I did promise one chapter a day. It will be kept somehow, but in time for Halloween, I began two other fics - one for Kim Possible and another for Naruto. This story is now finished, so you will all get what you waited for. :D

Chapter Eight

Princess For a Night

She was entranced by the way he found a bottle as green as mined jewels, uncorking it right after finding frosted glasses, pouring a soft green liquid into one but leaving the other untouched. She recognized it as emerald wine, having never tasted it but knowing it because it was Grandma's favorite. Its grapes of the name were produced in Alderaan as well as Naboo - except the fruits alone were said to be "sour as Hutt punch". Those vile, sluglike gangsters from Tatooine.

Also, why doesn't he want his grandfather to know right away? I'd thought he wanted to conclude his business and leave, just like he wanted to. This is odd; add that he's making himself at home in MY rooms.

"What are you waiting for? Join me for a drink," Ben said, offering her the empty glass and waiting - he might as well have known even before she answered.

Rey quickly declined, accepting the glass but choosing water from the sink. And why was she not surprised when he said they really needed to work on her "relaxation skills"? Well, excuse her for just wanting to stay hydrated and healthy. He smirked when she told him this.

"To us, Miss Kenobi."

To them - why would he say the two of them, which was also often mistaken to be an innuendo for her mother and other women? "You mean for keeping the wolf at bay," she corrected him before taking a sip. He snorted after doing so himself.

"For now, at least. Palpatine is on board, but this was just a small leak that was repaired, and the much bigger one is in the form of when Anakin steps down for whatever reason - likely a health scare since he refuses to hand it over while still in his 'prime'. Leia is more than capable, but she's always been more into politics than the family shop alone." Well, since she's done that all her life, she could use a more relaxing way and be home with her family again. "Uncle Luke could come home again, but he loves his academy because it's his livelihood. If he chose to come back, then Aunt Mara who loves it just as much as him would have to join. Might just mean that...Poe Dameron would have to take over since he's more than qualified." There was that sharp edge in his voice again. "Don't ask about me." There he was, withdrawing into himself again. The air was once more an iceberg as a result.

Rey didn't know why she did it, but she took that now empty glass from him, without so much as waiting for him to say he wanted another, and just refilled it for him. His depthless eyes remained on her the entire time, and the room seemed to crackle with electrical heat that pushed away the winter's chill. His throat clearing got her wondering if he also noticed this air switch. "Um, when do you want me to do the honors of letting GG know we're ready to leave whenever you want to?" she asked suddenly.

"Oh, ready to leave so soon?"

"We just conducted our business here in the big-city land. There a reason to spend one more night here?"

"I appreciate that, but what about you?" Me? "I've had my share of sights here in Coruscant, but you hadn't had your chance. This is your first trip here."

Sightseeing - that was all? What she saw was more than she could ask for: the fly-through to find the landing platform, that spectacular view from the balcony. What more could she want? But it was like him to keep pushing her out of her comfort zone. "What you've seen hardly counts much." Then that frown of his vanished after a few moments as if gaining the most genius idea he'd ever had. He gulped down that second drink of his with the skill of a champion barfly.

"I got it: we're going out for the quintessential experience."

She just about nearly choked on what was left of her water. "E-excuse me?!" Damn it, if him "abducting" her wasn't bad enough, where was he going now? "You mean we're going out?"

"What else?" He laughed. "Not only to show you more of what Coruscant has to offer, but to celebrate our success. You more than earned it; I wouldn't have done it without you. Afraid you might enjoy the city with me, Miss Kenobi?"

She said it too quickly. "No! I mean, yes, I DO want to see it with you." That's what I'm afraid of: seeing it all with you. It sounds too good to be true. "You sure you want to delay the return to Alderaan because of me?"

"What if I want to sightsee with you? Grandfather and everything else can wait for another day. And seeing as your practicality means you don't have an evening gown, there is a boutique downstairs just for you."

And that was pushing it - a salon below which likely had dresses that might as well max out her budget. And whatever dinner there was, she'd rather have something cheaper than something splurging, which her mother and grandmother did enough of for the whole family. Not gonna go down that slippery slope. But then he shocked her again with another surprise that she thought was too much: she was allowed to charge the dress to the room if she wanted to, as a bonus she also earned for her hard work. Now, this was too surreal, almost like -

"Rey." No sooner had he said her first name for the first time, he'd enclosed the space between them and leaned close enough to tease the boundaries that shouldn't be crossed. "Let something nice be done for you for once."

The power of those eyes, she swore to any gods. Now she knew how Cos Palpatine felt when he didn't stand a chance. She couldn't believe she fell susceptible.

And here she was, approaching the boutique on the first level, just as it was close to closing time. Its name was Driina's, run by a green-skinned female Twi'lek of the same name who greeted her as if she were the first customer of the day, posture perfect and gentile. Her head tentacles were wrapped about with some rich purple fabric matching her simple, revealing garments. "Why, you must be Miss Kenobi. Master Solo informed me of your arrival. You're looking for an evening gown?"

"Yeah, whatever's there. Just nothing too extravagant. I'd love to also wear it more than once." And she at least could disagree with charging it to the room as he promised her, for with her own credits, she felt in control. More and more of it which had been slipping away on this trip. Any one of these brightly colored dresses which had nothing on grand royalty, nobility and Senatorial would work for her. Then she'd use it any time in the future. Something which made her look and feel vibrant and alive. Something practical.

Driina had selected a few options for her, but upon wondering how she knew Rey's size, the customer herself got the answer in her mind: Ben. And if none of them fit her tastes, they'd keep looking.

Knowing that Ben spent his time studying her figure thrilled her nerves. Almost with the accuracy of an architect.

Except she wished she could say the same about these dresses NOT bearing a labeled price. That was a red flag in itself.

Finally, she found what might be the one she was looking for: a striking and unique black dress with a floral lace bodice that would leave the shoulders and neck bared. The skirt was a flowing and cloudlike material ending around the ankles. This is perfect, something I would choose to wear many times for years to come, while it would never age of style. But she also took a look at another to follow in the form of solid blue-green with structured, mushroomed sleeves and a split hemline trimmed with dark blue and ivory flowers similar to cut glasswork. However...

"That's adorable, but I think it might be too tacky for a pretty girl like yourself," Driina commented with a twisted face as though she'd tasted sour fruits, before it brightened up and she pulled something out. "Oh, this is one of my favorites! It's just like a desert oasis with stars in the sky."

Lo and behold, there was a blushing gauze fabric overlaid with soft glitter on the skirt, the sultry bodice with the plunging neckline embellished with twinkling "stars". It hypnotized her on the spot. Maybe this was more her style, just a little dressed up for any other time. Because suddenly, the black seemed a little too edgy and basic.

"It's as if fate sent the message," Driina gushed. Oh, I know what you're up to: even if this dress might be out of my range, you're trying to persuade me into getting it. On the other hand...it's tempting.

The fabric...it was soft as freshly grown cotton. It was a ferocious coaxing swelling in her as she imagined it might feel wondrous on her own skin, but on the other hand, it might not be her taste after all, since salespeople always told you what you wanted to hear. But when would she ever have another chance to try on a possibly expensive wear?

For all she knew, the fun black piece was the final choice anyways.

As soon as she was in the dressing room and the earthly fabric settled over her, she could hardly believe what she was seeing and gasped, the Twi'lek female joining in. Rey had always been self-conscious about her chest, but here it was comfortably flattered. This skirt was loose but also showing curves she never thought were there. Come to think of it, her every day uniforms did the job but not enough to have anyone look at her a second time. "Oh, hold the comm; you need something to finish the job." But before she could respond, Driina got to work, and the final result had Rey Kenobi in an out-of-body experience.

Her woodland locks were out of the trio of buns she had every day, the curls loose and held in the back by a barrette of sparkling stars. In her ears were brilliant square sapphires in a masterfully starlit setting, piercing through the lobes; she never had anything pierce her ears until these were put before her eyes. Wrapped around her neck was a lasso of white fire, lush blue dangling in the front. Blinking, she felt like a...

...like a princess.

She tried to insist that this was more than she could ever make in a single month, that she should stick to the practical black, be responsible as she always had been, yet she couldn't believe that seeing her reflection could make that difference. Who would have known? But the words were out of her mouth before she knew it and wanted to slap herself.

"...this is the one."

Her mind was racing: this is a dream. This has to all be a dream. A wild fantasy that is Mom's fault as usual, but I wasn't even thinking straight or even about her...

Next thing she knew, she stepped out of the dressing room with Driina, and there was a certain someone waiting outside, dark eyes lit up with raw acknowledgement. The word he called her made her stomach drop right above her waistline. Flat.

"Sublime."

She was on top of the world to the point of being in the clouds when she accepted his hand to leave as well as his offer of "Shall we?" And the feeling stayed with her even when they headed out of the yacht and made way for the street. And despite the sun lowering to the horizon, the heat from its rays still radiated throughout, from the pavements and structures. It was a nice change from a cold and rainy time in Alderaan. She had to ask if the restaurant was far, because she just wanted to walk a little and enjoy this warmth. This made him smile; his hand came up to rest on the small of her back. The sensation through the beaded gauze made her spine tremble. Somehow, she was tempted to run a mile around the street and back as many times as she wanted.

"Tonight's going to be your night."

My night...

Against her wishes, there was the energized dancing of her insides. Rey quickly but gently pulled her hand free from his and looked ahead at the buildings poking upwards from the horizon. "It's beautiful, but different from Alderaan. Industry has overtaken everything natural." At least we prefer both nature and steel comfortably together. "Makes me think of a painting."

Ben smirked. "Why, that's fanciful, Miss Kenobi, unlike you. One step away from fantasy."

"Just a little slip, I swear."

"Doubtful. I think we've awoken a long-resting entity: Rey Kenobi the visionary."

No mistaking that his husky tone had a honeyed undertone. Why couldn't she control that uncomfortable alertness? "These sunsets pale to whatever you're used to seeing across the world, not counting home?"

"Hardly. Seen one sunset, you've seen them all. In Naboo, it's like the sun dropping off from the world's edge, similar to a shimmering, multicolored ball landing into the water." That was her cue to return his words to him.

"Master Solo, that's fanciful even for you." It was then that they stopped and found a railing which showed a great level and more shipping lanes passing by from all intersections. "I suppose I wouldn't mind sailing off into that sunset, but it's not realistic. All of Alderaan and your grandfather's shop have to offer so much. Not everyone can do what you did," Rey said, sounding really sad to her own ears just as she was feeling.

He raised an eyebrow at her. "Who says you can be that person to stay and just work, do nothing else?" Life.

"It's just the way it is."

Ben scoffed. "Not tonight it isn't." He then led the way for them to continue the walk. All the while, everything registered highly in her brain: Ben's sleeve brushing against her arm, his fingers hovering near hers. Looking up at his face to see his unchanged, controlled expression didn't erase it. There was no telling whether he noticed her eyeing his profile. Was he thinking about those days he flew with freedom? Seeing those sunsets and all?

"Does that mean you're looking forward to going back to it all? To your life of flight and odd jobs? When your 'errand' is finished?" Or back to his spot across Aldera Lake.

"...perhaps."

The lack of a true answer let her down, big time. What was the deal? Did something else come up that made him not decide? She decided to once again switch topics. "I'm really starving. I wonder where we're going since you wanted me to get ready like this." He chuckled.

"You'll be surprised. You might love it as much as a nerf burger or whatever related." His voice then switched to low and sexy to match his smile. "I promise you that this will be a night you will never forget."

~o~

For the life of him, Ben wondered why he even picked this place when he never ate here in his life - only heard of it. If you ask him, it was a high-rate tourist trap.

As soon as he and Rey stepped off the elevator, she gasped, telling him the choice was the right one made. This penthouse dining room - reserved mostly for the elites and sometimes those who had a once-in-a-lifetime saved so that no regrets were made - was a paradise of silver and glass. The carpeting was royal blue with a classical ornate motif in sandy hues and fire tones. There was one grand chandelier which illuminated the entire place and dripped with an overlap of black and clear jewels. The transparisteel tables were topped with a banquet of red roses and white calla flowers, imported from Kegan. I suppose to fan the wild flames - all of this is mass-produced romance at its finest.

At least, that was what he always thought, but seeing the look of wonderment on Rey's face made him decide it was worth it. The sparkle in those doe-like eyes - it made his toes tingle with pleasure, but not the sexual kind. It was simply the excitement of making her happy, since it was evident she wasn't playing enjoyment. All the more reason for him to treat her like a princess tonight.

I wonder what made her decide to just play it safe, live for work and nothing else. Not ask for so much.

A male Pantoran with black hair close to his scalp, accented with blue like his skin, and dressed in a black and white tunic greeted them both, showing them to their seat which he got lucky to reserve at the last minute. This majestic view showed none other than the historic Jedi Temple of old, now a popular tourist attraction and museum of artifacts. If only there could be more time and he'd take her through the hallways of the ancient fortress with its towering spirals, the fifth and central once rumored to be reserved for council meetings. The ziggurat platforms - symbol of the journey towards enlightenment. But out of anywhere else, she should see the Room of a Thousand Fountains. The waterfalls and flowers, stone pathways...

Just waiting on their table along with the red and white bouquet was a bottle of blush wine, manufactured here in the city. Seeing this as well as their star-and-city landscape, joined with the centerpiece that was the "palace of the Light", Rey was blown away by the sheer beauty. In the light, the green flecks in her eyes were more prominent. It reminded him of the earth, its grass and soil after a rain shower. And the dress...Ben had to say that Driina outdid herself this time, because Little Miss Toniray was now a desert blossom. Or the desert itself under starlight. Even now did his lungs struggle to allow precious air in, and she was responsible.

"It's not as beautiful as you," he said when she called what she was seeing that very word. At first, he thought he made it a slip, but that blush which was darker than her dress made his regret go away and leave behind his refreshing arousal.

Damn it, it went up a notch by a hard kick when she looked at the utensils as if she had no idea where to start. As if everything else she did to his blood wasn't enough. And the toast they shared after the blushing beverage was poured amplified it: to a memorable trip and keeping the wolf at bay.

It was then that he noticed her hand with the glass shaking a little. Here, she was finally having a real taste that wasn't safe. "Nervous, Miss Kenobi?" Ben teased, making her flustered once again.

"Just a little. I feel out of place here, like everyone's staring at me." Nobody was, but he understood. Everyone coming for the first time felt the same.

Perhaps he should have kept his hand to himself instead of reaching across to take hers in. Now her irises darkened like the heart of a forest, intensifying his burning. It took all his willpower to not raise that hand to his lips so he could kiss its back, then trace them along the inside of that arm. She might as well be aware, for she quickly pulled her hand away and tucked it behind the table and on her lap, away from him. He cursed inwardly.

"So, does this mean you've traveled across the world since you're a pilot?" She was now chewing her bottom lip as a habit and a sign she really wanted to change the subject. Damn it, if only that didn't set off a new spark.

"Depends on what you mean by a lot. I haven't done what you might consider to be a lot. I'm pretty much a free spirit and settle in certain places I like for work, then go to another and back again. What I know as beneficial." Might be both the emerald wine from earlier and this blushing one making his tongue loose. "When I left Aldera, then finished Bespin training, I settled in Naboo for a while and eventually saved up to take care of myself and my ship. I'll have nothing in the world except the Grimtaash since it's my pride and joy. I'm one to talk since my job is to help and exceed expectations like the rest of the family." He could hardly believe he sounded like an idiot to his own ears, but she was willing to hear him out.

"...you're more modest than I thought you were. No wonder Anakin takes pride in you and wants you to take over the shop." Rey then leaned forward, hands cupping her chin. Then she straightened back up as if realizing she made a huge mistake. "I shouldn't have said that."

She really was adorable with bashfulness. "How much of Anakin's grand master plan did you put two and two together on?"

"Not difficult when he says a couple things, summons you and then sends you to visit Cos Palpatine," Rey stated. "A scientist I don't need to be for figuring it out. You know he's not subtle."

Here they grinned at each other in agreement. Ben felt like this was where they were on the same page. He watched as she raised that glass again to her lips, the liquid making her lips shine. "Wondering why I don't want to remain here?" he had to ask, knowing she did want to know all this time.

She cleared her throat. "Family business isn't my own. What about you having your own problems?" Nice to know someone understands. He could read that curiosity good and well in her eyes, yet she continued to draw her lines. She knew when not to push, which he was grateful for.

Somehow, he felt much closer to her than any other person in his life, in a long time. After just a couple days.

For only a second, he considered telling her why he refused to plant his roots where he "belonged", as Anakin would say. When he felt responsible for what happened to his father, when his family said Unkar Plutt was the real villain and he'd just been a boy. The voice at the back of his head whispered she might not know what that was like, but would nonetheless TRY understanding.

"Grandfather would have to find someone else, which means Uncle Luke or Mother having to leave what they do for themselves. Or Shmi could take my place."

Shmi was his cousin, the daughter of Luke and Mara. She was younger than him and was only fresh out of engineering and art together, which sounded like an odd career choice. But she wanted to be her own person while taking what she learned in the family. She was named after Anakin's mother who died when he was a young man; Ben was sort of named after Rey's grandfather.

"You talk about your family either in third person or first, always switching. Like, 'Anakin' or 'Grandfather' when you see fit." He chuckled at her perceptiveness. "It sounds like you wish you could switch relations if you'd wanted to. I sometimes feel the same way with my own; life would be so much simpler that way."

...she doesn't know, but she gets me.

Ben felt himself tighten in his guts when he saw that emotion reflected in her luminous natural orbs. If only he could know what she meant, but realizing this drugged him more than just her sweet beauty and innocence. It made him want to grab her across this table and just never let go.

He settled on raising his glass and toasting to her without a word.

Emerald wine - wish there was a picture of it, though I imagined real life wine being as close as possible as the color, and its bottle color more true to the name. The quote "sour as Hutt punch" comes from the novel The Rebellion Begins, being a part of the Rebels TV show.

Drina is an Italian woman's name, meaning "from Hadria" (used by the Romani, too). Just put in two I's, and there ya go. :D

The calla flora might as well be calla lilies. In the SW universe, during the Jedi Apprentice novel series, the tree of the name appeared in the book "The Fight for Truth". I never got to read the rest of the books in that series past book five. :(

Blush wine is native to Coruscant, hence its name "Coruscant blush wine". It was drank in celebration after the Battle of Endor.

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