokens they offered were rarely enough to make up for the awkward conversations she had to suffer through.

Not every meeting was dull or awkward, however. There were skilled ambassadors who were able to converse easily, and were also wise or experienced enough to know when their time drew to a natural close. The gifts they bestowed were usually more interesting, as well, a better representation of the provinces they originated from, and Rey's fingers itched to study the offerings up close rather than let them be placed on the long table that sat along the wall.

None, however, had the incomparable charm of the chosen representative of the Bespin Ruling Council. Lando Calrissian strolled into the throne room as if it were his own, gallantly took Rey's hand in his, and gave her a winning smile as he bowed over it. Rey was taken aback at his pluck, but the twinkle in his eye won her over instantly. This was a meeting she had unequivocally looked forward to, anyway, having heard his name from both Leia and Luke. Luke, in fact, had deliberately chosen to take his turn at her side when Lando arrived, and the pair greeted each other like brothers, embracing heartily after Lando released her hand.

"You're very kind to come so soon after your last journey to our borders," she said after the old friends parted.

"Ah, yes, well, I'm sorry to tell you that my last journey didn't end in a satisfactory manner," Lando replied with a playful grin. "In fact, it was utterly anticlimactic. We were promised a fight, and before we had a chance to lift our swords or bows, we were summarily informed that the entire proceeding was to be cancelled. Not the outcome we expected at all, to come all that way just to turn right around and head back home. So I came back to make up for that disappointment."

Rey's answering smile was tinged with a little regret. "I must apologize for the inconvenience I caused your people, if you'll allow me to use such an insignificant word. You all marched to war on my behalf, and I am indebted to you. I know it came at a cost, not only of preparations but of fear and anxiety for your nation. I don't know exactly how to make up for that."

"Rest easy, your Highness," he said kindly. "Inconvenience, fear, and anxiety there may have been, but you rewarded us by allowing us all to return home safely. I was never one to run from a fight, but that doesn't mean I went out seeking unnecessary ones, either. There may have been some grumbling, but overall, we were glad to go back to Bespin unscathed. You fought the battle so we wouldn't have to, and we are grateful to you for that."

Rey didn't wish to dwell on what she still considered her past mistakes, and Lando shrewdly recognized that a change of subject was in order. He clapped his hands, rubbing them together in anticipation and looking back and forth between her and Luke.

"I understand that a ball is being held in your honor tomorrow evening once the ceremony is ended. Might I tempt you to grant me a dance? Don't let my age fool you; I'm still very light on my feet. And I have been informed that you didn't dance at all at the single ball you attended in Aldera. We must make up for that travesty.

"I also understand Chewie and Maz will be here today," he went on without waiting for comment. "I hope so, because I've been looking forward to spending some quality time with those pirates."

Luke answered this time. "Yes, they're here, although we haven't seen them yet. We thought Rey would like to spend more time with them than anyone else -"

"Besides me, I hope!" Lando interrupted with mock dignity.

"Besides you, of course," Luke amended indulgently, and Rey bit back a laugh. "So they're at the end of the roster to give her Highness that time without making anybody else wait."

"Very reasonable. Very considerate," Lando mused. "My bet is their gift won't be able to fit on that table, eh? It'll be too noisy and smelly to allow in the palace."

"Chewie's already done so much for me," Rey said, "that I think it would hardly be fair to expect a horse."

"Well, you are a queen," Lando pointed out cheerfully. "It's only fitting that you receive queenly gifts. But I speak out of turn. Perhaps they have scrounged up something better for you."

And on that enigmatic note, Lando bowed and breezed his way out the door as easily as he had come in. Rey shared a look with Luke; Lando's manner left her feeling something like breathlessness. And that confused her.

"Is it always like this with him?"

"Yes," Luke replied bluntly. "Lando has a way of speaking that makes you think he knows something you don't and you want to spend all your energy trying to find out what it is, so you feel as if you've just been through a tornado when he's done with you. It's a little exhausting after a while. I'd forgotten about that until this minute."

Looking back, Rey would laugh that she thought meeting Lando would be the extent of her breathtaking experiences on this day. As much as she felt a little adrift following their encounter, his flitting about did not truly steal her breath away. No, that came later when the chamber door opened a final time to admit who she expected to be Chewie and Maz.

The person who entered the throne room was not Chewie, nor Maz.

It was Leia.

Both Rey and Luke gasped at her unexpected appearance, and Luke immediately strode forward to meet his sister as she glided unnaturally calmly toward them. Rey didn't move so quickly. In fact, she rose from her chair rather slowly in stunned excitement. If Leia was here . . .

Leia happily returned her brother's embrace, and when they separated, she turned to Rey and extended a hand. Rey's energy returned with a startled shake, and she bounded toward Leia eagerly. Leia's arms were warm and gentle, hugging Rey to her with a tenderness that caught Rey off-guard. They pulled back, but Leia kept hold of Rey's hands, her smile fond and proud.

"I must congratulate you, your Majesty," Leia said with a secretive gleam in her eye.

Rey blinked. Technically, she didn't merit the title until the following day, but she wasn't about to dispute Leia. Glad as she was to see her, Rey's mind and heart were racing with hope, wondering if Leia came alone, or if she had brought her son back with her. She didn't trust herself to speak, knowing that if she did, she would be abominably rude and immediately focus on Ben rather than pay any civil attentions to the queen in front of her.

Leia's smile deepened at Rey's awkward silence, thankfully not offended at the way Rey's eyes darted to and fro in silent entreaty. "I know just what you're thinking," Leia speculated confidently. "You're wondering, 'Where's Leia's gift to me?'"

Beside Rey, Luke chuckled.

"You're wondering what offering I've brought to lay on that table," Leia continued, that gleam in her eye now teasing.

"I -" Rey began, and shook her head with an embarrassed huff. Leia was not far from the truth, and she knew it.

"Well, I did bring a gift, but I'm afraid it doesn't fit on that table. Well," she pulled up in consideration, "maybe it does, but he'd be terribly uncomfortable being placed on top of some of those knick-knacks. So I put him somewhere he'd be kept a little safer."

Rey's chest felt full to bursting, and she nearly shook with the urge to rush out the door and find him. But Leia kept a firm grip on her hands, and the teasing left her expression as she patiently waited for Rey to look her in the eye again. When she did, Leia's countenance was soft and compassionate, yet also sober.

"I trust you will treat him with care," and sudden tears pricked at Rey's eyes at the pleading in Leia's voice. "He is the most precious thing I have to give, and I would not part with him now if I didn't know you regarded him just as much. But in giving him to you, I ask a favor in turn: that you will occasionally share him. I spent so long without him, and I do not wish to be parted from him for too long after finally getting him back."

Leia's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she made her plea, and Rey squeezed her hands, feeling the weight of her trust and bittersweet joy.

"I will never keep him from you," Rey whispered, barely managing to hold back those threatening tears. It wasn't easy; the way Leia spoke sparked an irresistible hope that her unwavering dreams regarding Ben were about to be fulfilled.

"Then I won't keep him from you any longer," Leia said with a small shove on Rey's hands.

Rey was off in a flash, picking up her skirts and running for the door. But before wrenching it open, she belatedly remembered her manners, and swiveled back, crossing the distance to throw her arms around both Leia and Luke.

"Thank you," she hurriedly whispered, hoping they understood the intensity of her gratitude even as she abruptly abandoned them.

"He's in your study," Leia whispered back, and Rey was tearing out the door again a moment later.

This really was an inconveniently large palace, Rey determined as she passed confused visitors, hurrying past them without a second glance. It was absolutely ridiculous that the throne room and her study were so wretchedly far apart. Her next project would be to gut the place entirely and place the necessary rooms right next to each other. She raced up the stairs, ignoring the strange look from the pages stationed at the bottom and top. Nothing was going to stop her.

She didn't even pause to put herself to rights before hurling open her study door.

At first she was afraid Leia had played some cruel trick on her. The man facing the window did not wear his familiar dark green cloak, but a gray-blue cape of fine material that matched the color of the ocean at Ahch-To. He looked more a prince than a captain. But the raven hair, the broad shoulders, the face as he turned from the window to look at her . . . it was the same. And as she looked into his eyes, she saw him.

"Ben," she breathed. Her Ben.

A tentative smile played on his lips, the same fearful happiness that was overtaking her shining through him, though with the barest hint of trepidation. He doubted that her reception of him would be wholeheartedly joyful. She must cast aside that doubt as quickly as possible.

She slammed the door closed behind her and catapulted herself across the room, into his waiting arms.